Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract.

Patients with odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts usually seek treatment from a physician instead of a dentist and the etiology is frequently misdiagnosed. This case report describes a patient who sought treatment from a dentist because of a history of a previous cutaneous swelling on the ipsilateral side of his cheek. The etiology of the present swelling was a carious tooth. The patient was treated concurrently with both nonsurgical endodontic therapy and transcutaneous drainage by aspiration. This method of drainage precluded possible spontaneous drainage and avoided damage to proximal anatomical structures which may have occurred if an incision had been used.