CPT® Code 42310

The procedure described by CPT® Code 42310 involves the drainage of an abscess located in the submaxillary or sublingual regions, which are associated with the salivary glands. Salivary gland abscesses, also known as sialadenitis, occur when there is an infection or blockage in the salivary glands, leading to the accumulation of pus. The sublingual salivary glands are situated beneath the tongue and have multiple ducts that open into the floor of the mouth. The submaxillary gland, or submandibular gland, is the second largest salivary gland and is positioned in front of the angle of the jaw, within the triangle of the neck, beneath the mandible. This gland drains into Warthin's duct, which is located in the floor of the mouth, lateral to the lingual frenum. The submandibular gland consists of superficial lobes that lie above the mylohyoid muscle and deep lobes that wrap around the posterior aspect of this muscle. The procedure for CPT® Code 42310 entails an intraoral approach to drain the abscess from either the submaxillary or sublingual glands. The process begins with the identification and protection of the Wharton duct, followed by an incision in the mucosa overlying the affected gland. The lingual nerve is carefully identified and protected during the procedure. The mylohyoid muscle is retracted to expose the sublingual gland, and if the abscess is located there, it is incised and drained. If the abscess is found in the submaxillary gland, further dissection is performed to expose the gland, which is then incised and drained. This procedure is critical for alleviating infection and restoring normal function to the affected salivary glands.