How long does it take to recover normal mouth opening after restricted mouth opening due to pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis refers to inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding a tooth crown. In general, restricted mouth opening caused by pericoronitis may take 7–15 days to return to normal, depending on individual circumstances. Patients are advised to seek timely medical consultation for professional advice. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Pericoronitis is a common oral condition that primarily affects the soft tissues around the crowns of the upper and lower third molars, often associated with impaction or incomplete eruption of wisdom teeth. Common symptoms include swelling and pain in the gums around the affected wisdom tooth, with limited mouth opening being one of the typical manifestations. Recovery of normal mouth opening requires a certain amount of time. When the inflammation is mild and early intervention leads to effective treatment, following medical advice—such as taking prescribed medications, maintaining good oral hygiene, and avoiding irritating foods—can help alleviate inflammation within approximately 7 days, thereby reducing gum swelling and pain and promoting faster recovery of mouth opening function. However, in cases of severe inflammation, delayed patient response, or slower treatment response, a longer treatment and recovery period may be needed, typically up to about 15 days.

Patients should maintain good oral hygiene and follow a light, balanced diet to facilitate a quicker recovery.