ANATOMICAL SPACES

Anatomical Spaces into which Infection, from Pericoronitis Associated with an Impacted Lower Third Molar may spread



Anatomical Spaces into which Infection, from Pericoronitis Associated with an Impacted Lower Third Molar may spread

Introduction

Pericoronitis is considered a dental disorder wherein the gum tissue about the molar teeth turns out to be infected and swollen (Halverson, 1992, pp.142). Usually this disorder crops up as an outcome of the wisdom teeth, the 3rd and final molars set that majority of individuals get in their early twenties or late teenage. This disorder can extend when the wisdom tooth just partly erupt (split through the gum). This lets a gap for bacteria to go through the tooth and cause infectivity. In the condition of pericoronitis, plaque or food may get caught beneath a gum flap just about the tooth. If it stays there, it can aggravate the gum and can cause pericoronitis. In severe cases, the infection and swelling may spread afar from the jaw to the cheek and then the neck (Mejino & Rosse, 2004, pp.51).

Discussion

Impaction of the lower third molar can predisposed to conditions such as caries of the tooth itself or adjacent teeth, pericoronitis, resorption of adjacent teeth and periodontal problems. These conditions have led to the ultimate extraction of the lower third molar. Pericoronitis normally occurs in young adults and teenagers, presenting soon after the outbreak of the 2nd or 3rd mandibular molars (Rosse, 1998, pp.35). It is shown as a tender, erythematous, sessile swelling or puffiness of the retromolar pad, occasionally with surface ulceration from incessant trauma from the contrasting maxillary molars. Pus could be seen from the tooth interface/tissue, and a stinking taste may be there. The pain could be easy-going but is more often than not quite forceful and may spread out to the throat, the external neck, the oral floor or the ear. The patient mostly cannot close the jaw due to gentleness and severe pain may, on the other hand, result in the incapability to open the jaws over a few millimeters (Halverson, 1992, pp.143). Fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, malaise and leukocytosis are common symptoms and signs, and the malady may be linked with an upper respiratory infection or ipsilateral tonsillitis. Pericoronitis can grow when the wisdom teeth only erupts partially (penetrate the gum). This lets a breach for bacteria to go in the region of the tooth and form an infection. In pericoronitis, plaque or food may get trapped beneath a gum flap around the tooth where plaque is a bacterial film that stays on the teeth past eating). Thus, if it stays there, it may aggravate the gum and cause Pericoronitis and if the pericoronitis is harsh as well, the infection and swelling may expand further than the jaw to the neck and cheeks

Thus, Pericoronitis is an infectious and inflammatory condition that may go together with the clinical appearance of the tooth. Actually the microbial flora that grows in the distally situated pseudopocket is the primary cause. Usually therapeutic management entails a surgical practice and the ...