A wisdom tooth infection can cause intense pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and difficulty opening the mouth. When bacteria become trapped beneath the gum tissue covering a partially erupted wisdom tooth, the surrounding area can become inflamed and infected — a condition known as pericoronitis.
Pericoronitis is time-sensitive. Within emergency dentistry, this type of infection is assessed based on how far inflammation has spread and whether surrounding tissues or jaw movement are becoming involved. Early diagnostic evaluation allows infection to be stabilised before it progresses beyond the local area.
Without timely assessment and intervention, wisdom tooth infections can extend into the jaw, cheek, throat, or deeper facial spaces, increasing pain, restricting mouth opening, and making treatment more complex.
At Deepcar Dental, patients from Deepcar, Sheffield North, Stocksbridge, Oughtibridge, Wadsley, and Barnsley are treated by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, a GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced postgraduate training in restorative, digital, and emergency dentistry.
Pericoronitis may cause:
Pericoronitis develops when bacteria accumulate beneath a gum flap covering a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Common causes include:
Yes. Pericoronitis is a dental emergency when symptoms are worsening or spreading.
Urgent assessment is required if there is facial swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, pain spreading to the ear or throat, fever, pus discharge, or difficulty swallowing.
The severity of pericoronitis ranges from mild inflammation to serious infection:
Mild pericoronitis
Localised gum inflammation with manageable pain.
Moderate pericoronitis
Swelling, pus discharge, and increasing jaw discomfort.
Severe pericoronitis
Spreading infection with trismus, facial swelling, or systemic symptoms.
Severity determines whether treatment focuses on local control or urgent infection management.
Diagnosis follows a structured clinical assessment to determine the severity of infection and the most appropriate treatment approach.
Clinical Examination
Digital X-Rays
Infection Severity Assessment
Treatment aims to control infection, relieve pain, and prevent recurrence by addressing the underlying cause.
Treatment planning is guided by:
Immediate measures focus on infection control and symptom relief, including:
Definitive treatment depends on severity and recurrence and may include:
Where pericoronitis is recurrent, removal of the wisdom tooth is often the most predictable long-term solution.
Delaying treatment may lead to:
Pericoronitis rarely resolves permanently without professional care.
Do:
Avoid:
No, but recurrent or impacted wisdom teeth often require removal to prevent repeat infections.
Yes. Inflammation frequently spreads to jaw muscles and nearby nerves.
Antibiotics help control infection but do not remove the underlying cause.
Early diagnosis relieves pain, controls infection, and prevents serious complications. Calm, same-day emergency care is available across Deepcar and surrounding areas.