People often feel like dentists are only able to take care of their teeth, but the fact of the matter is that they’re experts in everything to do with the face in general. For example, if you have facial swelling, you might wonder if a dentist is someone who could help you with your situation.
In many cases, not only should you make it a point to see your dentist, you might want to do so quickly. It could be that you’re dealing with a dental emergency that warrants immediate attention. Here are a few things that could be behind your swelling, and what a dentist can do to help you.
Dental Abscess
Abscesses are large, painful lumps that can crop up as a consequence of infection. They are usually associated with redness and swelling in the surrounding area, so much so that the swelling could potentially be visible from the outside.
If you see a dentist for your abscess, they’ll likely treat not only the abscess itself, but the surrounding infection as well. This usually involves gum disease therapy treatments that can allow the soft tissues in the mouth to heal adequately. They’ll also finish the infected tooth off with a dental crown under most circumstances.
Infected Salivary Glands
As the name would suggest, the salivary glands are responsible for the production and flow of saliva. This usually results from an infection in the mouth, though not necessarily one of a dental variety. Instead, this is typically because these glands have become blocked for some reason, often having to do with a broader viral infection.
How a dentist will treat the issue depends on what exactly is causing your problem. They may be able to clear the blockage themselves or could refer you to an ear-nose-and-throat doctor.
In many cases, a swollen face comes down to an infection in the mouth; one that will not go away on its own. That makes it important to see an emergency dentist quickly if you notice your face has puffed up.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong believes that his patients deserve the best of everything that dentistry has to offer, but more than that, the care they receive ought to be as stress-free as possible. For this reason, he takes the time to understand what each patient needs so that they can get the care that they need. Dr. Hong received his degree from the New York University College of Dentistry, and since then has completed over 300 hours of additional education in the field of dentistry.
If you have any questions about a dental emergency, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (630) 789-1555.