Facial Swelling 101: What Causes it and How It’s Treated

Have you woken up in the morning only to notice your face feels achy? Did you look in the mirror and see some swelling near your jaw or along your cheeks? If so, it’s normal to be concerned. Clearly, something has happened to cause it, but you don’t know what. This can be really frustrating, and you likely have plenty of questions. Is it considered a dental emergency? What causes my cheeks to enlarge like this? How is it treated? Read on to find the answers.

What Made My Face Swell?

You’re probably wondering why your face puffed up so that you can fix it. Some common causes include:

• A tooth abscess. This occurs when bacteria penetrate below the gums and around the root of your tooth. This leads to infection which can formulate a pocket of puss. It’s painful and won’t resolve on its own, so it’s important to get help right away.
• A salivary gland infection. There are special glands in our cheeks that produce saliva which can become swollen if infected. Sometimes something simple, like a blocked duct or even the flu, can trigger this response. Your dentist can identify whether this is the cause.

There are several other medical conditions that could result in facial inflammation such as allergies, sinus infections, thyroid issues, and more. If your dentist can’t fix it, they’ll refer you to an appropriate physician.

How Does my Dentist Treat Facial Swelling?

First, your dentist will examine your face, teeth, gums, and mouth. There’s a good chance they’ll also take X-rays to be able to see beyond the surface. Once they can identify the reason, they’ll do what they can to treat it.

If it’s an abscess, for example, a root canal will remove the bacteria and alleviate your discomfort. To do this they drain, clean, and disinfect the affected tooth. Then they cap it with a dental crown to avoid additional injury or infection.

Should they discover an issue with salivary glands, they may be required to remove part of the gland, drain the abscess, or prescribe antibiotics to kill off the infection.

If you do find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance, try to remain calm. Call your dentist to make an appointment. They’ll likely want to get you in as soon as possible. If they learn that they’re not the right person to fix it for you, they’ll be sure to send a referral. Either way, you’ll have the help you need and will soon be pain-free!

About the Author

Dr. Gizachew, known as “Dr. G.” to his patients, believes that preparation is important for at-home oral healthcare. He wants you to be informed and involved in your treatment so that you can keep your smile healthy between visits. His practice has evening and Saturday hours and offers same-day and walk-in emergency appointments, so you’re sure to be seen right away if something happens. If your face is swollen, feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (718) 568-0405.