Why has my Dentist Prescribed Antibiotics?
While antibiotics are a common treatment for bacterial infections, they can also cause unwanted side effects. In some cases, you might suffer from nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. Moreover, too much antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, so it’s important to take these medications only as prescribed. You can discuss your treatment options with your dentist to ensure that you get the best treatment for your particular situation.
First of all, if you have an abscessed tooth, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. This will help prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body and triggering certain diseases. If the infection is not severe, you may be able to treat it yourself. Antibiotics are not necessary for every case of tooth infection and are usually prescribed only to people with a weakened immune system.
Generally, a dentist will prescribe amoxicillin for the treatment of a tooth infection. However, in severe cases, your dentist may prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate, a stronger and more effective antibiotic. However, you should note that certain strains of bacteria may be resistant to amoxicillin and require a stronger antibiotic. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend clindamycin or metronidazole.
Once the antibiotics have taken effect, you may experience some relief. However, you should take them for the full prescribed period. In most cases, antibiotics are taken for three to seven days. If you do not feel better after a few days, you should consult a dentist immediately. Your dentist will prescribe you antibiotics based on the severity of your pain and your response to the antibiotic.
When a tooth infection becomes more severe, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from progressing. In some cases, a patient will require a dental procedure to drain the abscess or remove dead tissue. More serious infections may require antibiotic treatment for weeks or months. It’s important to follow the treatment instructions prescribed by your dentist to avoid any further complications.
Another option to consider is clindamycin, a drug that’s less susceptible to resistance than penicillin-class drugs. It can be taken in dosages of 300 or 600 mg every eight hours, depending on the amount of bacteria infected. Another option, azithromycin, works against a wide variety of bacteria. It can stop bacteria from multiplying, which makes it an effective tooth infection treatment. However, your dentist may not recommend azithromycin if you have a history of penicillin-class allergies.
Your dentist may ask you additional questions, depending on your responses. You should always be prepared for your visit. Your answers will help him assess your needs. The more information you provide him, the more accurate the treatment you can expect. Do not hesitate to discuss your treatment options with your dentist. Your dentist will be happy to help you.