Are you experiencing sudden facial aches or swelling? It’s only natural to be concerned if your jaw or cheeks inflate painfully. You’re probably wondering what’s causing it and who you should contact. Is it an emergency? And if it is, should you reach out to your dentist or your doctor?
At Smile312, our Chicago dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every smile. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we combine expertise, compassion, and modern technology to keep your teeth healthy and your experience stress-free. Discover dentistry that puts your comfort and wellness first.
Although there are many potential causes behind your recent distension, there’s a good chance that it points to an underlying dental issue. Continue reading to learn about 3 possible reasons for your inflammation and who can help!
If your jaw is engorged or throbbing, there’s a chance you have a tooth abscess. This is a pocket of infection that forms when harmful bacteria penetrate the roots of your tooth or around your gumline. This sack is filled with fluid and won’t resolve itself. It’s important to contact your emergency dentist right away to address it. Otherwise, the infection can enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body. This can eventually lead to sepsis, a dangerous condition that can be fatal if it’s severe enough.
Your provider may need to perform an emergency root canal followed by antibiotic therapy to drain the infection and preserve your tooth’s functionality. However, if it’s overly damaged or decayed and can’t be saved, they might recommend extraction and replacement instead.
The glands that secrete saliva into your mouth are located behind your cheeks. If they become infected, it can cause the sides of your face to swell agonizingly. Plus, it reduces the moisture in your mouth, which can put your dental health at risk. Spit is your body’s natural defense against harmful germs that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Without enough of it, you’re at a higher risk of having a dental problem in addition to your aching face.
Your glands may be infected due to duct blockage, dehydration, a salivary stone, or other health conditions like mumps or Influenza A. Your dentist can help identify whether this is the issue, and if so, they’ll refer you to a professional who can better assist you, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. It’s part of the endocrine system and produces different hormones that regulate your body’s growth, development, and metabolism. If it doesn’t produce enough hormones, you might develop a puffy face along with other symptoms like:
If your bulging cheeks are accompanied by these other concerns, then you should contact your doctor for a diagnosis.
When your face is throbbing, getting the right help as quickly as possible can provide some much-needed relief!
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler has been helping Chicago Loop residents improve their dental health since 1986. He’s a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has been a member of the American Dental Association for over 30 years. Today, he takes a whole-body approach to oral health and offers a full array of services under one roof to streamline your dental care. If your face is inflamed or aching and you need help right away, you can contact the office for a same-day appointment on the website or by calling (312) 224-9916.
Our patients’ satisfaction is our top priority. From routine checkups to advanced dental care, we make sure every smile leaves our office healthier and happier.
I can't recommend Dr. Mahler highly enough! He is the best dentist I have ever had, combining exceptional professionalism with deep knowledge and expertise. His team is equally outstanding, making every visit smooth and pleasant. I first came to him after a distressing experience with another dentist, and Dr. Mahler... read more
OnI of the most comprehensive and thorough dentists with real interest in the patients and best care for them. I would recommend Dr Mahler to others looking for an experienced and caring dentist. Their staff is also amazing.
Excellent service. I felt very comfortable.
Great expertise. A 1 in a million phenomenon. The destroyer of TMJ. Other dentists tremble at the sound of the name doctor Mahler (and I’m not talking about the weight loss doctor in Lockport) because they know they cannot compete no matter how hard they try.
Always superb.
Just had my first visit to Smile 312 in the Loop—spotless office, friendly staff, and they’ve got Netflix to keep you entertained. Went in for a cleaning and check-up; dropped about $150 after insurance, which felt fair. They broke down the costs and insurance stuff clearly. Scheduling was easy, and... read more
Loved my visit friendly staff and Dr. Mahler is so knowledgeable he listened and asked me great questions about my health
Thanks Dr. Mahler and the dental assistants for providing a professional and excellent service. Update: Dr. Mahler is the best dentist I have had after I visited some other dentists. He is very patient, professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He fixed my old crown and recommended another oral surgery expert Dr. Zager... read more
Dr Mahler and his staff at Smile 312 are the best. They’re friendly, and they listen to all your concerns and they respect your time. I went to see Dr Mahler for TMJ treatment and from day one his recommendations have made a big difference on my discomfort level.... read more
Dr Mahler is very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He will do what’s best for his patient and walk you through the process so you are fully informed. His staff is also very helpful and customer centric. Great practice!
