Amoxicillin is usually the first choice for tooth infection treatment. If your tooth infection is more serious, your dentist may prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and another drug called Clavulanate. This combination is stronger and more effective against tooth infections.
Usually, within 2-3 days, you'll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection. On average, a full course of antibiotics takes 7 to 14 days to complete depending on the type used.
An antibiotic alone will not heal an infected tooth. This is just one of the reasons it is considered a dental emergency. A dentist has to physically get in there and remove the infected pulp. Generally, there are two ways to do that: a root canal treatment or, if that is not possible, a tooth extraction.
To summarize, a dentist can easily pull an infected tooth out. However, to prevent the bacteria from infecting other sites, dentists prefer to either drain the abscess or reduce the infection with the help of antibiotics first. This way, there won't be any alarming results after.
In conclusion, the maximum period that an untreated tooth abscess can sustain is 12 months or more. But, such longevity is associated with dangerous complications such as sepsis or even death. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!
Antibiotics will not cure toothache, they will only mask the problem until you have something done about the tooth itself. They may stop the pain for a few days, weeks or even months, but it will always come back with a vengeance!
Ibuprofen is the preferred painkiller for dental abscesses, but if you're unable to take it for medical reasons, you can take paracetamol instead.
Leaving an infection to spread to your facial bones may eventually necessitate surgical removal to stop it. Even in minor cases, a tooth infection can cause the bone structures of your jaw to weaken, making it hard to support your teeth.
Amoxicillin is usually the first choice for tooth infection treatment. If your tooth infection is more serious, your dentist may prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and another drug called Clavulanate. This combination is stronger and more effective against tooth infections.
The answer from the dentist shouldn't surprise you because they routinely pull infected teeth. Dentists are aware that nothing will benefit you more than getting rid of the root cause of the problem with your tooth. The extraction relieves pain and provides a predictable resolution to the infection in your mouth.
For dental abscess, prescribe a course of amoxicillin for up to 5 days (review after 3 days): Adults: 500 mg to 1000 mg three times a day.
How can I tell if the antibiotics are working for tooth infection? If your antibiotics are working, the symptoms of your tooth infection will begin to subside. Your fever, fatigue, pain, and/or swelling will decrease. If your symptoms persist or get worse, contact your dentist right away.
Reduce pain and swelling in your face and jaw by putting ice or a cold pack on the outside of your cheek. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Avoid using tobacco products.
The pain from a mouth abscess comes when the infection reaches your nerve. The infection of your tooth has gotten so bad, it has created a pocket of pus under your gumline. The pus pocket at the nerve ending is what causes such severe pain.
In general, non-NSAIDs and even opioids aren't very effective for toothache pain. If over-the-counter painkillers are not working for your toothache, call your dentist right away. You may need another medication, such as an antibiotic, in preparation for having the tooth pain fixed.
If you are on antibiotic therapy for several days and see the infection worsening, you must contact the doctor who prescribed your antibiotic. Some bacteria are resistant to certain types of antibiotics and not changing the antibiotic in a timely fashion can lead to significant problems.
Definitive treatment for a dental abscess can only be given by a dentist, not your GP.
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.