Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders
Facial Fullness
What is a it?
As the name suggests a facial swelling is a unilateral or bilateral swelling that occurs to a person’s face. This can also however can be the feeling or sensation of fullness or swelling despite no obvious swelling being present or only a subtle swelling noticeable to the person affected.
Signs and Symptoms
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Swelling with or without pain.
Causes
Facial swellings can be caused by a number of things:
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Salivary gland pathology for example is a common cause as are tumours or infections .
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Temporomandibular joint disorders
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Dental causes
In other situations, perceived facial swelling can be part of a pain disorder.
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Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgia
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Other headache disorders
Diagnosis
Detailed history, examination and imaging is often required to come to a diagnosis depending on the condition causing the facial swelling.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling. If it is cause by dental pathology, the Clinician at Perth Oral Medicine and Dental Sleep Centre will liaise with your dentist for the quickest resolution. If non dental pathology is the cause then appropriate non-surgical or surgical management will occur.
Recovery
Full recovery is expected for people whose swelling is identified early and has an organic cause – ie salivary gland problem . Others with neurological pain conditions or temporomandibular dysfunction may require longer follow-up and recovery times.