How long does pericoronitis last?

Pericoronitis - bunch of questions?

• How often can pericoronitis recur? I am a college student, and just finished taking the antibiotics a dentist here prescribed (he irrigated the infection spot first). He told me to visit my dentist once the antibiotics run out so that we can discuss either reshaping the gum around the tooth or extracting it completely. Thing is, I'm flying home in about a month, and even if I weren't, any extractions should be confirmed by my orthodontist (I used to have braces, and I had to extract 4 teeth in order to make room - any further extractions could be problematic) So, can this wait? Should I just maintain a good oral hygiene until I get home or should I book an appointment as soon as possible?

• Answer:

  Pericoronitis can keep recurring, as long as that flap of tissue (operculum) is there. If you have a month to go, it might be a good idea to wait. You don't want to fly for a few weeks after a wisdom tooth extraction. Or, you could have the operculum removed before you go - reducing the chances of more bouts of pericoronitis. It's very hard to keep that area free of bacteria - be really strict about your oral hygiene. Get yourself a baby toothbrush and brush very gently back there. Also, rinse with salt water as often as you can, especially after eating - rinse really hard, to try to dislodge any food debris or bacterial plaque. If you run onto problems while you are home, make sure you get to your own dentist ASAP so you can have the area irrigated, and probably get another rx for more antibiotics. ***Good luck - hope this helps!