Taking Antibiotics for an Infected Tooth
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I had a tooth that appeared to get infected. I went to see a dentist and he prescribed me Keflex. I’ve taken it diligently. Things were going fine and the tooth was improving. A day or so before I ran out of the pills, the tooth started hurting a little again. Now I am completely out. Do I call to get a refill or should I ask for a different antibiotic?
Tom
Dear Tom,
I’m a bit concerned here for two reasons. First, your dentist’s choice of antibiotic. That’s not what I would typically prescribe for an infected tooth, but it’s not the end of the world. The second, and more important, issue, is that your dentist should have explained to you that you’d need a follow up appointment in order to truly deal with the tooth infection. Antibiotics do not cure tooth infections. The most they can do is temporarily hold the infection at bay. Then, when they run out, the infection will return and that antibiotic will likely be ineffective.
The only way to truly get rid of a tooth infection is for the dentist to physically remove the infected pulp. The ideal way to do that is with a root canal treatment. This is because it will save your tooth. If a root canal treatment is not possible, then you will have to have the tooth extracted.
My big concern at the moment is that your infection has blown back up. I would consider this a dental emergency. It will start to spread outside of your tooth. People still die from untreated tooth infections every year.
I want you to go back and see this dentist right away. Call them today. If it turns out that you cannot save the tooth and the tooth needs to be extracted, then you’ll need to replace the tooth. Otherwise the adjacent teeth will either shift or tip into the empty space. This will throw off your bite and lead to painful TMJ Disorder. Hopefully, it won’t come to that and the tooth can be saved.
This blog is brought to you by Arnold MD Dentist Dr. Meredith Esposito