Although it may not be well known, “operculum” is the name of a frequent dental problem that many people encounter, particularly when their wisdom teeth erupt. The operculum is a flap of gum tissue that covers a tooth, usually a partly developed wisdom tooth explains a Toledo dentist. Though seemingly innocuous, improper handling of this tissue can result in several dental problems.

What Is an Operculum?

An operculum is a gingival tissue that covers part of an erupted tooth, often a wisdom tooth. This extra tissue can form a small pocket that traps food, bacteria, and plaque in between the gum and tooth, which irritating, and infection may be painful. Pericoronitis refers to the condition that an inflamed or infected operculum needs.

Symptoms

An operculum may result in various symptoms of which severity is categorized according if it has become inflamed or infected. Common symptoms include:

• Swelling and Inflammation: The gum tissue around the operculum can become swollen, red, and inflamed.
• Halitosis and Taste: Bacteria contained in the operculum usually produce smelly products causing bad breath (halitosis) as well, which most patients may not notice.
• Difficulty in Mouth Opening: Severe cases of pericoronitis can result in this condition called trismus.

The Dangers of Not Treating an Operculum

• Pericoronitis: As stated above, pericoronitis is the inflammation or infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth. Without early treatment, it can become very painful and spread to other parts of the mouth or face.
• Abscess Formation: If an infection goes untreated, it can create a pocket of pus (abscess) near the base of the tooth that is very painful and will need treatment almost immediately.
• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: The bacteria under the operculum can also cause tooth decay and gum disease, not only concerning the impacted tooth but even affecting nearby teeth.

Dealing with an Operculum

Management of the operculum varies according to symptoms and the presence or risk of complications. There are a few conservative management programs, commonly in the form of physical therapy for every type.

Irrigation and Cleaning

Your dentist can advise you to rinse the area thoroughly with an enhanced rinsing solution and irrigate stagnated food and bacteria from under your operculum. This may be able to provide instant symptom relief and prevent other complications.

Antibiotic Treatment

If an infection has set in, antibiotics may be prescribed to limit bacterial proliferation. This is usually temporary help and may be necessary to complement other treatments.

Operculectomy

It is one such surgical procedure in which the operculum is excised. This is performed with a scalpel, laser, or electrocautery. Eliminating the tissue flap eliminates the pocket where bacteria and food particles can gather, which means fewer instances of infection or discomfort.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If an operculum is related to a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth, extraction may be necessary for the relief of symptoms. This in turn prevents future complications and also eliminates the underlying cause of an operculum.

A single operculum may not seem like a big deal, but if left unchecked it can cause more discomfort than necessary and oral health complications with your teeth. Educating yourself about the issue, knowing what to look for, and how it affects you or your child is one part of managing this disease. If you are in pain or have symptoms associated with the operculum, make sure to book a consultation with your dentist for better treatment options. Early intervention prevents this from happening and helps maintain good oral health.