You likely think emergency dentists only handle tooth and gum issues. After all, isn’t urgent oral care about toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and broken smiles? What else would emergency dentistry try to look at or fix? However, you should also see an emergency dentist for facial swelling (if it ever occurs). They’ll treat that problem as effectively as any mouth pain or infection. For more details, let your Greenwood dentist explain things in this helpful primer.
Emergency Dentists Treat Facial Swelling
It may sound odd, but emergency dentists can (and do) treat facial swelling. They have the knowledge, training, and skills for that task.
You see, facial swelling often stems from an abscessed tooth. An infection in your pearly white’s pulp can easily irritate the area around your jawline. From there, your facial tissues may suffer a rapid buildup of fluid to better fight the harmful bacteria. That process would cause a swollen face that feels unpleasant and looks “off.”
Put another way, a swollen face can point to a dental emergency. It acts as a sign that your tooth infection is severe and starting to spread.
What Should You Expect from Their Care?
To ease your facial swelling, emergency dentists won’t do anything too special. They’ll follow the same methods and rules they do for any dental emergency.
An emergency dentist fixes facial swelling through diagnosis and treatment. That process starts with an oral exam and some dental X-rays, which settle the cause of your swollen face. It then moves to treatment by addressing the source of your face’s bulging tissues. This latter step is usually done with procedures like root canal therapy, tooth extraction, etc.
With those two steps, many dentists can stop and reverse facial swelling. Patients just need to wait a few days to see their faces look and feel normal again.
Why Not Visit an ER?
You may think an ER would be just as good for facial swelling as an emergency dentist. Well, think again – it’s always better to have dentists treat swollen faces.
The problem is that ERs often can’t fix the cause of facial swelling. In cases where your cheeks and jaw “puff up” from oral issues, emergency room staff won’t have the training or skills to help. The most they could do is provide pain relievers or antibiotics – a few short-term solutions.
Given the facts above, see your emergency dentist for your facial swelling. They’ll be glad to help your face and smile recover!
About the Practice
Tylan Creek Family Dentistry is based in Greenwood, SC. Thanks to our many talented dentists, our practice provides dependable dental care for its patients. You can count on us for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative work, as well as emergency treatments for your smile. Our team could even handle any facial swelling related to your oral health! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (864)-407-4455.