When to Go to the Dentist vs. the ER for Facial Swelling

November 9, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — painesvilledental @ 5:14 pm
person at emergency dentist for facial swelling

At first, you may thing that minor facial swelling is related to the weather or something you ate that didn’t sit right with you. But, after a few days and no improvements, you may start to think something is seriously wrong. How can you know when your facial swelling requires a visit to the emergency dentist as opposed to a trip to the emergency room? Read on to learn about the different causes of facial swelling and who you should visit to have it treated.

Common Causes of Facial Swelling

There are a multitude of things that can be the cause of facial swelling, including:

  • Abscess – An abscess is an infection that results in a painful, swollen, pimple-like bump that’s filled with pus. If it isn’t treated promptly, more bacteria may enter the pocket, which will lead to further inflammation.
  • Salivary gland infection – These are the glands that make saliva and deposit it into your mouth. Since they are located in your cheeks, swelling in the salivary glands may be a direct result of a bacterial build-up.
  • Sinus infection – This is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed. It can be triggered by a cold or allergies and may requite treatment from an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist).

Does Facial Swelling Require an Emergency Dentist or an ER Trip?

While you determine where you should seek treatment for facial swelling, there are a few things to consider. If you’re experiencing any potentially life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing, head straight to the nearest ER. They’re unlikely to have a dentist on staff, but they can provide you with the medical attention you need. On the other hand, if the facial swelling and pain is located in your mouth, call your emergency dentist right away so they can find the root of the issue.

Regardless of what the cause of your facial swelling is, make sure to have it treated as soon as possible to avoid any additional complications. With the above in mind, you should be able to determine who can best help you treat the issue so you can get back to living a happy, pain-free life!

About the Author

Are you a resident of Painesville who’s experiencing facial swelling and needs immediate medical assistance? You’ve come to the right place. Dr. Dennis Horvath, Dr. Jerry V. Patriarca, Dr. Nicholas Slezak, Dr. Stephanie Pichler, and the rest of their team at Painesville Dental Group can help you determine the cause of your facial swelling and whether it requires an emergency trip to the dentist or a visit to the ER. To learn more about what to do when you’re experiencing facial swelling or to set up an appointment, call Painesville Dental Group’s office at (440) 354-2183 or visit their website.

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