Question

Patient: Female, 27 year old

Chief complaint: Patient: "I have pain on my wisdom teeth "
Background/or patient history: Patient reports pain on third molars, which is more significant on the mandibular right third molar and maxillary left third molars. There is no history of extraction of third molars.
Current Findings: on clinical evaluation, teeth # 1 and #16 have erupted. Tooth #17 is impacted. Part of the crown of tooth #32 is erupted in the mouth. The tissue overlying the crown appears to be inflamed.

What is your diagnosis for finding on crown of tooth?
a. Proximal caries
b. Occlusal caries

Answer 1

The diagnosis for the finding on the crown of tooth #32 with an inflamed tissue overlay is likely pericoronitis, which is common with partially erupted or impacted teeth and not tooth decay like proximal or occlusal caries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the description provided, the diagnosis for the finding on the crown of tooth #32 is likely to be pericoronitis. This condition occurs when part of the crown is erupted into the mouth and the tissue overlying the crown becomes inflamed, often due to an impacted tooth. This inflammation can cause significant pain and discomfort. While the symptoms might mimic those of proximal caries or occlusal caries, the key detail of inflammation overlying the crown points towards pericoronitis rather than a form of tooth decay, which would typically be identified by different findings such as visible cavities or confirmed via radiographic imaging.

It is important to address the issue promptly, as impacted wisdom teeth and pericoronitis can lead to further oral health problems such as infection or damage to adjacent teeth. Treatment might involve managing the inflammation with good oral hygiene or the use of antibiotics, and often the extraction of the impacted tooth.