Swelling in the face is never a good thing. While it can be caused by serious dental problems like toothaches or other oral infections, it can also result from inflammation of the sinuses or other organs. Sometimes facial swelling means you should see an emergency dentist, but other times it can require attention from another medical provider. If you ever experience facial swelling, here’s how to tell which emergency medical service is right for you.
An Emergency Dentist Can Treat…
Some reasons that facial swelling might be a job for an emergency dentist include:
Toothache
Toothaches are the result of infections and, if left untreated, the bacteria can spread to other tissues in the body. This can result in various infections that can cause facial swelling, and the tooth must be treated in order for these infections to be resolved.
Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess happens when bacteria infect the gums or the area around the root of the tooth, producing pockets of pus that can show at the gumline. This infection causes severe pain that will not heal on its own. Like with an untreated toothache, the bacteria causing an abscess can spread to other parts of the body, causing potentially fatal secondary infections like sepsis.
Your Dentist May Give You a Referral For…
Sometimes, facial swelling has causes outside the realm of dentistry. Your dentist may provide you with a referral to a general doctor or a specialist in cases of:
Salivary gland infection
The salivary glands are located in the cheeks, and a patient will experience severe pain and swelling if they become infected. This can be caused by malnutrition, dehydration, inflammation, or other health conditions. Your dentist will probably refer you to an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) doctor.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses that is usually caused by allergies or infections. This can lead to swelling around the nose and eyes along with symptoms like headache, cough, fatigue, and fever. If the swelling does not go away after two weeks, you may require antibiotic treatment. This condition calls for the attention of an ENT doctor.
Hypothyroidism
A thyroid gland that does not produce enough hormones can result in a puffy swollen face along with constipation, depression, dry skin, fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. Diagnosis requires the attention of a medical doctor.
If you ever experience facial swelling, knowing what you need when you need it can save you a lot of time and suffering. Your dentist is prepared to give you the care you need or point you in the direction of a doctor who can.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph E. Hickey earned his dental doctorate at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2007 and has been serving patients at Granger Dental Group in Granger, IN for over a decade. He has pursued state-of-the-art comprehensive dental implant training with Dr. Garg and the Implant Dentistry Continuum. His office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, dial (574) 277-4235 or contact the office online to schedule an appointment.