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What Causes Swelling In The Temporal Region While Having Tooth Infection?

Posted on Mon, 27 Feb 2017

Question: I have swelling above my ear and it's painful due to a tooth infection is this an emergency

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on health care magic.
There can be following possibilities for swelling above the ear in the temple region:
1.)The swelling over temple can be due to infection progressing from the infected tooth area to temporal space..
2.)Insect bite is a common cause of the swelling in the temple region.
3.)Allergy,commonly caused due to food,may cause swelling over the face/temple region.
4.)Temporal Arteritis in which the blood vessels near the temple region get inflamed and cause swelling.
5.)Skin infection-when you get skin infection on the upper part of face such as acne,or a boil,it can result in swelling of temple.
6.)Conjuctivitis,ear infection or sinus infection are also common causes for swelling in the temple region.
You have already taken a course of antibiotic for tooth infection.I would advise you to consult again a Dentist to have check up of the tooth and if found normal,then it would be advisable to consult an Otolaryngologist(ENT) doctor to have examination of ear,nose,sinuses,and head to rule out any infection.
At present,you may take Analgesic with Anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen.
Hope this answers your question.I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (58 minutes later)

it hurts less when I lay down and hurts most upon standing

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for your reply.

There might be following possibilites for the swelling over the temporal region to hurt more upon standing as compared to laying down-there might be fluid collection in the swelling and gravitational force might be acting to cause more pain during standing.

Hope this answers your query.Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (10 hours later)

can I get a radiograph at a hospital ?

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Orthopantogram

Detailed Answer:
Hi,welcome back.

I would be advisable to have an Orthopantogram Xray-which would help to find if the swelling in the temporal region is due to the tooth infection.

Hope this answers your question.Get well soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Riddhi Shah (47 minutes later)

now the pain and swelling has moved behind my ear almost to the back of my head

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Might be fluid collection in the swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hi,welcome back.

There might be fluid collection in the swelling due to which it has moved from temporal region to behind your ear.

I would advise you to kindly consult a Dentist.And if the swelling is not related to tooth pain,then consult an Otolaryngologist Doctor.

Hope this answers your query.Take care.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj