Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which term refers to the inflammation around a partially erupted tooth, often involving difficulty in opening the mouth?

1. Periodontitis

2. Pericoronitis

3. Gingivitis

4. Aphthous ulcers

The correct answer is: Pericoronitis

The term that refers to the inflammation around a partially erupted tooth, which can lead to difficulty in opening the mouth, is pericoronitis. This condition typically occurs when the gingiva, or gum tissue, over the partially erupted tooth becomes inflamed and swollen, often due to the accumulation of debris and bacteria. Pericoronitis is commonly associated with the third molars, or wisdom teeth, particularly when they do not have enough space to fully erupt. The inflammation can cause significant discomfort, swelling, and sometimes even localized infections, which may contribute to issues with mouth opening, commonly referred to as trismus. In contrast, periodontitis is a serious gum disease affecting deeper supporting structures of the teeth; gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease that involves inflammation of the gums without affecting the surrounding bone; and aphthous ulcers are painful, shallow sores within the mouth unrelated to tooth eruption or inflammation around teeth.