Emergency dentists are trained and equipped to handle a wide range of oral health crises so that their patients can get the care they need when they need it most. While you probably know to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist if your tooth becomes broken or dislodged, you may not be aware of how your oral health professional can treat facial swelling. Here’s a brief guide to a few of the causes of facial swelling and how your dentist can treat them.
What Causes Facial Swelling?
Facial swelling can be quite painful and can result from a variety of issues such as:
Tooth abscess
An abscess happens when bacteria infect the gum tissue surrounding the root of a tooth, resulting in a pocket of pus and the rapid onset of severe pain. This infection will not get better on its own and may lead to dangerous secondary infections like sepsis, so it’s important to seek the attention of an emergency dentist if you think you have an abscess.
Salivary gland infection
The salivary glands can be found in the interior of the cheeks, and they can become swollen and severely painful when infected. Bacteria usually cause salivary gland infections after a reduction in saliva production. This can happen for reasons like:
- The gland duct becoming inflamed or blocked
- A health condition like Influenza A, Sjogren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, herpes, or mumps
- Radiation treatment
- Excessive mucus
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- A salivary stone
While these infections can sometimes be addressed by an emergency dentist, it may be necessary to refer you to an outside specialist such as an ears, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for treatment.
What Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit?
An emergency dental visit begins with your dentist examining your mouth and asking questions about the problems you have been experiencing, and they may take X-rays to gather more data about the issue. If the problem is a tooth abscess, your dentist will remove the bacteria by either draining the pocket of pus or extracting the infected tooth. The treated area will then be cleaned and disinfected, and you may receive a crown to restore your dental structure. If the tooth is removed, your dentist will discuss your replacement options.
If your dentist determines that you have a salivary gland infection, they may recommend removing part of the gland, draining the infected area, or antibiotic treatment.
Facial infections are unpleasant problems that can lead to more serious issues if they go untreated. An emergency dentist can treat many cases of facial swelling so their patients can enjoy many years of excellent oral health.
About the Practice
Southlake Family Dentistry offers the finest oral health services to the community of Fort Mill. Led by Drs. Priya Chougule and Ashley Fasone, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys pleasant appointments and effective treatments. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are experiencing facial swelling, dial (803) 548-3342. For non-emergency inquiries, contact the office online.