Swollen Gums & Facial Swelling

Swelling in your gums or swollen face is a serious warning sign of a dental emergency. It can indicate an underlying infection, a dental abscess, gum disease, or even a reaction to trauma. Left untreated, swelling can worsen and, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening complications if the infection spreads.

If you’re experiencing sudden or persistent swelling, seek emergency dental care immediately. Our Vancouver dental team is equipped to diagnose the cause and provide urgent treatment to relieve discomfort and restore your oral health.

Swollen gums can result from various dental and health-related conditions, including:

• Dental Abscess: A bacterial infection leading to pus buildup in the gums or jaw.
• Gum Disease (Gingivitis or Periodontitis): Infection and inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup.
• Tooth Infection: Decay or trauma exposing the tooth’s inner tissue can trigger swelling and severe pain.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t erupt properly, they can cause inflammation and infection.
• Trauma or Injury: A blow to the mouth or jaw can result in swelling and bruising.
• Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, oral swelling can be triggered by an allergic reaction to dental materials or medications.

If swelling is accompanied by difficulty breathing, fever, or difficulty swallowing, seek emergency medical attention immediately, as the infection may be spreading.

At our Vancouver emergency dental office, we take swelling seriously and provide fast, effective treatment to alleviate your discomfort.

• If the swelling is due to a dental abscess, we may need to drain the infection to relieve pressure.
• A small incision allows pus to drain, reducing swelling and pain immediately.

• If swelling is caused by an infected tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
• The infected pulp is removed, and the area is sealed to prevent further infection.

• If an infection has spread beyond the tooth or gums, antibiotics may be prescribed to control the infection.
• This is often necessary for facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing.

• If the swelling is due to gum disease, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing may be performed to remove bacteria and promote healing.

• If swelling is caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, an extraction may be recommended to prevent recurrent infections.

You should contact an emergency dentist immediately if you experience:

• Severe swelling in the gums, face, or jaw that does not subside.
• Pain that spreads to the ear, jaw, or neck.
• Pus drainage or a bad taste in your mouth.
• Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms, which may indicate a spreading infection.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing, requiring urgent medical attention.

Swelling is often a sign of infection, and delaying treatment can allow bacteria to spread to other areas of the body, including the bloodstream.

While waiting for your dental appointment, you can take these steps to manage swelling:

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce inflammation.
• Apply a cold compress to the swollen area for 15-minute intervals.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce discomfort.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or tobacco, which can worsen swelling.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side until you receive professional care.

To minimize your risk of developing gum and facial swelling, follow these preventive measures:

• Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup.
• Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and early detection of infections.
• Treat cavities and gum disease early before they lead to serious infections.
• Wear a mouthguard if you participate in contact sports to prevent oral injuries.
• Manage health conditions like diabetes, which can contribute to gum infections.

If you’re experiencing gum or facial swelling, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Our emergency dental team in Vancouver, WA, is ready to provide urgent care to relieve pain, treat infections, and restore your oral health. Call now to schedule a same-day emergency appointment!