title: Pericoronitis: treatment and a clinical dilemma.
abstract: Pericoronitis is an infection associated with impacted lower third molars that can necessitate the removal of these teeth. The clinical features of this condition are described and its treatment outlined, emphasising local measures. A case of pericoronitis in a 52-year-old patient is discussed, which illustrates the risks and benefits of removal of wisdom teeth; removal can lead to nerve damage, retention can precipitate serious, even life-threatening infection.
authors.affiliation: Dublin Dental Hospital, Dublin.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moloney
authors.forename: Leo F A
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Stassen
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003646:Debridement; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third; D010497:Pericoronitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents