In a young female patient with throbbing pain and trismus, what is the likely diagnosis?

The presentation of throbbing pain and trismus in a young female patient is highly indicative of pericoronitis. This condition often occurs when a partially erupted tooth, most commonly a lower third molar (wisdom tooth), becomes inflamed due to food debris, bacteria, and trapped plaque in the surrounding gum tissue. The inflammation can lead to significant discomfort, characterized by the throbbing pain described.

Additionally, trismus, or limited movement in the jaw, is a common symptom in pericoronitis as the surrounding tissues become swollen and inflamed, restricting the ability to open the mouth fully. The demographic of a young female patient aligns with the typical presentation of pericoronitis, as this condition frequently arises during the late teens to early adulthood when third molars are erupting.

While tumors, cystic lesions, and dental abscesses can also cause similar symptoms such as pain and limited movement, the context provided—specifically the throbbing pain associated with an erupting tooth—makes pericoronitis the most likely diagnosis in this scenario. It highlights the importance of recognizing pericoronitis in young patients who present with these types of symptoms.