Swelling on the Right Cheek: ENT Concerns Explained

There is a small swelling on the right cheek?

Hello, Doctor: In the past few months, I have experienced occasional swelling on the right side of my face, which occurs every few days or weeks.
The symptoms are as follows: 1.
There is a small swelling on the lower right cheek, but the skin on my face appears normal, with no redness or acne.
2.
There is no pain inside my teeth, and my bite feels normal.
3.
The lower right molar is a dental prosthesis (which has been in place for many years, and the dental nerve has been removed).
If I press or touch the outer side of this molar, there is a noticeable swelling inside the oral cavity, and it is slightly painful when pressed.
4.
If I do not press on it, there is no pain, and I can open my mouth normally.
Could this be inflammation related to the dental prosthesis? (But there is no pain in the teeth.) If I need to go to the hospital, should I see an "Ear, Nose, and Throat" specialist? Thank you.

Xiao Xiang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/05/12

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Dear Xiao Xiang,
If there is no toothache, you may first visit the ENT department at the hospital to check if it is an issue with the submandibular salivary gland.
Wishing you peace and good health.

Sincerely,
Director Zheng Jue-Yi
ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2014/05/12

More Info

Understanding the swelling on your right cheek involves considering various potential causes, particularly in the context of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) concerns. Based on your description, it seems that the swelling is localized to the lower right side of your face, with no associated redness or skin changes, and the absence of pain in the teeth suggests that the issue may not be directly related to dental problems, despite the presence of a dental prosthesis.

The swelling you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors:
1. Dental Issues: Even though you mentioned that the tooth does not hurt, it is still possible that there is an underlying issue related to the dental implant or the surrounding gum tissue. Sometimes, infections or inflammation can occur in the area around a dental prosthesis, leading to localized swelling. This could be due to peri-implantitis, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues surrounding an implant.

2. Salivary Gland Problems: The swelling could also be related to the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, which is located near the cheek. Conditions such as sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland) or a blocked salivary duct could lead to intermittent swelling. If the swelling is associated with eating or drinking, it might indicate a problem with saliva flow.

3. Cysts or Tumors: Another possibility is the presence of a cyst or benign tumor in the area. These can sometimes cause swelling without pain and may fluctuate in size. A common type of cyst in this region is a mucocele, which can occur due to blocked salivary glands.

4. Lymphatic Issues: Swelling could also be due to lymphatic drainage issues, such as lymphadenopathy, where lymph nodes in the area become enlarged due to infection or other causes. However, you mentioned that there is no pain or discomfort when not touching the area, which might make this less likely.

5. Infection: While you noted that there is no pain, some infections can present with swelling without significant discomfort, especially if they are in the early stages or are localized.

Given these possibilities, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. An ENT specialist would be appropriate for this situation, as they can assess both the dental and ENT aspects of your symptoms. They may perform a physical examination, possibly including imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan, to better understand the cause of the swelling.

In summary, while the swelling on your right cheek may not be directly related to your dental prosthesis, it is essential to investigate further to rule out any underlying conditions. Visiting an ENT specialist will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management options. It is important to address these symptoms promptly to ensure that any potential issues are identified and treated effectively.

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