infection of the soft tissues around the crown of a partially or completely unerupted tooth, especially a wisdom tooth
refer to dentist for irrigation & debridement
if persistent swelling or systemic symptoms use metronidazole
use antiseptic mouthwash if pain and trismus limit oral hygiene
antibacterial treatment
metronidazole or amoxicillin
Public Health England recommends metronidazole 400mg TDS for 3 days (adult dose). If metronidazole is not tolerated an alternative is amoxicillin 500mg TDS for 3 days (in adults the dose can be doubled in severe infections).
antibacterial treatment only in presence of systemic features of infection or of trismus or persistent swelling despite local treatment; treatment is for 3 days or until symptomatic resolution
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