When you have a dental issue, the first person that you call is your dentist. However, sometimes it can be difficult to determine if an issue is an emergency. Should you wait a few days to see if things improve, or should you contact them right away? One situation that definitely warrants an emergency visit is if you have facial swelling. Continue reading to learn about some of the causes and how your dentist can help.
What Causes Facial Swelling?
There are a variety of reasons why you could be experiencing facial swelling. Most of the time, it indicates that an infection is present. Here are some of the most probable causes:
- Tooth Abscess: This is when bacteria enter the gums or around the root of a tooth. This causes an infection, oftentimes accompanied by a pocket of pus. When this is an issue, you are likely to experience severe pain around the area. This issue is a reason to seek help from an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
- Salivary Gland Infection: The salivary glands are located in the cheeks. When they become infected, they can become very painful and swell up. Most of the time, salivary gland infections are caused by some type of bacteria. The infections result in a reduction in saliva production. This issue can be initiated by:
- Influenza
- Dehydration
- Excessive mucus
- Salivary stones
- Malnutrition
What Will Your Emergency Dental Visit Look Like?
If you are visiting the dental office for facial swelling, you can expect them to take a look at your face, teeth, gums, and mouth. They may take some X-rays as well. If the diagnosis is an abscessed tooth, your dentist will do what they can to remove bacteria, usually through root canal treatment or extracting the affected tooth. If the issue can be resolved with root canal treatment, you will likely receive a crown overtop the tooth to keep it safe in the future. If you’re dealing with a salivary gland infection, the treatment will depend on the cause. You might need antibiotics or another type of treatment to eliminate the infection.
Facial swelling can be alarming as it can be a sign of serious oral health conditions. By acting quickly and contacting your dentist right away, you can get to the root of the problem and receive the treatment you need to restore the health of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Christian Pham earned his dental doctorate from Boston University School of Dentistry in Boston where he studied on a scholarship from the United States Air Force. After graduating, he entered active duty as a captain at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County California. He has completed multiple two-year programs with the renowned Progressive Orthodontics and Dentistry Group in dental implantology and orthodontics with advanced level dentofacial orthodontics. If you are experiencing facial swelling, he’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in San Antonio, visit his website or call (210) 538-7500.