I have pericoronitis and my impacted wisdom tooth has only partially erupted (gum flap up top. My dentist reduced the height of the wisdom tooth just above it to prevent it from further injuring that gum area. He has prescribed some medicines, mouthwash and gel but I was wondering if those were necessary if it recovers normally otherwise in a few days period. The medication is as follows: 1) hydroxyl peroxide betakind mouthwash (3 times/day) 2) tab. Zero dol sp (3 times/day) 3) tab augmentin 625 (2 times/day) 4) gut ok (once a day) 5) orahelp gel (3 times/day) all of these are meant to be taken for 3 days along with mouthwash with saline water. I don't really mind some pain or a few prolonged days of healing if that means avoiding the medicine.

Dr. Karun GuptaDentist14yrs exp

91% (2331 ratings)

Ask Free Question

While I understand your desire to avoid medication if possible, I strongly advise against skipping the medications your dentist prescribed for your pericoronitis and partially erupted wisdom tooth. Here's why: importance of medication: infection prevention: pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, making it prone to infection. Antibiotics like augmentin 625 help prevent and control bacterial infections. Inflammation reduction: zero dol contains ibuprofen, which effectively reduces inflammation and pain associated with pericoronitis. Gum healing: orahelp gel contains hyaluronan, which promotes tissue healing and soothes the inflamed gum flap. Oral hygiene: hydroxyl peroxide betadine mouthwash helps control bacteria and maintain oral hygiene, crucial for preventing further infection. Consequences of skipping medication: worsening of infection: skipping antibiotics can lead to a worsening infection, causing more pain, swelling, and potentially requiring stronger medication or even surgical intervention. Prolonged pain and discomfort: ibuprofen helps manage the pain associated with pericoronitis, allowing you to function more comfortably during the healing process. Delayed healing: skipping orahelp gel may prolong the healing of the inflamed gum flap. Considering your situation: early stage: if your pericoronitis is mild and you haven't experienced significant pain or swelling, it's tempting to think the medication isn't necessary. However, even mild cases can progress quickly, making prevention crucial. Partial eruption: the gum flap covering part of your wisdom tooth creates a pocket vulnerable to food debris and bacteria, increasing infection risk. Medication plays a key role in protecting against this. Dentist's advice: your dentist has assessed your specific situation and prescribed the medication based on their professional judgment. Trusting their expertise is vital for optimal healing. Remember: the side effects of these medications are generally mild and manageable, especially given the short duration of the prescribed course. Avoiding medication may lead to longer-term discomfort and potentially more invasive interventions in the future. Alternatives to consider: discuss over-the-counter pain relievers (like paracetamol) if ibuprofen doesn't agree with you. Explore alternative topical solutions for gum healing if you have concerns about orahelp gel. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take the medication is yours. However, I strongly recommend following your dentist's advice and completing the prescribed course for optimal healing and infection prevention. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision regarding your medication. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions.  

0 person found this helpful