If you begin to notice swelling in your mouth or face, you shouldn’t wait to seek professional help. This unique symptom can arise for various reasons; however, it’s imperative that you get the necessary treatment to avoid a more serious oral and overall health problem. But should you visit an emergency dentist for facial swelling or the ER? In this article, we’ll discuss when it’s best to see a dental professional, what you can expect, and why it’s better than waiting long hours in the emergency room.
When Facial Swelling Should Have You Seeing an Emergency Dentist
Swelling that occurs throughout the mouth or face can develop for many reasons. This condition should not be disregarded no matter how minor or severe it may seem. Instead, it’s better to seek immediate care since it could be an issue of:
- An abscessed tooth – If left untreated, it could result in the infection entering the bloodstream and affecting other parts of the body.
- Salivary gland infection – Whether it is a blocked gland duct, dehydration, or a serious health condition, bacterial accumulations are often to blame.
What Can You Expect?
When visiting a dentist, you can expect them to thoroughly evaluate your mouth and face as well as take digital X-rays to determine the location and reason for the swelling. Depending on the underlying problem, appropriate treatment options will be provided. Some of these might include:
- Extracting an abscessed tooth
- Root canal therapy and then placing a crown over a damaged tooth to minimize the potential for reinfection
- Treatment to help unblock a salivary gland
- Antibiotics to treat various infections
Why It’s Better to See an Emergency Dentist Instead of Visiting the ER
It might sound odd to rush to the dentist’s office when dealing with facial swelling; however, there are many benefits to seeing a local professional as opposed to spending time waiting in the lobby of an emergency room.
Not only does your dentist already know you, but they will quickly work to eliminate any pain you are in as well as formulate a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying cause. In an ER setting, a general doctor will only be able to treat your immediate symptoms.
Also, it’s unlikely you’ll be required to wait a prolonged amount of time at the dentist’s office, especially when calling ahead to let them know of your situation. Going to the emergency room will only cause you to have to wait for several hours, which can be agonizing when dealing with facial swelling.
The only time you should ever go to the ER instead of your dentist is if the swelling is so severe you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
When dealing with mild swelling, do yourself a favor and save valuable time by avoiding the ER and entrusting your injury to your local emergency dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Christel Cochell owns and operates Cochell Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon. Treating patients of all ages, her office provides a wide variety of services, ensuring you and your family receive the care you need all in one place! Want to avoid a dental emergency? Our team of experts can provide the tips you need to keep your smile looking and feeling its best year-round. To learn what you can do, contact us at (971) 273-5910.