How long does pericoronitis last?

Infection (pericoronitis) and a dentist I don't feel comfortable with? What do I do now!?

• For the last week I have had severe pain near a wisdom tooth that is coming in. There is not nearly enough room for the tooth and it needs to be removed. I was able to find a dentist ...show more

• Answer:

  Hello. Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the wisdom tooth. Some bacteria got down in or under the tissue flap covering the tooth and set up a slight infection. This is usually treated by extraction of the infected/inflamed tooth. If you don’t feel comfortable with ANY dentist/doctor please seek out another one that makes you feel comfortable. There is literally dentist on every corner now days. He should have given you an antibiotic because this will at least get you out of pain temporarily until the tooth comes out. An oral surgeon is usually a good idea because they extract teeth under sedation all the time. You should call the previous dentist and ask that he prescribe an antibiotic for you to get you out of pain at least. Until then, you can take ibuprofen (if you are not allergic to it) with food 600-800mg at a time. This is the anti-inflammatory dose that will get you out of pain temporarily. Also, take it with food. Here is some more information on the subject: http://www.bridgerdds.com/SedationDentistry.aspx