Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis based on history, symptoms, and examination of the pericoronal area.
Periapical or panoramic radiograph to assess eruption status of the wisdom tooth, root development, position relative to the inferior alveolar nerve, and any associated follicular cyst.
Assessment of trismus severity: normal interincisal opening is 35-50 mm; trismus defined as <35 mm. Measurement guides treatment approach.
CT scan for suspected fascial space involvement to define the extent of spread before surgical drainage.
Blood tests (WBC, CRP, ESR) if systemic infection is suspected — leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers suggest spreading infection.