AC – Pericoronitis

Thank you for coming to see us at the clinic. Below are some instructions on how to look after your teeth after being diagnosed with pericoronitis:

Do

Don't

+ Brush your teeth as normal + Eat and drink as normal as possible after the numbness has worn off (assuming that you had a deep clean) + Use the monojet combined with savacol for around 2 weeks and no more than 2 weeks (The mouthwash will stain your teeth easier, accumulate more plaque and alters your sense of taste when used for a long time) + Take the medicines as prescribed + Take painkillers as needed

- Leave the wisdom teeth alone and hope the pain won’t come back (it will) - Think that that everything will be fine after this appointment (need to have the wisdom teeth out as soon as practical) - Rely on antibiotics all the time this happens (increase your likelihood of gaining resistance to antibiotics)

Note

Please take the antibiotics as prescribed! (instructions on how to take your antibiotics will be provided by your local pharmacist) And make sure to finish your antibiotics completely even when you feel better! You do not want to develop antibiotic resistance! How to use monojet and savacol: Use the provided Monojet Syringe and rinse the gum that is covering the wisdom teeth with Savacol Monojet = that plastic syringe which we used to demonstrate to you on how to rinse the area Savacol = A mouthwash by Colgate. It is important to choose this mouthwash over the others, because it contains a broad spectrum antibiotics called chlorhexidine which helps gives immediate antibacterial action to reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth. Do not use this for more than 2 weeks (teeth will stain quicker, dulls your sense of taste and some bacteria will accumulate faster) Fill the Monojet halfway and gentle empty the Savacol into the flap area of your wisdom teeth. (Make sure to do it over a sink as you will dribble!). Repeat twice daily when you are about to brush your teeth. Make an appointment to have that wisdom tooth taken out!It’s in a bad position, it’s not your friend and most of the time if it is causing you pain it’s more trouble than it is worth keeping. Most importantly, history will repeat itself as today’s treatment is only temporary relief!

You as the individual control the inflammation, if you don’t be on point with these instructions it will make the swelling (and pain) last longer Recommended way to take your painkillers:

Mild pain (niggling sensation, discomfort but a bit annoying): 2x 500mg of Panadol/paracetamol TWICE a day Moderate pain (starting to affect eating, slight sleep disturbances, bearable but uncomfortable) 2x 500mg of Panadol/paracetamol or panadine forte PLUS 2x 200mg Neurofen/ibuprofen TWICE a day Severe: contact us and we will advise you on what to take

Based on the The Oxford League Table of Analgesic Efficacy and the WHO analgesic ladder  

What is Pericoronitis/infection?

This infection happens often when your tooth is partially erupted into the mouth. This creates a small pocket between the tooth and your gums allowing food and bacteria to accumulate and it cannot be adequately cleansed away due to the configuration of the gum tissue that surrounds it. This infection and inflammation can cause jaw stiffness, pain and swelling, which is what we are trying to reduce in order to alleviate your pain.

Some examples of bad positioning (credit to Superchlorine) We wish you all the best in your recovery! Please contact us if you have any questions or further queries.