Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection
Posted by writeradmin
I have a very infected tooth. There was swelling up to my right eye. I went to see a dentist who provided me with some antibiotics. I’ve been taking them twice a day since. They helped for a while, but now the pain is back and the swelling has returned. Now it is up to my temple. Do I need a different antibiotic than the one I’ve been given? I’m currently taking Keflex 500mg, twice a day.
John
Dear John,
I am glad you wrote. Antibiotics alone will not solve a tooth infection. They can temporarily hold an infection at bay or get it more under control while awaiting treatment, but it will not cure anything. Once the antibiotic has done all it could or runs out, then your infection will flare back up. This is what is happening to you now.
Your dentist should have told you that you’d need a follow up appointment soon. In order to fix a tooth infection, then you’d need a dentist to physically remove the infected pulp. There are only two ways to treat an infected tooth. The first is with a root canal treatment. The second is with a tooth extraction. A root canal is the ideal treatment because it saves your tooth, especially the root. But, if the tooth is too far gone, then an extraction may be necessary.
In that case you will want to replace the tooth as well, so that your bite isn’t thrown off by teeth shifting or tipping into the empty space, which can lead to painful TMJ Disorder. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant, but there are other options as well.
Your tooth infection has spread and is now a dental emergency. I would call the dentist back ASAP and let them know what is going on. They should get you in right away and get this treated. If they can’t then they could send you to a root canal specialist who can get you in.
You don’t want to put this off. These type of infections can turn life threatening. Your infection has reached your temple. You don’t want it to get to your brain.
This blog is brought to you by Birmingham, AL Dentist Dr. Thomas Dudney.
