{"id":30,"date":"2023-12-05T17:13:39","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T17:13:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thornvilledental.com\/blog\/?p=30"},"modified":"2024-01-25T17:18:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T17:18:40","slug":"dental-distension-should-i-call-my-emergency-dentist-for-facial-swelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thornvilledental.com\/blog\/dental-distension-should-i-call-my-emergency-dentist-for-facial-swelling\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental Distension: Should I Call My Emergency Dentist for Facial Swelling?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It may feel counterintuitive to learn that you should call your emergency dentist<\/a> for a problem like facial swelling. It\u2019s easy to assume that anything medical should be handled by a doctor, instead. The truth is, though, that in many cases the symptoms you\u2019re noticing are due to a dental problem. When that\u2019s the case, only your dentist has the right instruments and experience to accurately diagnose and remedy the issue. If you\u2019re not sure what kind of help you might require, keep reading to learn more about 3 possible causes behind your inflammation, and how your dentist can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

#1: Tooth Abscess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When harmful bacteria enter your gums or penetrate the soft pulp inside of your tooth, you can develop an infection which is often accompanied by a pocket of puss. If this is the culprit, your tooth and gums become irritated which can cause inflated cheeks in addition to severe or sudden pain. It\u2019s important to call your dentist right away with symptoms like these because they won\u2019t clear up on their own. The illness can even progress further and enter your bloodstream, which can cause sepsis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you arrive at your dentist\u2019s office, they\u2019ll examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine whether you have an abscess. If so, they may recommend treatments such as a root canal to drain the infection, or in extreme cases, a tooth extraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2: Salivary Gland Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are glands in your cheeks that produce saliva to help you chew and digest your food which can become achingly inflamed if they get infected. This can result from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n