I had a tooth infection that started about a month ago. At that point, my dentist put me on ten days of Amoxicillin. I’m supposed to go and have the tooth extracted in about 5 weeks from now. But, ever since I took the antibiotics my tooth feels fine. Do I still need to keep the appointment that takes out the tooth? I’d like to keep it if possible.
Dennie
Dear Dennie,
I am a bit concerned about the dental care you are receiving. Antibiotics are only supposed to be prescribed to get an infection under control so that you can safely have the real treatment for your tooth infection done. However, that treatment ideally should be completed while you are still on the antibiotics.
You’ve already finished your antibiotics without treatment, which means your infection will return. I’m going to suggest you go to another dentist and have them look at it. If the tooth isn’t too far gone, you can have a root canal treatment on the infected tooth, which will save the tooth. If it is too far gone, then you will have to have it extracted.
You will need a tooth replacement in that case, as well. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. It is the closest thing to having a healthy natural tooth in your mouth again. Plus, the implant acts as a tooth root, which prevents you from having any bone loss in the area which is inevitable with any other replacement option.
I’m sorry this happened to you and wish your dentist had understood the protocol for treating an infected tooth better. Whatever dentist you call, make sure that you tell them the situation as you did for me. They may want to get you another antibiotic until they can get you in. Don’t be surprised if they call in a different one. Amoxicillin isn’t the best option for a tooth infection.
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