Molecular Analysis of 16S rRNA Genes Identifies Potentially Periodontal Pathogenic Bacteria and Archaea in the Plaque of Partially Erupted Third Molars

These findings have provided new insights into the complex microbiota of pericoronitis. Several bacterial and archaeal species implicated in periodontal disease were recovered in greater incidence and abundance from the plaque of partially erupted third molars compared with incisors, supporting the hypothesis that the pericoronal region may provide a favored niche for periodontal pathogens in otherwise healthy mouths.