Is pericoronitis of wisdom teeth the same as pulpitis?

Pericoronitis of the wisdom tooth is not pulpitis; they are two different oral diseases with significant distinctions. Pericoronitis refers to the inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of the third molar (wisdom tooth), often caused by incomplete eruption or impaction of the wisdom tooth. It commonly occurs in young people aged 18 to 25. The main symptoms include swelling and pain in the soft tissues around the tooth crown, difficulty chewing, eating, and swallowing, and in severe cases, systemic symptoms such as chills and fever may also be present. In terms of treatment, early conservative management may involve local irrigation and medication application. However, if the inflammation recurs frequently or the wisdom tooth is malpositioned, extraction of the wisdom tooth should be considered. On the other hand, pulpitis is an inflammation within the pulp chamber of the tooth, usually caused by infections such as dental caries. Its primary symptoms include spontaneous, intermittent tooth pain, nocturnal pain, and pain triggered by temperature changes. Treatment for pulpitis typically involves root canal therapy to thoroughly remove the infected pulp tissue and preserve the affected tooth. If oral discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical examination and receive professional treatment.