All of the following are appropriate in the management of acute pericoronitis EXCEPT:

Correct answer: B. Systemic antifungal therapy

• A. IRRIGATION beneath the operculum is the cornerstone of initial management. Mechanically flushing out debris and bacteria from the pericoronal space addresses the cause directly.
• B. CORRECT as the EXCEPTION. Pericoronitis is a BACTERIAL infection of the soft tissue overlying a partially erupted tooth, driven by anaerobic flora accumulating in the stagnant space beneath the operculum. ANTIFUNGAL therapy has no role whatsoever — there is no fungal component to treat.
• C. SYSTEMIC ANTIBIOTICS are indicated when there is fever, lymphadenopathy, trismus, facial swelling or spreading infection. For localized pericoronitis without systemic signs, local measures alone are preferred.
• D. The OPPOSING tooth frequently traumatizes the swollen operculum, perpetuating the inflammation. Relieving that contact — or extracting the opposing tooth if it is non-functional — is part of definitive management.

Note: Sequence: debride and irrigate → relieve occlusal trauma → antibiotics only if systemic involvement → analgesia → definitive extraction or operculectomy once acute symptoms resolve. Extracting during the acute phase risks spreading the infection.