It’s a big deal when your wisdom teeth start to erupt. Mainly because you need to be super careful with your dental health. The slightest neglect can lead to a series of complications. And if your wisdom tooth comes out crooked or impacted, it can lead to a gum flap growing over your wisdom tooth.
But what is this gum flap? Is it a type of gum disease? Why does it even grow in the first place? You’ll find the answers to all your questions in this blog. So, why not give it a quick read?
Is It Normal For Gums To Grow Over Wisdom Teeth?
Believe it or not, it’s relatively common for gums to grow over wisdom teeth. Sure, it might seem weird, but when your wisdom tooth barely cracks through the surface and only partway erupts, the lack of space can trigger this reaction.
The gum flap, known as the operculum, is a general response by your body. It typically only covers the top of your tooth, so it might look like the wisdom tooth is going back into the socket. But in reality, the gum is stretching out, engulfing the tooth as a whole.
Although pericoronitis is common in cases of impacted wisdom teeth, it’s not hygienic. Small particles of food and bacteria can slide under the operculum, getting trapped. This can further lead to a dental infection and pus formation.
Will Gum Flap Over Wisdom Tooth Go Away?
Sadly, no. Pericoronitis is a condition that requires dental supervision. Once the operculum grows, it won’t go back or shrink. Thus, to get rid of it, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Moreover, leaving the gum flap as it is can worsen the condition. It can become a serious health hazard in only a number of weeks. Depending on the growth, your dentist will either cut back the operculum or extract your wisdom tooth.
What Causes Pericoronitis?
The main reason behind pericoronitis is an impacted tooth. That is to say, if your wisdom tooth is just coming in, and it’s only partially erupted, that too in a weird angle, it could be impacted. This makes your gum tissues think they need to repair themselves around the tooth poking out, resulting in pericoronitis.
Moreover, once the operculum starts to expand in size, it can trap the tooth and bacteria underneath its folds, resulting in swollen and inflamed gums.
This is why you need to be extremely careful when your wisdom teeth are coming out so as not to disrupt the process.
How Do You Get Rid of The Gum Flap Over Wisdom Tooth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating pericoronitis. If anything, depending on your situation and the severity of the condition, your dentist might recommend you any of the following treatments:
- Antibiotics
- Specialized Pericoronitis Mouthwash
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- Trimming The Operculum
- Professional Dental Cleaning
Conclusion
A gum flap growing over your wisdom tooth isn’t uncommon, but at the same time, it requires immediate attention. Letting it grow out can seriously complicate things and put your dental health in danger. For more information and in order to schedule an appointment, contact Almond Dental at:
- St. Anthony Location: 3803 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55421, United States
Contact Number: (612) 782-7000 - Maple Grove Location: 11301 Fountains Dr, Maple Grove, MN 55369, United States
Contact Number: (763 ) 762-7177