The patient’s sudden facial swelling, fever, and difficulty swallowing following a dental extraction strongly suggest a deep neck space infection. These infections often arise from odontogenic sources and can rapidly progress, causing airway compromise. Prompt recognition and early surgical drainage combined with intravenous antibiotics are critical to prevent life-threatening complications such as airway obstruction or mediastinitis. Unlike mumps or angioedema, the presence of fever and recent dental procedure point toward a bacterial infection involving deep fascial spaces. Imaging and securing the airway are essential initial steps in management.

Reference: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Bennett et al., 9th Edition.