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Should You See Your Emergency Dentist for Facial Swelling?

August 26, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — therouxdental @ 7:03 am
Woman with facial swelling

If you’re dealing with a dental problem, you reach out to your emergency dentist. But it isn’t always easy to tell whether or not the problem you’re dealing with is a dental emergency. Can it wait a day or two? The truth is that facial swelling can be very serious and should be seen by an emergency dentist right away. It could point to a much more serious issue that needs immediate attention. Here are some of the causes of facial swelling and what you should do about it.

What Are the Different Causes of Facial Swelling?

There are several reasons why your face could be swelling, but it usually indicates that you’re dealing with an infection. Here are some of the probable causes:

  • Tooth abscess: This is when bacteria enter into the gums or around the root of the tooth. This causes an infection that’s usually accompanied by a pocket of pus. When this is an issue, you are likely to experience severe pain around the area. This type of infection is unable to heal on its own, so you should see a dentist immediately.
  • Salivary gland infection: The salivary glands are located in the cheeks. When they become infected, they can cause severe pain and swelling. Most of the time, salivary gland infections are caused by some type of bacteria. The infections result in a reduction in saliva production. They can be initiated by:
    • Inflammation
    • Influenza
    • Dehydration
    • Excessive mucus
    • Salivary stone
    • Malnutrition

What Will Your Dental Visit Look Like?

If you’re visiting the dentist for facial swelling, you can expect them to closely examine your face, teeth, gums, and mouth. They may even take some X-rays. If the diagnosis is an abscessed tooth, the emergency dentist will do what they can to remove the bacteria, usually through root canal therapy or extracting the affected tooth. If the issue can be resolved with root canal therapy, you will likely receive a crown overtop the tooth to keep it safe going forward. If you are dealing with a salivary gland infection, the treatment will depend on the cause. You may need antibiotics or another treatment option.

Facial swelling is never a good sign, especially if it is coupled with a toothache. By acting quickly and heading to the dental office, you will be back to your busy life in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Tina Theroux is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for nearly 25 years. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in Farmington and is committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, she is a member of the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in North Grafton, visit her website or call (508) 839-2262.

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