Incision and drainage is a dental procedure that is required when a cavity or tooth infection spreads causing a dental abscess. Dental abscesses occur when bacteria from a cavity grows and extends into the mouth face jaw or throat. A dental abscess is generally quite painful and the pain tends to increase as the infection worsens. Pus builds up at the site of the infection causing gum inflammation and tenderness and if the abscess does not rupture and drain on its own it may have to be surgically drained in order to cure the infection.
Signs of an infection include redness swelling heat pain pus drainage and difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing. In cases of advanced infection as the infection spreads nausea vomiting diarrhea chills fever and sweats can occur.
Unless the abscess ruptures on its own the only way to cure the infection is to cut the abscess in order for the pus to drain. The abscess cavity should not be closed but should be packed and left open to heal. Patients may be prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics to fight the infection.
Proper oral hygiene is the best preventative measure against dental abscess.
