Pericoronitis, deep fascial space infections, and the impacted third molar

Patients consulting the Philippine General Hospital Dentistry Department for management of impacted mandibular third molars were studied for the presence of pericoronits and deep fascial space infections. 18% of total cases presented an infection, while 13% presented with pericoronitis. 11% presented with deep fascial infection of which 72% were secondary to pericoronitis. A radiographic evaluation showed the vertical angulation (68%) with the highest portion at or above the occlusal level (70%) associated the most with pericoronits. The potential of pericoronitis developing to a deep space infection should always be considered.