Facial Swelling
Facial Swelling
If your pet’s face appears swollen, it can be due to a tooth infection or abscess.
Originally published by Stephen Juriga, DVM · part of the AOSN network.
Signs you might notice
What you need to know
Periodontal disease, tooth trauma, dentigerous cyst, tumor or allergic reaction are other causes of facial swellings.
What you need to know
Dental x-ray is needed to evaluate the roots and bone for evidence of infection.
What's really going on
Periodontal disease, tooth trauma, dentigerous cyst, tumor or allergic reaction are other causes of facial swellings. Patients that present with a maxillary swelling (under the eye) should have an examination under anesthesia, periodontal probing, and radiographs of the teeth on the affected side.
Dental x-rays and probing are used to evaluate the roots and bone for evidence of infection. Diseased teeth need to be treated with root canal therapy or extraction therapy. Decision making is based on the specific tooth and your pet’s health status.
How it may look
How a specialist helps
If there are signs of infection, the diseased teeth may be treated with root canal therapy or extraction therapy.
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