Areas of practice
Inflammatory and Other Maxillofacial Conditions
Assessment and treatment of inflammatory and other conditions of the jaws, salivary glands and facial soft tissues.
Overview
Inflammatory processes in the maxillofacial region can affect the jaw bones, salivary glands, soft tissues and lymph nodes. Some develop slowly, others quickly.
Treatment depends on the cause and may be medical, surgical or a combination of both.
Topics in this area
Salivary Gland Inflammation and Salivary Stones
Assessment and treatment of salivary gland inflammation (sialadenitis) and salivary stones (sialolithiasis).
Jaw Cysts — Surgical Removal
Assessment and surgical removal of cysts in the upper and lower jaw, with histological examination of the removed tissue.
Who may need an evaluation
- Recurrent swelling in the region of the salivary glands.
- Chronic inflammatory processes of the jaw bones.
- Cysts and other lesions of the maxillofacial region.
What the consultation may include
- A discussion of your symptoms, how long they have lasted and any treatment so far.
- A clinical examination and, where needed, further investigations.
- A discussion of the possible treatment options.
What to bring
- An identity document and, where applicable, a referral from your GP or specialist.
- Existing medical records: discharge summaries, outpatient notes and test results.
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI) on a disc or other digital medium, together with the written reports.
- A list of your current medicines, known allergies and chronic conditions.
Treatment planning principles
- Establishing the cause is the first step towards appropriate treatment.
- Treatment takes into account general health and other medical conditions.
Risks, alternatives and individual variation
Rapidly increasing swelling of the face or neck, high fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing require emergency medical care.
Every surgical procedure carries general risks — for example those related to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, delayed healing or scarring. The specific risks depend on your health, and on the type and extent of the procedure.
Possible alternatives — including observation, non-surgical treatment or referral to another specialist — are discussed openly during the consultation.
Outcomes and recovery time vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Frequently asked questions
When is facial swelling an emergency?
When it grows quickly, comes with a high fever, or makes breathing, speaking or swallowing difficult. In that case, call 112.
This information does not replace a medical examination. Whether a treatment is suitable for you, and who will perform it, is determined after an individual consultation.