Incision for Draining

If your tooth has developed an infection and that has started draining into the gum, sometimes an incision for drainage is indicated.

This procedure is done to drain the fluid from the infected site and help relieve some of the pressure and pain associated with it. A small incision is made in the tissue over your tooth to allow drainage of infection. It is then usually rinsed with saline to clean out any remaining fluid. Moist gauze is placed over the site to provide pressure against the incision.

You may experience some bleeding for the next few hours. Use warm salt water rinses (1 glass of water with ½ teaspoon of salt) every 2 hours as needed, and also replace the gauze as needed. If medications are prescribed, take them as directed.