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Third molar infections
1Hospitales Universitarios Virgen Del Rocío de Sevilla, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Sevilla. jlgp@us.es
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Pericoronitis, an infection linked to third molar eruption, presents acute or chronic symptoms. Treatment involves symptomatic, antimicrobial, and surgical approaches, with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid as a common first-line antimicrobial. Extraction improves patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral Surgery
Background:
- Pericoronitis is an infectious condition frequently associated with third molar (wisdom tooth) eruption.
- It manifests in acute (serous, suppurative) or chronic forms, with pain prominent in acute stages and minimal symptoms in chronic cases.
- Both forms involve exudate, and the infection is polymicrobial, primarily caused by betalactamase-producing anaerobic microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the nature of pericoronitis, its clinical presentations, and causative microorganisms.
- To outline current treatment strategies, including symptomatic, antimicrobial, and surgical interventions.
- To emphasize the role of third molar extraction in managing pericoronitis and improving patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pericoronitis etiology, clinical features, and treatment modalities.
- Analysis of antimicrobial and surgical treatment indications and recommendations.
- Evaluation of the impact of third molar extraction on patient quality of life.
Main Results:
- Pericoronitis is a common dental infection, predominantly affecting third molars.
- Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is the recommended first-line antimicrobial for acute suppurative pericoronitis when surgery is delayed.
- Third molar extraction, despite a Grade C recommendation, is a frequent and effective treatment for pericoronitis, significantly enhancing patient well-being.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of pericoronitis requires a combination of symptomatic relief, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and often surgical intervention.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and alleviate patient discomfort.
- Surgical extraction of the involved third molar is a highly effective treatment for pericoronitis, leading to substantial improvements in quality of life.