Classification
Acute Pericoronitis
Sudden onset with significant local and possibly systemic signs.
- • Severe pain radiating to ear, throat, and floor of mouth
- • Edema and erythema of operculum
- • Suppuration under the flap
- • Trismus (limited mouth opening)
- • Fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy
Chronic Pericoronitis
Low-grade persistent inflammation with intermittent acute episodes.
- • Mild, dull ache around wisdom tooth
- • Occasional purulent discharge
- • Mild gingival inflammation over the operculum
- • No significant systemic involvement
- • Recurrent acute episodes common
Severe/Complicated Pericoronitis
Infection spreading to fascial spaces.
- • Progressive trismus
- • Dysphagia or odynophagia
- • Elevated temperature >38.5°C
- • Submandibular or neck swelling
- • Signs of airway compromise — medical emergency