Sometimes your gum tissue can grow over the biting surfaces of the tooth. When this occurs, you may be at risk for pericoronitis. Periocoronitis is a type of inflammation caused by infection under the flap of overgrown gums. We invite you to contact Parkway Dental at 919-380-9622 to learn more about our treatments for pericoronitis in Cary, North Carolina, and schedule your appointment with Dr. Stephen Coker.

Pericoronitis is a common problem that occurs around a partially impacted lower wisdom tooth. The literal definition of pericoronitis is inflammation around the crown. A piece of gum tissue appears over the biting surface of the tooth, which is very difficult to clean. Debris collects under the flap and, when the debris is not removed, the gum becomes inflamed. The gum can also become inflamed if the top tooth catches the flap of tissue during chewing.

In most cases pericoronitis is treated with an antibiotic for a few days and when the infection has decreased, the wisdom tooth is removed. When our dentist provides this treatment, he will also ensure that the inflamed area is thoroughly cleaned to remove the harmful debris and help prevent the infection from worsening or returning.

For more information about pericoronitis and to set up your appointment with our dental professionals, please contact our office today.