pericoronitis; operculitis

Introduction

inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of partially erupted tooth

Pathology

• accumulation of bacteria & debris beneath the operculum (gum convering erupting tooth), or by mechanical trauma (biting the operculum with the opposing tooth)
• often associated with partially erupted & impacted mandibular third molars (lower wisdom teeth)

More general terms

• inflammation
• periodontitis