Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What is pericoronitis?

1. Inflammation of the gum around a partially erupted tooth

2. A type of oral cancer

3. An autoimmune disease affecting gums

4. A form of tooth decay

The correct answer is: Inflammation of the gum around a partially erupted tooth

Pericoronitis refers to the inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, most commonly associated with the third molars or wisdom teeth. When these teeth emerge, they can create a flap of gum tissue that can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to infection and inflammation. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and difficulty in fully opening the mouth. In contrast to other options, oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the mouth, and autoimmune diseases affecting gums would typically manifest as conditions like lichen planus or pemphigoid, but these are not classified as pericoronitis. Tooth decay, or dental caries, refers to the deterioration of tooth structure due to bacteria, which is distinctly different from the inflammatory response surrounding an erupting tooth. Therefore, the first option accurately describes the condition in question.