Dentistry · Oral & Dental · Medium
Pericoronitis
Meaning: Inflammation of the gum flap around a partially erupted tooth, most often a lower wisdom tooth.
In practice: Recurrent pericoronitis around his lower third molar led to its surgical removal.
Word parts
- peri- means around
- -itis means inflammation
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related dentistry words.
Which word means: Inflammation of the soft nerve and blood vessel tissue inside a tooth, usually causing toothache.
Answer: Pulpitis
Which word means: Forward projection of one or both jaws beyond the normal profile, often the lower jaw.
Answer: Prognathism
Words like pericoronitis come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.