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.