A tooth infection or Abscess is the result of bacteria entering the pulp chamber of the tooth and causing inflammation of the pulp tissue leading to the formation of pus in the periapical area which is called an abscess. Antibiotics to get rid of tooth infection is preferred in many cases before starting the treatment to remove the source of the infection. A tooth which is infected should be treated endodontically (Root Canal) or extracted if it is at a stage where it cannot be saved with a Root canal.
There are many other causes of tooth infection which need to be addressed as well such as Impactions, Periodontal Infections, Tooth fractures, Abrasions, Attritions etc. which can also be the cause of Pain. These causes of pain cannot be healed with Antibiotics alone and need treatment, in such cases depending only on Antibiotics to treat the pain or infection is not sufficient.
In case of tooth infections or abscess, the dentist prescribes Antibiotics to decrease the concentration of the bacteria in the site of infection. There are two types of Antibiotics which are given in case of infections – Bacteriostatic (controls the growth of bacteria) and Bactericidal (kills the bacteria). It is important to first diagnose the cause of the Abscess or Tooth infection which can be due to Decay or Gingival infection.
How much time does an Antibiotic take to decrease tooth abscess or infection?
The time taken for the Antibiotic to start acting on your tooth infection depends on many factors. Will be listing out all the factors and you need to keep in mind that Antibiotics are used to decrease the bacteria population and not pain which is done by NSAID’s.
The normal or average time taken for the effect of Antibiotics on a tooth abscess or infection is “24 to 48 hours”.
- Type of Antibiotic prescribed – Bacteriostatic or Bacteriocidal (Ex. Penicillin’s)
- Bioavailability of the drug,
- Route of administration (orally or I.V or I.M), IV has the fastest action and oral the slowest.
- Type and spread of infection (local or systemic)
In case of a tooth infection with swelling the time taken for the Antibiotic to act is delayed as there will be two types of bacteria in the infection – Aerobic and Aneorobic (grows without the need for oxygen).
In some cases where there is an infection caused due to both Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria, two types of Antibiotics are required. Along with Antibiotics, painkillers are prescribed to help in reducing the pain during the healing process. The effect of painkillers is in some cases seen for a very short duration of time due to the presence of infection, the duration of action of the painkiller is seen once the infection starts to decrease.
I woke up with swelling due to an abscess on my lower left side. I have been given antibiotics. My face looks awful. Should I have asked the dentist to Drain it? I have several things to attend over the next few days and the left side of my face is huge.
My decayed wisdom tooth has caused Jaw Swelling. I went to a Dentist & pain wisdom tooth has gone but jaw swelling is still there.. I’ve been through this pain for 3 days. I’m 21 yrs old boy. What should i do? Root Canal Treatment or Extraction
I got my problem tooth pulled out, where the abscess are.
My dentist prescribed me antibiotics, today is my 3rd day drinking it, I don’t have pain anymore but still very uncomfortable, and my face is still very swollen.
Do I get the abscessed drained, or will it drain by itself?
How long will it take for my swollen face to decrease?
If you are not feeling any pain, the infection will decrease but for the swelling (inflammation) to come down it will take a couple more days. In case the extraction was Surgical it will take anywhere from 5-7 days for the complete swelling to come down.
Yes, if the abscess gets drained it would be healing faster and the swelling will come down faster as well. If you do not have time make sure to take the Antibioitcs regularly and apply ice pack regularly and strictly no heat application.
I had extraction 4 days ago from abscess. Pain and throbbing in ear and neck area with lots of popping still. I’m also still having a draining type of taste in area. Is this common? I’m starting to get worried. I was on 2 antibiotic types prior to extraction. I still feel it’s infected.
Hi Jama, if there is pain in the ear and neck region even after Antibiotics and Pain killers, it is better to get it checked as it might turn into a dry socket.
Dry Socket Symptoms – https://www.juniordentist.com/dry-socket-pictures.html
It is important to get it checked and get immediate attention.
I’m being treated for a abscess I have a bubble right side at the roof of my mouth I’m on zpack I have 2 days left I have no pain but I still have a bubble it comes and goes how long does it take to go away and should I be worried
I got a tooth infection and my left cheek is bit swollen and my dentist prescribed amoxicillin. I have pain and slight temperature as well ,after how many days to wait till getting better. Antibiotic is for 5 days.
The Antibiotic starts taking effect after a couple of days of use, the swelling starts decreasing after 3 days of Antibiotic use.
