Inflammation of the operculum covering an erupting tooth occurs more commonly in association with the mandibular wisdom teeth.
Causes
- Usually associated with partially erupted and/or impacted third molars
- Associated trauma from a tooth in the opposing arch is usually present
Clinical features
- Pain, trismus, swelling
- Halitosis
- The operculum is swollen, red, and often ulcerated
- Fever and regional lymphadenitis may be present
MANAGEMENT
Surgery
- Operculectomy done under local anaesthesia
- Extraction of the third molar associated with the condition
- Grinding or extraction of the opposing tooth
- Apply caustic agents (trichloracetic acid and glycerine)
Treat with analgesic and antibiotic for 5-7 days
- Paracetamol 500 mg every 8 hours
Child: 10-15 mg/kg every 8 hours- Or ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours
Child: 7-13 mg/kg every 8 hours - Or diclofenac 50 mg every 8 hours
- Or ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours
- Amoxicillin 500 mg every 8 hours
Child: 25 mg/kg every 8 hours- Add metronidazole 400 mg every 8 hours if necessary
Child:10-12.5 mg/kg per dose
- Add metronidazole 400 mg every 8 hours if necessary