Incision and Drainage
What is Incision and Drainage?
A dental or gum abscess often forms as a result of an infection within the mouth. Abscesses can be incredibly painful and cause severe pressure until treatment is provided. For these dental abscesses, we often create an incision through them to open them up, thus allowing the pus and liquid inside to drain. This particular procedure is incredibly common, since it is helpful when it comes to quickly treating an abscess.
Why is Incision and Drainage needed?
Dental abscesses can be incredibly painful, causing undo pressure and discomfort to the patient who has one. Likewise, they can last for a long time and get larger if treatment is not sought. In some cases, the infection can get to the point where it affects the health of your teeth and gums. Gum abscesses are often caused by gum disease, deep gingival pocketing or even something as simple as getting food lodged between your teeth.
Who is a candidate for Incision and Drainage?
We will examine your teeth and gums to find the location of the abscess. Oftentimes, we have patients who come in as emergency cases who have an abscess. The abscess will be painful, and there will be a lot of pressure surrounding it. If you have an abscess, one of the best and easiest ways to treat it is with incision and drainage treatment.
What happens during the Incision and Drainage process?
To start, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. We then create a small incision through the abscess. This is often just the size of a pinhole, since that is all that is needed to properly drain the infection. We then allow the abscess to fully drain out any pus or liquid that is inside. Most patients experience an immediate relief of pressure. In severe cases, we may suture a rubber dental drain around the abscess if excess drainage is expected.
If you would like to come into the office for incision and drainage or want to learn more, call us today to speak with one of our staff members. We have a discount plan available as well as low wait times and amenities, that include a snack and beverage bar to improve your visit.
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