Drug resistance by a particular bacteria is a major drawback. Therefore, analyzing the diagnosis and prescribing the antibiotic accordingly is the first step. The dentist might simply drain the infected area, remove the infected area of the tooth, or simply fix it by the root canal treatment. Dentists generally avoid recommending antibiotics, unless the spreading nature of the infection is severe, or if the person suffering has a weakened immune system.
In case of spontaneous pain, the diagnosis is often related to the pulpal inflammation. This pulpal inflammation does not necessarily have bacteria. Hence, antibiotics are of no use in such cases. In the other cases, where the pain is of a chronic type and the sensitivity test comes back negative, there is a possibility that the pulp is dead, and this area of necrosis has become home to some bacteria.
Here, even though the bacteria is present causing the infection in the pulp area, the source of infection in most cases is the tooth itself. As the pulp is dead, there is no blood supply, hence the infection is not systemic. An antibiotic should only be used when the source of infection is systemic. Modern advancements in dentistry, improvements in oral health including the invention of the toothbrush and toothpaste , and antibiotics have considerably improved the outlook for tooth infection patients.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has a tooth infection, seek dental care immediately. Most tooth infections do not resolve on their own and require medical intervention to treat properly. Even if your abscess ruptures on its own, it may not empty completely, leaving bacteria to potentially develop into serious, sometimes life-threatening infections in other parts of your body.
If your infection does resolve on its own, it is likely to recur unless the underlying gum or tooth disease is treated by your dentist. While any doctor or healthcare provider can prescribe treatments such as antibiotics that will help temporarily, if you experience pain, swelling, tenderness, or other symptoms that you believe may be related to a dental abscess, tooth infection, or injury, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, develop a fever or swelling under your tongue, or suffer from any other indication that your infection might be spreading to other parts of your body, go to your nearest emergency room.
Did you know you can get affordable treatment for your tooth infection with K Health? Sarah Malka is a board certified emergency medicine physician with K Health. She completed her residency at Harvard Medical School. By Sarah Malka, MD. Medically reviewed. Table of contents. Frequently Asked Questions What antibiotic is best for tooth infections? Penicillin and amoxicillin are commonly used and effective for many dental infections, but your dentist or healthcare provider will pick an antibiotic based on your medical history, allergies, type of infection, other medications, and symptom severity.
Antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin are most commonly used to help treat tooth infections. Erythromycin is an alternative to penicillin and can be prescribed in its place. Just to be clear, these natural remedies may deter the infection from spreading, but you should always consult your dentist right away just to be safe. If your dentist prescribes antibiotics, follow the instructions carefully and finish the prescription.
Even if the infection seems mild, it can quickly become serious without proper treatment. Antibiotic treatment for a tooth infection is just one part of the solution.
In reality, most tooth infections require work on the actual tooth itself to clear up completely. Some OTC remedies may also help people control the symptoms of their infection.
There may also be some helpful practices a person can try at home to help ease symptoms, such as:. Adopting good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing each day and seeing a dentist for regular checkups, may help prevent tooth infections and their complications.
Although antibiotics may help clear up a tooth infection, they are only one part of the solution. Most tooth infections require a dental procedure, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, to completely clear up. Prompt treatment is important to keep the infection from spreading.
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