When is a swollen jaw a dental emergency? If you are noticing swelling in your jaw or cheeks and it is accompanied by a toothache or pain, this is one sign. Dental emergencies are most often caused by trauma to the area or infection, so someone who has recently experienced something that may have caused such a reaction should contact a dentist immediately to get help.
In a dental emergency, a swollen jaw can be caused by a traumatic injury to one or more teeth or the entire jaw. It could be a tooth that was knocked out or fractured, a side effect from a recent tooth surgery, a painful infection from an abscessed tooth, or pericoronitis, the swelling of the gums around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Swelling in the jaw area can manifest in different ways and may or may not be accompanied by pain or a side effect. Swelling can be present on both sides of the jaw or on just one side. It can also appear more prominently under an ear or be more present in the cheeks. Depending on the location of the swelling and any side effects, a dentist can easily determine its source and the cause.
Patients should make an emergency call to a dentist if a tooth was knocked out or cracked, and it is causing the jaw to swell. Patients can also call if an infection has manifested or escalated. A dentist can perform a physical exam of the mouth and take an X-ray to determine what the exact cause of the swelling is and how to treat it.
Emergency symptoms include having trouble opening the mouth, eating or breathing, or if the patient is in extreme pain or bleeding, has a high fever, or has a head injury in addition to the swollen jaw. Someone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate emergency care.
After ruling out emergency symptoms, there are a few at-home remedies sufferers can try first before making an emergency call to a dentist. Apply a cold compress to the swollen area and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
If the patient doesn’t see any improvement within 30 minutes or if symptoms worsen, call the dentist. In most cases, they can treat the condition with antibiotics, stronger anti-inflammatory medication or surgery.
If someone is experiencing a swollen jaw, it may be a dental emergency. If a cold compress and anti-inflammatory medicine are not working or if they are suffering severe pain or having trouble breathing, contact 911 or a medical professional immediately. Patients who are not experiencing any pain or severe symptoms can still get an assessment from a dentist to determine what is causing the swelling and get treatment for it.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If your teeth are spaced irregularly, you might not have great self-esteem and may consider trying teeth straightening. Plus, the issue might change your oral hygiene habits. One reason is that food might get stuck in them and be difficult to remove. That can weaken the teeth and gums, leading to complications. Keep reading to…
Dental problems can happen at any time and often require immediate help to relieve pain and avoid potential complications. If you have urgent dental concerns, you might look for an emergency dentist or a same day dentist. Knowing the difference between these dental professionals can help you choose the best option for your needs.An emergency…
A kid-friendly dentist can significantly shape a child's perspective on oral care by making visits pleasant, approachable, and even enjoyable. Early experiences have a lasting effect on a child's attitude toward brushing, flossing, and maintaining routine checkups. When children feel calm and supported during dental appointments, they are more likely to maintain good habits and…
An implant dentist provides a wide range of services to restore oral health, enhance smiles, and improve overall dental function. These dental providers specialize in dental implants, a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. From placement to aftercare, the services offered by an implant dentist are designed to meet each patient’s dental needs.Dental implants…