After waking up one morning, you head to the bathroom to start your daily oral hygiene routine. You take a look in the mirror and quickly realize your face is swollen. While your first instinct may be to panic, you should do your best to remain calm. Rest assured – a professional can examine you, diagnose your needs, and provide fast relief. Below, you’ll learn when to see an emergency dentist for facial swelling, what to expect during your appointment, and why you should visit a dentist instead of going to the emergency room.
What Causes Facial Swelling?
There are many reasons why you may experience facial swelling. More often than not, it constitutes an emergency that needs immediate treatment. Two of the most common causes include:
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess occurs when bacteria enter the gums or around the root of the tooth, causing an infection that’s usually accompanied by a pocket of pus. In this case, the patient often has severe pain around the affected area.
- Salivary Gland Infection: When salivary glands are infected, it causes extreme pain and swelling. Most of these infections are caused by some type of infection, resulting from a reduction in saliva production.
Should You See an Emergency Dentist for Facial Swelling?
If you’re experiencing minor or infrequent swelling, you may not need to schedule a visit with your emergency dentist. You can wait until your regular appointment for an assessment. However, persistent or worsening facial swelling will need immediate treatment. Schedule an emergency appointment if your pain does not improve after two or three days. Your dentist is specially trained to handle these types of cases where a patient is suffering from acute pain.
Patients experiencing life-threatening symptoms are encouraged to call 911 or head to their nearest emergency room. Some issues that require urgent medical attention include jaw fractures, jaw dislocations, serious cuts or lacerations to the face and mouth, or difficulty breathing due to an abscess. A hospital will get you the care you need to relieve your pain.
How Your Emergency Dentist Can Help
At your emergency dental appointment, you’ll undergo a thorough oral examination for a diagnosis. Your dentist will carefully evaluate the situation and take X-rays as needed to identify the root cause. For an abscessed tooth, they’ll numb your mouth and drill beneath the enamel to remove the decayed pulp. The tooth will be cleaned out and disinfected. Afterward, a crown will be placed over the damaged tooth to protect it from further infection. If you have a salivary gland infection, your dentist may simply prescribe an antibiotic or remove part of the glands if necessary.
Facial swelling and pain should not be taken lightly. If you’re experiencing severe discomfort, contact your emergency dentist right away for treatment. They’ll get your oral health back on the right track in no time!
About the Practice
At Greenwood Dental, we strive to treat every patient like a member of our very own family. Our team is passionate about building meaningful relationships to provide personalized dental care unlike anywhere else. If you’re experiencing facial swelling, don’t hesitate to reach out for treatment. You schedule an emergency appointment via our website or call (330) 467-2522.