If you wake up one morning to a swollen face, you might not think much of it at first and may even assume that it will resolve on its own. After a few days with no improvement, you may begin to wonder if there’s something seriously wrong. Would it be better for you to visit the emergency room or the dentist? To help you determine where to seek help, read on to learn about a few common causes as well as when to visit the ER rather than your emergency dentist for facial swelling.
3 Common Causes of Facial Swelling
Dealing with a swollen face can be both uncomfortable and worrying. Though many things can lead to one’s face swelling up, a few of the most common causes include:
- Sinus infection – When someone has a sinus infection, the cavities around the nasal passages have become inflamed. This can be triggered by allergies or a cold and may require treatment from an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
- Abscess – A dental abscess is a collection of pus. It can form in a tooth, the gums, or the bone that holds the teeth in place. This happens as the result of a bacterial infection. Without proper treatment, more bacteria can enter the pocket and cause further inflammation.
- Salivary gland infection – The glands are responsible for making saliva and depositing it into your mouth. Swelling in the salivary glands may be caused by a bacterial build-up.
Should I See My Emergency Dentist or Go to the ER?
To determine where you should go to seek treatment for facial swelling, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. If you’re experiencing any symptoms that may be life-threatening like difficulty swallowing or breathing, go straight to the emergency room. It’s unlikely that they’ll have a dentist on staff, but they can administer the medical attention you need. If the facial swelling or any pain you’re experiencing is located in your mouth, reach out to your emergency dentist as soon as possible so they can get to the root of the problem and determine the best way to treat it.
When in doubt, your emergency dentist will be able to help you determine which place can more likely get you the help you need. Have facial swelling looked at right away to keep the issue from worsening and protect your smile from harm.
About the Author
If you’re experiencing non-life-threatening facial swelling that originates in your mouth, the talented team of oral health professionals at Tylan Creek Family Dentistry can get to the bottom of the issue. Their staff features six highly skilled dentists across three locations who can administer the treatment you need to get back to enjoying a pain-free smile. To make an appointment or to learn more about how to know when to see your emergency dentist for facial swelling, call their Simpsonville office at (864) 962-6671, their Powdersville office at (864) 603-2200, their Greenwood office at (864) 407-4455, or visit their website.