Is A Swollen Face Considered a Dental Emergency?

The main reason you should seek emergency care from a dentist is if you feel any acute pain or discomfort around your mouth. Whether it’s due to a knocked-out tooth or simply a chipped one, you need to plan a visit to the dental office as soon as you can. But what about if you’re experiencing a swollen face? If it’s severely uncomfortable, then it’s time to get treatment. Read on to learn what to expect when seeing your emergency dentist for facial swelling and what can be causing it.

What Can Cause a Facial Swelling?

There are a various reasons facial swelling can occur, and a couple of which will require emergency treatment. These include a tooth abscess and salivary gland infection.

An abscess occurs when bacteria enter the pulp—the inside of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—causing an infection that creates a pocket of pus. This can quickly lead to severe discomfort in the surrounding area and spread to other parts of the body.

Salivary gland infection happens in the cheeks and causes acute swelling. Due to certain bacteria, the glands become infected from a reduction in saliva production—the natural solution for washing bacteria out of the mouth.

What Can I Expect During an Emergency Visit?

Minor swelling may not be a major issue for you, but if the problem persists or becomes worse, it’s time to go see your dentist. During your appointment, the dentist will examine your oral and facial health, and may even take X-rays to have a comprehensive idea of your condition. The treatment you’ll receive will depend on the reason for your facial swelling.

For an abscessed tooth, your dentist will remove the bacteria by either draining them or performing a root canal (tooth extraction is a last resort). Once they clean and disinfect the area, a crown is usually placed over the damaged tooth to avoid infection. However, for a salivary gland infection, they may have to remove part of the glands or recommend antibiotics for any pus drainage or fever.

If you aren’t sure whether your facial swelling is minor or an emergency, the safest bet would be to visit your dentist. They can examine and monitor your oral health to both avoid severe issues and maintain a healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Ahmed Saad graduated with his dental doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He stays up-to-date with advanced techniques through hours of continuing education, aiming to provide top-quality dental care for his patients. Offering multiple treatments, he is happy to treat your dental emergencies including facial swelling. If you wish to schedule a visit, check out his website or call (703) 705-7476.