Facial swelling from a tooth, gum infection, or injury needs prompt care. In this video, our emergency dentist in Duluth, GA explains when swelling is urgent and how we treat it the same day. Call 770-232-5255 for an immediate appointment.
Is facial swelling a dental emergency?
Often, yes. Swelling can spread quickly and, in rare cases, affect breathing or vision. Most cases are handled the same day in our office, but if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the ER.
Common causes
- Tooth abscess / infected nerve
- Gum (periodontal) abscess
- Trauma to teeth or jaw
- Post-treatment inflammation
What we do at your visit
- Exam and X-ray to find the source
- Same-day relief when appropriate (e.g., drainage, start antibiotics when indicated)
- Definitive care or referral (root canal, extraction, or oral surgeon)
When to go to the ER immediately
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling spreading to the eye or down the neck
- High fever or rapidly worsening pain
Costs, insurance & same-day appointments of an emergency dentist in Duluth, GA
We accept many insurance plans and offer financing options. We hold same-day emergency slots—call 770-232-5255 and we’ll get you in.
Video chapters
- 00:00 – Why swelling needs urgent care
- 00:19 – What causes swelling
- 00:46 – What we do at your visit
- 01:06 – Treat here vs. refer
- 01:11 – Call now / next steps
FAQs
Is facial swelling always an emergency?
Not always, but swelling from a tooth or gum infection can worsen quickly. Same-day evaluation prevents complications.
Will antibiotics alone fix dental swelling?
They may reduce infection temporarily, but definitive dental treatment (drainage, root canal, or extraction) is usually required.
Can I wait a few days?
Delaying care increases the risk of the infection spreading to the eye, neck, or airway. Call today for a same-day visit.
Do you accept walk-ins for swelling?
Yes—call ahead and we’ll hold the next emergency slot: 770-232-5255.
Full Transcript
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
(0:00) Hey guys, I just wanted to talk about one of the emergencies that you can have that you absolutely need to see a dental professional for as soon as possible.
(0:05) One of the emergencies that I think is super important to see either a general dentist or an oral surgeon for is swelling.
(0:19) Swelling can happen for many reasons. It could be from a tooth, it could be from the gum, or it could be from trauma. But when you do have swelling, you have to be careful because it can become life-threatening.
(0:32) It could either go to your brain or go into your throat, and then you can’t breathe. Or you may also need to go to the hospital for that.
(0:46) But usually they’re pretty minor and can be handled very quickly and easily at a dental office.
(0:56) So you want to come in, we’ll take an X-ray, we’ll check your mouth, we’ll give you options, and we’ll tell you why it’s happening.
(1:02) We’ll either refer you to a specialist or we’ll be able to treat it here at the office.
(1:11) But make sure to call to make an appointment as soon as possible and we will be happy to take care of it for you. Thank you.
Serving Duluth, Johns Creek, Suwanee, Norcross/Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, Sugar Hill, and Buford.
