Cleaning for Pericoronitis (Infected Gum over a Wisdom Tooth)
Pericoronitis is a painful swelling of the gum that partly covers a wisdom tooth. Food and bacteria collect under the flap, and the gum becomes infected. Cleaning under that flap is usually the first step to calm it down.
What it is
Your dentist gently cleans and flushes (irrigates) the pocket under the gum flap with an ultrasonic tip and antiseptic, removing trapped food and plaque. This relieves the pressure and lets the infection settle. It treats the flare-up; it does not remove the cause. If the wisdom tooth will never come through properly, or the flare-ups keep coming back, removing it is usually advised once the infection has calmed.
Who it is for
- Pain, swelling or a bad taste at the back of the mouth
- Pain on biting or difficulty opening the mouth wide
- A wisdom tooth that is partly through the gum
How it is done
- Examination and, usually, an X-ray of the wisdom tooth
- Cleaning and irrigation under the gum flap
- Advice on rinses and home care; medicines only if your dentist finds them necessary
- A plan for the wisdom tooth once the infection settles
Time: One short visit; a review may be advised after a few days.
Afterwards
- Warm salt-water rinses as advised
- Keep the area clean with a soft brush
- Come back urgently if swelling spreads to the cheek, neck or you cannot swallow
What to know before you decide
Cleaning settles the infection but often does not stop it returning while the gum flap remains. Spreading swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing need urgent care.
Fee and booking
Our current published fee is ₹1,000 for scaling and irrigation for pericoronitis. The final cost is confirmed after examination, and you receive a written plan with every option priced before anything is started. Paying per visit at standard fees is always allowed; see payment options. All current fees are listed in our online store.
A booked consultation is Rs 500, adjusted against your treatment; an MDS specialist consultation is ₹1,500, by prior appointment at our Kharadi clinic, which is open 8 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week. Book online or call 8484 990 678.
Common questions
Will cleaning cure pericoronitis?
It calms the current infection. If the tooth cannot erupt fully, the problem often returns, and removal is discussed.
Can the wisdom tooth be removed during the infection?
Usually the infection is settled first, then the tooth is removed.
Is it painful?
The area is sore already; the cleaning is gentle and local anaesthetic can be used if needed.
Other options under Dental Scaling
Read more
- Dental Scaling: the full guide
- Patients' questions answered by our dentists
- Our MDS department of Periodontics (gums and implants)
- All treatments
General information, reviewed by Dr Avinash Bamane (A-18814) and Dr Rashmi Bamane (A-22726), Maharashtra State Dental Council. It does not replace an examination of your own teeth.