If you’ve noticed swelling in your mouth, jaw, or face, you may be wondering if you need to see an emergency dentist. In many cases, the answer is yes. Facial swelling can indicate a serious dental infection, injury, or other urgent condition that requires prompt professional care.
Here’s a quick guide on when to see your dentist for facial swelling and what to expect during your visit.
When Is Facial Swelling a Dental Emergency?
Swelling in your face or mouth can result from various causes, including infections, abscessed teeth, or injuries. You should see an emergency dentist in Frankfort if your swelling is:
- Accompanied by severe tooth pain or throbbing
- Resulting from trauma or injury to your mouth or jaw
- Accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing
- Worsening rapidly or causing visible facial distortion
These symptoms can indicate a serious infection that may spread if left untreated, requiring immediate attention to protect your health.
Common Causes of Facial Swelling
Facial swelling is often caused by:
- Dental abscesses: Infections at the root of a tooth or in the gums can lead to swelling and pain.
- Infected wisdom teeth: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can become infected, causing swelling in the jaw or cheek.
- Gum infections: Advanced gum disease can lead to swelling in your gums and face.
- Dental trauma: A broken or knocked-out tooth can cause inflammation and swelling.
- Salivary gland infections: Blockages or infections in your salivary glands may also cause facial swelling.
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to have facial swelling evaluated promptly by a dental professional.
Why See an Emergency Dentist Instead of Going to the ER?
While the emergency room can help manage severe infections that are affecting your breathing or swallowing, most cases of facial swelling due to dental issues are best treated by an emergency dentist. Dentists have the tools and expertise to address the root cause of dental infections, provide pain relief, drain abscesses if needed, and begin appropriate treatment to resolve the issue.
Going to your dentist instead of the ER can also save you time and money while ensuring you receive targeted care. However, if you have facial swelling with difficulty breathing, chest pain, or trouble swallowing, go to the ER immediately, as these symptoms require emergency medical care.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Visit
When you visit an emergency dentist in Frankfort for facial swelling, your dentist will:
- Examine your mouth and face to identify the cause of the swelling.
- Take dental X-rays if needed to check for infections or tooth damage.
- Provide pain relief and, if necessary, drain any abscesses.
- Prescribe antibiotics if an infection is present.
- Discuss next steps, such as a root canal, extraction, or deep cleaning, to address the underlying cause.
Prompt treatment can help reduce your discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading further.
Facial swelling is often a sign that you need to see your emergency dentist as soon as possible to protect your oral and overall health.
About the Practice
Snow Family Dental proudly provides comprehensive emergency dental care in Frankfort, IL, offering same-day appointments to help patients manage urgent dental issues promptly. Dr. Snow and Dr. Hudson lead the practice with a commitment to gentle, patient-centered care, ensuring you feel supported when you need help most.
Call us at (708) 799-5162 or request an appointment online.