Should You See an Emergency Dentist for Facial Swelling?

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Whether accompanied by a toothache or after an injury, you don’t want to ignore mouth or facial swelling. There’s likely an underlying issue, which can affect your airway without the proper treatment. Don’t head to the closest hospital just yet. In most cases, it’s better to visit an emergency dentist for facial swelling. Inflammation can be caused by various factors, like an infected tooth. While they can provide pain relievers and antibiotics, most hospitals aren’t equipped to treat dental concerns. Here’s why it’s better to go to your dentist to eliminate the problem at the source.

Causes of Facial Swelling

Naturally, trauma to the face can cause swelling, but there can be other culprits, too. A dental professional will find the reason for the inflammation to provide the appropriate treatment. Although every case differs, common causes of facial swelling include:

Abscessed Tooth

If you also have a toothache, there’s a good possibility you have an infection in your mouth. When bacteria enter the inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp, it can lead to a painful infection. Not only can swelling occur, but the infection can spread to other areas of the body.

Salivary Gland Infection

You have salivary glands located in your cheeks that keep your mouth moist. If they become infected, it can lead to pain and inflammation; however, a sinus infection can also cause discomfort, which may require an ear, nose, and throat doctor to treat.

Emergency Dentist VS Hospital

Major swelling and significant infections can have potentially deadly complications. You don’t want to lose valuable minutes trying to get the treatment you need from the wrong location. Generally, it’s best to contact an emergency dentist if the swelling isn’t life-threatening, like obstructing your airway. They’ll pinpoint the problem to provide the appropriate intervention to stop your pain and swelling while also saving your smile. If the inflammation is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, call 911 or head to the closest hospital immediately.

Managing Facial Swelling

You can manage inflammation by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, like Motrin. It will also help reduce pain. Apply a cold compress to the swollen area to reduce inflammation. If the swelling is inside of your mouth, you can try rinsing with a salt and water mixture.

Don’t Wait to See Your Dentist

Although minor swelling might not seem alarming, it’s a red flag. It indicates there’s an issue going on somewhere in your mouth that shouldn’t be ignored. Contact your emergency dentist right away to get the quick care you need.

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