Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Facial Swelling and Dental Infection Care in Selkirk
Swelling of the face or gums can mean a dental infection. Selkirk patients can learn which signs need hospital care and when to call our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsSwelling is a warning sign
Dental infections can spread, so timing matters.
Facial or gum swelling linked to a tooth often means an infection has developed, typically from deep decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease or a partly erupted wisdom tooth. Swelling may come with throbbing pain, a bad taste, fever or tenderness. Some infections stay localized, while others spread into surrounding tissues and become dangerous.
For Selkirk residents, the question is often whether to drive to a dentist or go straight to hospital. Serious signs listed above need emergency medical care. For milder, localized swelling, phone our Port Dover office promptly so the team can discuss your symptoms and arrange an appropriate assessment.
Judge the severity
Know which symptoms change the plan.
Signs that need hospital care
Swelling that is spreading quickly, swelling under the jaw or tongue, swelling near the eye, difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening the mouth, high fever, confusion or feeling very unwell are signs of a potentially serious infection. These require emergency medical care right away. Do not wait for a dental appointment, and do not drive yourself if you feel unwell.
Signs that need prompt dental care
Localized gum swelling, a small bump on the gum, mild facial swelling, a bad taste or tenderness around one tooth still need prompt dental assessment. Call the office the same day if you can. Infections rarely resolve without treatment, and early care can reduce the chance of the infection spreading or becoming more difficult to manage.
While waiting
Supportive steps until you are seen.
Comfort measures
Rinse gently with warm salt water to help keep the area clean. Over-the-counter pain relief taken as directed on the label, and appropriate for your health, may help. A cold compress on the outside of the face for short periods might ease discomfort. Stay hydrated and rest. Keep monitoring the swelling for any change.
Things to avoid
Avoid applying heat to the face, which may encourage swelling. Do not try to squeeze or pierce a swelling. Avoid placing aspirin or other medications directly on the gum. Do not use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness. If symptoms worsen while you wait, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for the appointment.
Treatment
Treating the cause is the key step.
Finding and treating the source
The dentist will examine the area and take X-rays to identify the source. Treatment may include draining the infection, cleaning out the tooth through root canal treatment, extracting the tooth or deep cleaning around an infected gum pocket. In some cases, especially with extensive swelling, a referral to an oral surgeon or hospital may be needed.
When antibiotics are used
Antibiotics may be prescribed for spreading infections or for patients with certain health conditions, but they usually do not replace dental treatment. Take them exactly as directed and complete the course as instructed. Swelling may reduce with antibiotics, but the source still needs treatment to prevent the infection from returning.
Recovery
Follow-up confirms the infection has cleared.
Signs of improvement
Swelling and pain usually begin to settle within a few days of appropriate treatment, though this varies. Follow aftercare advice closely. Contact the office if swelling increases, fever develops or pain worsens rather than improves. Seek emergency medical care for any breathing or swallowing difficulty at any point during recovery.
Completing care
If a root canal was started, it will need to be completed and the tooth restored. If a tooth was removed, discuss replacement once healing allows. Attend follow-up appointments so the dentist can confirm the infection has resolved and check for any other teeth that might be at risk.
Planning your appointment
Calling about swelling from Selkirk.
If swelling is mild and localized, phone our Port Dover office right away and describe it. The team will discuss urgency and availability. For serious signs, go to emergency care first.
Have your medication list ready and mention recent antibiotics, allergies and any health conditions that affect your immune system.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Swelling and infection questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
When should I go to the hospital for dental swelling?
Go immediately for swelling that spreads quickly, reaches the eye or neck, or comes with difficulty breathing, swallowing or opening the mouth, a high fever or feeling very unwell. Call 911 if needed, and do not drive yourself while unwell.
Can antibiotics alone cure a dental infection?
Usually not. Antibiotics may help limit the spread of infection, but the source, such as an infected tooth or gum pocket, typically still needs dental treatment. Take any prescription exactly as directed and keep the follow-up appointments you are given.
Should I put heat on my swollen face?
It is generally advised to avoid heat on swelling linked to a dental infection. A cold compress used for short periods may be more appropriate for comfort. Follow the dental team’s guidance and seek urgent care if the swelling keeps increasing.
Can a swollen tooth be saved?
Often it can, through root canal treatment followed by a suitable restoration such as a crown. Sometimes extraction is the more predictable option. The dentist will explain the choices and their outlook after examining the tooth and reviewing the X-rays.
Why did my swelling go down but the pain continues?
Swelling may ease if an infection drains on its own or responds to antibiotics, but the underlying cause usually remains. Contact the office so the source can be properly treated, which helps prevent the infection from flaring up again later.
Related infection treatments
Dental Emergencies →Dental Abscess Treatment →
Throbbing pain, a gum boil or swelling can signal a dental abscess. Selkirk patients should call our Port Dover office promptly to arrange assessment.
Emergency Dentistry →
From sudden tooth pain to a broken crown, urgent dental problems need clear next steps. Selkirk residents can call our Port Dover office for guidance.