Dental abscesses start small but can have very serious effects.
A swollen face in relation to tooth discomfort means that the tooth has an abscess that has not found a way to drain on it’s own. An abscess forms when the body has detected a bacterial infection and “walled off” the affected area, but cannot naturally eliminate it. The associated swelling signifies a serious infection that has caused inflammation of the facial tissues. This is a health emergency and requires antibiotics and drainage of the abscess.