Should You See an Emergency Dentist If Your Face Is Swollen?

Does your mouth or face look swollen or puffy? This often indicates an oral health issue. While it’s not always easy to determine what qualifies as a dental emergency, keep in mind that swelling of any kind is never normal. If you’re not clear when (or why) you need to call an emergency dentist in McKinney for facial swelling, then continue reading below.

Why Is My Face Swollen?

The face can swell up for a number of reasons, but the most common one is an infection, typically as a result of an abscessed tooth. Teeth can develop serious infections when bacteria are able to infiltrate the tooth and access the bundle of nerves and blood vessels, known as the pulp, in its center. Eventually, the infection can progress to the point that the best option for your oral health would be to extract the tooth. Not only that, but the infection might even spread to adjacent teeth or even other areas of the body.

Other common causes of facial swelling include:

• Physical injury to the face
• Infection of the salivary glands
• Allergic reactions to certain foods or medications

When Should You Call an Emergency Dentist for Facial Swelling?

If your face is only slightly swollen and the problem subsides quickly, then you most likely have nothing to worry about. However, if the swelling continues or becomes increasingly worse, you should contact an emergency dentist as soon as you can. You should also call them if you experience persistent pain in addition to swelling. These are signs that something inside your mouth is very wrong and requires immediate attention.

Seeing an Emergency Dentist Is Usually Your Best Option

Dentists have undergone specialized training in treating issues of the mouth and face, including swelling. They’re the ones who are the most qualified to give you a specific diagnosis, address the root of your problem, and prevent your oral health from worsening. That being said, it’s not unusual for your first instinct to be visiting the nearest emergency room in a situation like this.

Unfortunately, emergency rooms are often not well-equipped to treat dental emergencies since they tend to not have dentists on staff. At most, they might prescribe antibiotics and painkillers and then refer you to a dentist anyway. As a result, you waste precious time and money while not getting the targeted care you need. In most cases, you should see an emergency dentist for all dental emergencies. The only exceptions would be for swelling that inhibits your breathing, deep facial lacerations, or a dislocated or broken jaw.

Facial swelling can lead to severe problems down the road if you don’t seek out prompt treatment. If your mouth or face is swollen, don’t be afraid to call an emergency dentist right away!

About the Author

Dr. Zack Hegazin is a trusted emergency dentist in McKinney, TX who offers same-day emergency appointments at Marble Dental Care. He even has evening and Saturday hours available for added convenience. With more than a decade of experience so far, Dr. Hegazin can get the bottom of your facial swelling and recommend the right treatment to restore your health and smile. To get the expert dental care you need as soon as possible, contact Dr. Hegazin at 214-592-0441.