Face & Jaw Infections

Jaw infections predominantly occur due to infections arising from teeth and gums. Infections of the jaws spread to the cheek, neck, and other areas of the face.

Symptoms:

Swelling of face,neck and cheeks
Severe, persistent throbbing pain
Pus discharge from mouth
Redness of skin over the swelling
Fever
Severe Headache
Inability / difficulty to open mouth
Difficulty in swallowing
Difficulty in breathing in severe or neglected cases

Who are at risk?

Treatment:

Incison and drainage should be done. any infections of face , neck and cheeks should be drained of pus under strict asceptic conditions and proper antibiotic protocol. In cases where the tooth is the source of infection, it can be saved and treated if proper pus evacuation is done.

Myths about jaw infections:

01. Removal Of Offending Tooth Clears Infection

Only removal of offending tooth may not always clear the infection because the ortal for evacuation of pus is very small. Incision and drainage should be done to remove the pus and infection completely.

02. Use Of Stronger Antibiotics Treats Infections

Injudicious use of antibiotics is harmful for general health of the patient. Use of higher antibiotics to supress infection without evacuation of pus can many times lead to severe symptoms especially in elderly with comorbidities like diabetes and imunecompromise. Minimal antibiotic use would cure infection if proper incision and drainage id done.

03. Incision And Drainage Leaves Scars On Face

All the incisions to drain pus from facial spaces are given from inside the mouth. So there is absolutely no risk of scar. If a skin incision is required in case of extensive infections , the incions are small and placed such that they are hidden in skin fold and does not leave any scar.

04. Incision And Drainage Is Painful

There will be some discomfort and pain if the procedure is done under local anesthesia. It is easier and comfortable to undergo the procedure in general anesthesia especially in case of severe infections.

Need Help?

FAQ's

Are all swellings infectious?

No, all swellings are not due to infections.

How to identify facial infections?

Infectious swellings are soft and fluctuant with redness over the skin and are many times associated with severe pain and fever.

Is incision and drinage the only way to treat face infections?

Mild infections can sometimes be removed by simply treating the cause of infection but it always requires higher antibiotics which is not good for general health especially in kids and elderly. Since incision and drainage ensures complete evacuation of pus , antibiotic and pain killer medication requirement will be minimised and the recovery will be quick.