TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Pericoronal Abscess A1 - Jauch, Edward C. A1 - Valdez, J. Amadeo A2 - Knoop, Kevin J. A2 - Stack, Lawrence B. A2 - Storrow, Alan B. A2 - Thurman, R. Jason Y1 - 2021 N1 - T2 - The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e AB - A partially erupted or impacted 3rd molar (wisdom tooth) is the most common site of pericoronitis and pericoronal abscesses. The accumulation of food and debris between the overlying gingival flap and crown of the tooth creates a focus for pericoronitis and subsequent abscess formation. The gingival flap becomes irritated and inflamed, and the tissue is repeatedly traumatized by the opposing molar tooth. The inflamed gingival process may eventually become infected and form an abscess. Foul taste, inability to close the jaw, and fever may occur. Swelling of the cheek and angle of the jaw and localized lymphadenopathy are also characteristic. More advanced disease may spread posteriorly to the base of the tongue, oropharyngeal area, and deep cervical spaces with resulting Ludwig angina and peritonsillar abscesses. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181040624 ER -