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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Soreness And Pain In Gums Be Pericoronitis?

Hi, I went to the dentist last week for my annual check-up. I have never had any trouble with my teeth (no fillings etc.). My gums have been a little sore since which is to be expected as she gave them a thorough clean. However, I am getting a pain at a particular point on my gums. It is at the back of my mouth next to my back wisdom tooth. The tip of the gum has gone a little black in the past couple of days and when pushed a little, I can separate the gum from my tooth. Having looked at google, it could be Pericoronitis? I have a feeling she may have 'drilled' into the gum accidently when cleaning and caused some trauma? Any views welcome.
posted on Sun, 8 Jun 2014
Twitter Sun, 8 Jun 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 9 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,
Yes, you could have a condition of pericoronitis. You are describing a difficult location to clean and you may have had some tartar along with inflamed tissue there. Do not chew on this side of your mouth to avoid getting anything caught in the pocket between the gum and the tooth. I would suggest vigorous rinsing and continue gentle cleaning. Warm salt water used multiple times a day is an excellent choice. You can take some pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. Tissue is more fragile if inflamed, so it can be traumatic with scaping of this unhealthy tissue causing bleeding and possible slight ripping. This shoud resolve if you keep the area clean to allow it to heal. If the tissue does not start to feel better and seem closer to the gum soon, you will need to return to the dentist to evaluate. If symptoms get worse, especially swelling, see the dentist. Antibiotics may be required. It is possible there is some tartar deep under the gum that could not be removed with a simple cleaning or something afterwards has gotten caught below the gum. A deep scaling while numb may be required to clean deeper into the pocket. Probing the area determines a measurement which will help determine if the area is able to heal, tissue needs to be removed or extraction of the wisdom tooth should be considered. If your wisdom tooth is in the process of erupting or you do not have room for the tooth to fully erupt out of the tissue, you have a situation that can reoccur.
I hope this answer is helpful to you. I would be glad to discuss your situation further if you have any additional details or questions. Thank you for your inquiry.
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Can Soreness And Pain In Gums Be Pericoronitis?

Hello, Yes, you could have a condition of pericoronitis. You are describing a difficult location to clean and you may have had some tartar along with inflamed tissue there. Do not chew on this side of your mouth to avoid getting anything caught in the pocket between the gum and the tooth. I would suggest vigorous rinsing and continue gentle cleaning. Warm salt water used multiple times a day is an excellent choice. You can take some pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. Tissue is more fragile if inflamed, so it can be traumatic with scaping of this unhealthy tissue causing bleeding and possible slight ripping. This shoud resolve if you keep the area clean to allow it to heal. If the tissue does not start to feel better and seem closer to the gum soon, you will need to return to the dentist to evaluate. If symptoms get worse, especially swelling, see the dentist. Antibiotics may be required. It is possible there is some tartar deep under the gum that could not be removed with a simple cleaning or something afterwards has gotten caught below the gum. A deep scaling while numb may be required to clean deeper into the pocket. Probing the area determines a measurement which will help determine if the area is able to heal, tissue needs to be removed or extraction of the wisdom tooth should be considered. If your wisdom tooth is in the process of erupting or you do not have room for the tooth to fully erupt out of the tissue, you have a situation that can reoccur. I hope this answer is helpful to you. I would be glad to discuss your situation further if you have any additional details or questions. Thank you for your inquiry.