OpenHealth Q&A

Ongoing Facial Swelling with No Clear Resolution

Age: 29 Gender: Female Height: 5'5" Weight: 145 lbs Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: 3 months Affected Areas: Face and Neck Hello everyone, I'm reaching out for assistance, as I feel quite unsure about my next steps. It all began in April when I discovered an abscess above the site of a root canal I had undergone in 2023. Upon visiting my dentist, I found out that the root canal had become infected. I was referred to an endodontist who conducted two different procedural treatments for the infection. After the first treatment, I experienced significant swelling for a few days. By the end of April 2025, all treatment sessions had concluded. For about a month afterward, I dealt with occasional swelling, but then my face returned to its usual appearance. In June, when I returned to the dentist to replace my compromised crown from the infection treatment, I was fitted with a temporary crown that fell out several times. Fortunately, I managed to reattach it using dental glue, and I also returned to the office to have them fix it. After receiving the permanent crown, however, swelling reoccurred, but only on the left side of my face, corresponding to the site of the infected tooth. The endodontist reviewed scans and assured me there was no active infection and that healing was progressing well; he advised me to be patient. After consulting my primary care physician, she expressed uncertainty about how to assist me, but referred me for a neck ultrasound because my lymph nodes were enlarged. This ultrasound showed normal findings, yet it noted that my left-side lymph nodes were indeed enlarged but not a cause for concern. Given my history of jaw surgery, I consulted an oral surgeon to ensure that my plates and screws were intact. He reported that everything appeared fine, though he did find a small periapical lesion above the root canal site, which he stated shouldn't be causing the swelling and is typical during the healing phase. As of late July 2025, I am still experiencing some facial swelling. While it's not excessively pronounced, I can feel a fullness. I sought help from a lymphatic specialist for massages, thinking it could relate to lymphatic issues, but without success. Additionally, I've been adhering to anti-inflammatory protocols through supplements and dietary changes for over two weeks, but haven't seen any improvement. Recently, I ended up in the ER due to the swelling and was given IV antibiotics which provided temporary relief, but a CT scan with contrast yielded no significant findings. Lab tests, including urine and bloodwork, came back normal, and I was prescribed Augmentin, but after four days, I haven't noticed notable changes. Has anyone here dealt with similar issues or have suggestions on what I might try next or insights into what could be happening? Thank you for any advice you can share!

Answers (1)

8/1/2025, 10:31:04 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with ongoing facial swelling, and I want to acknowledge how frustrating that can be, especially after all the dental treatments and consultations you've had. Let's break down your situation and explore some actionable steps you can take.

Main Points:

1. Ongoing Facial Swelling: You've experienced swelling for several months despite thorough evaluations and treatments.
2. Previous Evaluations: Multiple specialists have ruled out infections and other serious issues, leaving open the possibility of inflammation or other non-infectious causes.
3. Current Management: You’ve tried anti-inflammatory supplements and massages without significant relief.

Explanation:

Facial swelling can result from various causes, including inflammation, lymphatic issues, and sometimes, medication reactions. In your case, while infections seem ruled out, the lingering symptoms suggest that inflammation or another underlying issue might still be at play. It's common for swelling to occur after dental procedures, but ongoing symptoms that don’t resolve are concerning.

Next Steps:

Here are some prioritized steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

1. Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Track your swelling, including when it occurs, any associated symptoms (like pain or warmth), dietary intake, and when it improves or worsens. This can help identify triggers and provide useful information for future consultations.

2. Consult a Specialist: Since anti-inflammatories and massages haven't helped, consider asking for a referral to a specialist who focuses on inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, or perhaps an allergist to explore possible allergic reactions contributing to your symptoms.

3. Maintain Gentle Care: Continue with gentle self-care practices:

   • Stay hydrated to support overall body function and help with any inflammation.
   • Apply warm compresses to the face, which can sometimes reduce swelling and improve circulation.
   • Monitor any signs of food sensitivities or reactions, as dietary changes could help identify potential triggers.

4. Explore Physical Therapy: If lymphatic drainage has not provided relief, a physical therapist specialized in manual therapy or lymphatic techniques can help assess your condition further and provide tailored exercises.

5. Stay in Touch with Your Care Team: Since your primary care physician and specialists are involved, keep them updated on any changes in your condition. Ensure to discuss any new symptoms, especially if they worsen.

Addressing persistent symptoms can be frustrating, but continue advocating for yourself. Be patient, as healing can take time, and stay connected to your healthcare team for ongoing support. Let me know if you have any further questions or if you'd like details on any of these steps!