It is the surgical removal of the gingival flap present on the partially erupted tooth. It is mainly done to treat pericoronitis, in which there are raised operculum on an unerupted third molar. It is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia and can be performed using electrocautery, diode laser, and caustic agents like trichloroacetic acid.
Pericoronitis - A Painful and Infectious Condition of Erupting Third Molars
Impacted or partially erupted third molars may cause pericoronitis. Read the article to know more about it.