Tooth Abscess Antibiotics

Tooth abscess, also known as dental abscess and root abscess, is a condition in which pus is collected in the tissues surrounding a tooth, due to a bacterial infection. It usually occurs in the tissues around a decayed tooth or due to a failed root canal. Tooth abscess is of three types - a periodontal abscess, a gingival abscess and a periapical abscess. A gingival abscess occurs in the gum tissue without affecting the tooth, a periapical abscess occurs in the dental pulp or the root of a tooth, and a periodontal abscess occurs in the tissues and bones of a tooth.

The practice of prescribing antibiotics for an abscessed tooth before extracton has died out. It used to be the norm many years ago, but no longer is. Once the tooth is removed, the abscess is gone as well.

That being said, you cannot get antibiotics over the counter for the reason mentioned by the dental student. They have been overused and often times do not work. You need to at least see a dentist to get a prescription for the correct amount of antibiotics to treat your particular case. Do not take any that have been prescribed to someone else and that they have left over. Antibiotics are designed to be taken at specific intervals and a person must take all of the prescribed amount for them to work properly.

Also, it usually takes about 3 to 4 days for the abscess to start to go down once you are on antibiotics, so you will still have pain. When you see the dentist ask for pain pills in addition the the antibiotics. but if you can afford the medications, you may be able to afford the extraction and be out of pain sooner.

The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for dental treatment are amoxicillin or penicillin.

•     Amoxicillin: It is used to cure and prevent infections, that can be caused or are caused by bacteria. They do not kill the bacteria, but stop them from multiplying by destroying their cell wall. Amoxicillin is available under various brand names like Amoxil, Dispermox and Trimox, in the form of tablets, capsules, chewable tablets and powder and tablets for suspension. It may cause some side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, itching and abdominal pain.
•     Metronidazole: It is used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, like anaerobic bacteria. It blocks a few of the functions of the infection causing bacteria within their cells which causes their death. Metronidazole is available under the brand name Flagyl, which is marketed by Pfizer in the form of tablets, capsules and injections. It may have a few side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, etc.
•     Clindamycin: This is prescribed for those allergic to antibiotics of the penicillin group. It prevents and eliminates infection, by stopping bacterial growth. It is available under the brand name Cleocin, in the form of tablets. It should be taken at equal intervals and for the prescribed duration, as stopping consumption early can cause the bacteria to grow again. It may have some side effects like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
•     Co-amoxiclav: This is an antibiotic containing a combination of potassium clavulanate and amoxicillin trihydrate. It is available under the brand names of Exclav, Augmentin, Synermox, etc. It may have minor side effects like diarrhea or nausea.

All the above mentioned tooth abscess antibiotics and other medications for tooth abscess, should be taken under the advise of a medical practitioner, if they are to be an effective tooth abscess remedy. Once the abscess has been cured, proper dental care is essential to avoid a recurring tooth abscess problem. All medications should be consumed till the prescribed duration, to cure an abscessed tooth and to prevent the re-occurrence of the infection, which may actually worsen the abscess problem. In case of a serious infection, a surgery or tooth extraction may be needed.