Risk factors associated with the severity of pericoronitis of mandibular third molar

The factors related to pericoronitis severity are unclear, and this study aimed to address this knowledge gap.

In total, 113 patients with pericoronitis were included, and their demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics were recorded. The Patient–Clinician Pericoronitis Classification was used to score and categorize the severity of pericoronitis. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the participants’ characteristics, validity of the Patient–Clinician Pericoronitis Classification, and risk factors associated with the severity of pericoronitis.

The demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics of males and females were similar, except for Winter’s classification, pain, and intraoral swelling. The constructive validity of the Patient–Clinician Pericoronitis Classification was confirmed with three latent factors, including infection level, patient discomfort, and social interference. Ordinal logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed that upper respiratory tract infection was the sole risk factor associated with pericoronitis severity in males (odds ratio = 4.838). In females, pericoronitis on the right side (odds ratio = 2.486), distal radiolucency (odds ratio = 5.203), and menstruation (odds ratio = 3.416) were significant risk factors.

This study demonstrated the constructive validity of the Patient–Clinician Pericoronitis Classification. Among females, pericoronitis in mandibular third molars on the right side with radiolucency in menstruating individuals was more severe. In males, upper respiratory tract infection was the sole risk factor associated with pericoronitis severity.

Individuals with risk factors should be aware of severe pericoronitis in the coming future.