An operculum is the name of a piece of gum tissue that lies overtop the biting surface of a tooth. Generally speaking, an operculum occurs when teeth are erupting and, most of the time, will resolve on their own when the tooth erupts fully. The most common teeth to develop operculums are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd molars as they erupt. The trickiest to deal with is an operculum occurring on a 3rd molar since they are difficult to reach. Operculums form when the molars are breaking through the gum tissue, and the gum tissue doesn’t completely pull away from the biting surface of the tooth. They occur on the last molars in the mouth due to the curvature of the gums at the back of the mouth. It is essential to keep the area as clean as possible if you notice an operculum forming and to see your dentist.
How to Keep an Operculum Clean
If you notice that you have a flap of gum on the biting surface of a molar, make sure you are using the right tools to clean it. The first step is to have it checked out with your dentist because sometimes operculums can become infected and turn into pericoronitis, which can cause extreme swelling and pain. Your dentist will likely recommend you use an electric toothbrush at least twice a day, a sulcabrush, which is a bristled brush about 1/3rd the size of a toothbrush to access beneath the operculum, as well as an antibacterial mouthwash daily.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for an operculum are based on the severity of the operculum. If the operculum is mild and appears as though it will resolve on its own, the recommendation may be to keep it clean and reassess in several months. If the operculum is large and the molar won’t be able to break through the tissue fully, the tissue may need to be removed with either a scalpel or a laser. The procedure to remove the operculum is straightforward, and the healing time is minimal. If the operculum is occurring on a 3rd molar, the molar may not have space to fit in the mouth and will need to be removed.
If you believe you have an operculum or have any questions about operculums, we encourage you to contact us today.