Picture this: you just woke up with a sleepy face and caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. But something is different; you notice some redness on your face and have difficulty opening your mouth. If you’ve also experienced such instances, then there’s something more serious and should not be underestimated.
Signs such as swelling and redder skin could be telltale signs of facial infection, which often begin innocuously and can be easily overlooked. However, ignoring these symptoms can worsen the intensity of infection and lead to severe health issues. Recognizing the signs early and visiting an experienced maxillofacial surgeon can make all the difference in maintaining your overall well-being. So, let’s dive in and uncover what your skin might be trying to tell you.
What Are Facial Infections?
A facial infection is a condition characterized by the presence of inflammation, swelling, and pain in the facial region, typically arising from underlying dental issues such as caries (tooth decay) or periodontitis (gum disease). These infections can cause significant discomfort and may lead to complications if left untreated. However, timely intervention by a trusted maxillofacial surgeon can effectively treat and manage facial infections, alleviating symptoms and restoring oral health.
Symptoms Of Facial Infections
Here, we’ve listed common symptoms of facial infections so you can prevent the growth of infection by undergoing treatment at the hands of a maxillofacial surgeon:
- Redness
Areas of the face affected by infection often appear flushed or red due to inflammation.
- Swelling
Facial swelling, such as mild puffiness, can distort facial features due to inflammation around the area.
- Pain or tenderness
Infected areas may feel tender or painful to the touch, especially when pressure is applied.
- Warmth
The affected skin may feel warmer than other areas due to increased blood flow and inflammation.
- Pus or discharge
Infections may produce pus, a yellowish or greenish fluid consisting of bacteria, dead white blood cells, and tissue debris. Pus may drain from wounds, sores, or abscesses on the face.
- Fever
Systemic or more severe facial infections may accompany fever, chills, and general malaise.
- Difficulty moving the face
Infections affecting facial muscles or nerves may make it difficult to move certain areas of the face, such as the mouth or eyes.
- Tooth pain
Dental infections often manifest with localized tooth pain or discomfort, which may radiate to the surrounding facial areas.
When To See A Maxillofacial Surgeon
Facial infections can cause severe complications and even spread to other body parts if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have a facial infection.
It’s advised to see a surgeon if you see the below symptoms:
- Severe swelling or inflammation around your nose or neck
- High fever
- Pus-filled blisters
- Infection that slowly worsens with time
- Recurring infections
Emergency Signs and Symptoms
- Severe Swelling or Inflammation
You need urgent treatment if you’re experiencing persistent inflammation or swelling around your neck or nose.
- High fever
Having high fever is a common sign which should not be ignored. Seek medical help if the fever persists or worsens.
- Recurring Infections
If you experience recurrent facial infections, it may indicate an underlying dental or medical condition that requires further investigation and treatment.
Preventive Measures For Facial Infections
Facial infection can spread to other areas of the face, like the cheek or neck, if not treated in time. Triggers for these infections are factors like poor oral hygiene and uncontrolled sugar levels. By taking care, you can prevent such infections from worsening.
Here are some tips to follow:
- If you are a diabetic, take prescribed medicines on time to keep your sugar levels within the desired limits.
- Poor oral hygiene habits often trigger infections. So, maintain good dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing.
- Remember that only antibiotics will not fully cure your infections. Incision and drainage are crucial for complete treatment and prevention of recurrence.
Treatment Options for Facial Infections
Proper incision and drainage in your face, neck, or cheeks to drain pus is the most effective treatment for facial infections. In addition, your surgeon may prescribe a suitable antibiotic protocol to treat the infection.
Simply removing the affected teeth will not fully cure facial infections. Along with tooth extraction, your surgeon will completely remove pus from the affected area. An experienced maxillofacial surgeon will avoid using strong antibiotics injudiciously since they will only suppress the symptoms without removing the pus. Moreover, higher antibiotics can lead to complications in elderly people, diabetic patients, and those with compromised immune systems.
Immediately visit an experienced maxillofacial surgeon if you notice symptoms like pus discharge or redness. Don’t rely on home remedies like applying heat treatment or clove oil.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a facial infection, don’t take it lightly. Seek the help of a professional maxillofacial surgeon with experience in treating such infections to prevent unwanted consequences like the aggravation of pain or the spread of the infection to other parts. Only an experienced surgeon can do proper incision and drainage to affected parts like cheeks, neck, and face to completely remove the pus.
At Gnathos Facial, our expert maxillofacial surgeons will carefully assess the infection to identify its root cause. We avoid using strong antibiotics for treating facial infections as we know that they may adversely affect the health of elderly patients or people with conditions like diabetes. Our comprehensive approach combines advanced diagnostic techniques with personalized techniques to meet your unique needs and achieve optimal results.
Don’t let facial infections or other concerns compromise your well-being and confidence. Schedule an appointment at Gnathos Facial for a thorough examination, diagnosis, and treatment.