pericoronitis
Last reviewed 01/2018
- infection of the soft tissues around the crown of a partially or completely unerupted tooth, especially a wisdom tooth
- refer to dentist for irrigation & debridement
- if persistent swelling or systemic symptoms use metronidazole
- use antiseptic mouthwash if pain and trismus limit oral hygiene
- antibacterial treatment
- metronidazole or amoxicillin
- Public Health England recommends metronidazole 400mg TDS for 3 days
(adult dose). If metronidazole is not tolerated an alternative is amoxicillin
500mg TDS for 3 days (in adults the dose can be doubled in severe infections).
- antibacterial treatment only in presence of systemic features of infection or of trismus or persistent swelling despite local treatment; treatment is for 3 days or until symptomatic resolution
Reference: