Procedures

Facial Infections

Infections of the jaws and facial bones can come from a variety of sources. The most common source is an abscessed tooth. Infection follows the path of least resistance, so the location of facial swelling varies depending on which tooth is involved. Everyone responds differently when an infection occurs. Some patients are able to keep the infection localized and under control. With other patients, the infection may spread and cause fever, swelling, sore throat, and a general malaise. It is important to seek consultation whenever an area of pain exists in the mouth, so that serious complications do not develop. Do not ignore the important signs of pain and fever, as they usually indicate the likelihood of a significant infection.

Most infections are treated by antibiotic medications, and most importantly, by removal of the source of the infection. Warm salt water rinses are also helpful to increase blood flow to the area. Serious infections require surgical drainage of the involved area. This is known as an "incision and drainage" procedure.

Usually, an infection of a tooth in the lower jaw will lead to swelling in the lower jaw. A small infection like this can cause an abscess that can spread down the throat, and can even travel to the chest cavity.

Infections of the upper teeth usually spread to the cheek and the area under the eye. Some of the veins in this area do not have valves, so blood can flow backward and in extremely severe cases, spread infection to an area under the brain, known as the cavernous sinus.