Incision And Drainage Specialist
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Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A.
Endodontist located in Statesville, NC & Hickory, NC
If you have a dental abscess, you may need an incision and drainage procedure to remove the infection. Robert Scott Nance, DDS, MS, PA, and his team offer expert incision and drainage for abscesses at their offices in Statesville and Hickory, North Carolina. If you experience consistent tooth pain, call Dr. Nance or schedule a consultation online today for customized diagnostic treatment options.
Incision and Drainage Q & A
What is an incision and drainage procedure?
Incision and drainage is a conventional treatment for dental abscesses. The procedure removes the abscess and allows any bacteria-filled pus to drain away. This procedure extracts infected tissue and fluids, which helps your mouth to heal.
What is an abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops inside your tooth or gums. They form when bacteria penetrate your gums or the soft pulpy tissue of your teeth and create a pus-filled pocket. As the bacteria multiply and spread, an abscess develops.
Dr. Nance and his team treat three types of dental abscess: gingival, periodontal, and periapical. Gingival abscesses only affect your gums while periodontal abscesses start in the bones that support your teeth. Periapical abscesses are found in the pulpy interior of your tooth.
Abscesses can cause significant pain and swelling, as well as sensitivity to temperature, and a foul taste in your mouth. You might also have trouble swallowing or opening your mouth. If you’re concerned about a dental abscess, make an appointment with Dr. Nance right away.
What happens during incision and drainage?
Dr. Nance and his team begin incision and drainage procedures by thoroughly numbing your infected tooth and tissue with a local anesthetic. Then, using special dental tools, Dr. Nance cuts into your gums or teeth to reach the abscess. They remove the abscess, drain any extra pus from the tissue, and flush the area with a sterile saline solution.
In some cases, Dr. Nance may need to leave a small drain in place when the incision is closed to ensure that all of the infected pus drains out of your tooth or gums. He usually removes the drain within 24-72 hours at your follow-up appointment.
How should I take care of my teeth after an incision and drainage treatment?
Dr. Nance gives you specific aftercare instructions. In general, you should be able to brush and floss normally, although you will need to take care around your incision and sutures. Dr. Nance may recommend gently rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution a couple of times a day.
If you’re concerned about an abscess, call Dr. Nance or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment, including incision and drainage procedures.