For the Bubble (Sinus opening) to disappear you need to fix the source of infection which is infected tooth – Root Canal treatment. The antibiotic just decreases the extent of infection and hence you are not able to feel any pain.
Hello,
I had a root canal done 2 weeks ago, at that time I had a very small abscess above the treated tooth. Right after the root canal the abscess nearly disappeared. But, it slowly started coming back. I went to my dentist this past Tuesday to show him my concern with the abscess returning. He prescribed Clindamycin 300mg 4xday. It is now Saturday and I still have the abscess in fact I feel it is getting bigger. I have been draining it daily. Is this normal? Why is the abscess getting bigger? When will the Clindamycin kick in?
7 days ago, I started having sensitivity in a tooth on my lower jaw. The tooth was next to the molar. I woke up the next morning with a swollen jaw and waited a couple of days before the pain finally sent me to the emergency room at the VA Clinic. The VA Clinic said they couldn’t do anything about the abscess tooth because I wasn’t 100% disabled. I came out of Vietnam, after 4 tours, in one piece, but had some health issues that created 20% disability. I called and advice nurse and was told to call the oral surgeon that was at the VA Clinic. I talked with him and he said it was very important that I go back to the emergency room and tell them to give him a call and that he would approve me seeing him. I did as requested and even though I live over an hour away from the VA hospital, I drove myself in extreme pain. I was told to report to the oral surgeon the next day at this address. I arrived the next morning I was put in a waiting room in a very nice facility. After an hour’s wait I was taken to an x-ray lab and had one x-ray taken to which a doctor finally arrived and told me that I had a tooth abscess. He said as a courtesy to me that they took an x-ray but he told me that that’s all they could do for me and suggested that I find me a dentist. This was after 5 days of pain. the emergency room had given me some pain pills and some antibiotics, amoxicillin, to start the healing process. But they said that that’s all that they could do. Now it’s Friday evening and I have to endure the entire weekend before I can start trying to find someone that could help me on Monday morning. The pain pills that they gave me were very few and was not strong narcotics because they said that they weren’t allowed to issue me anything stronger. The swelling has now fill the whole side of my face and it feels like there’s a lot of liquid and swelling in the loose skin below my chin. I have had off and on fever, chills, sore throat, ear ache and continuous pain. I do not have an open abscess there is no drainage but sometimes my jaw and neck feels like it’s going to explode. The antibiotics seem to help because the swelling has gone down a little but only a small amount. I have been reading up on the Internet about how and abscess affect seven major organs of the body, what I would like to know is, and I in a serious condition that would require me to seek help at any cost right now or can I have a few more days to locate a proper dentist? It’s been over a week now. I would appreciate any advice. Unappreciated veteran
It is important that you either get the tooth extracted (if it is in bad conditions) or get a root canal done if it can be saved. As the swelling is going down its a good sign. I am really sorry that you had to endure such pain for so many days. Are you a diabetic ? if yes, it can slow down the healing process and it takes time for the healing to occur.
It is a typical case of Irreversitible pulpitis with abscess which needs to be treated asap. The abscess keeps coming back until the source of infection is treated either by Extraction or a Root Canal Treatment is performed on the affected tooth.
I woke up the other day with facial swelling and soreness in my tooth. I guessed it was an abcessed tooth by the symptoms. I had amoxicillin from a recent trip to the doctor that I didn’t end up needing to take. So I started taking those. Along with ibuprofen and Tylenol for pain and swelling. I have to make a dentist appointment tomorrow because all dentists where I live are closed on the weekends. My face is still extremely swollen. My question is, will the swelling subside with the antibiotics? Or do I need to get the abcessed drained and a root canal done before I see any improvement?
It is best to get a Root Canal done, draining of the abscess is done when there is pus pooled up in the abscess. Visiting a dentist will clear things out, if the abscess is chronic the antibiotics will take time to subscide the infection.
I have a root canal that has failed. It’s has become a abscess and I’ve only been on antibiotics for 1 day. I get the tooth pulled in two days, is there a problem with pulling it that fast after starting antibiotics?
No that won’t be an issue, once the affected tooth is removed the source of infection has been permanently removed and hence there will not be any problem. The sole purpose of Antibiotic therapy is to bring down the bacterial colonization in the affected tooth.
I had root canal on my last molar 2weeks ago. Before the treatment my tooth a bit tender n some swelling end of root. After root canal, swelling goes away…
I went back second visit for permanent filling. After permanent filling, swelling end of root returning.
Doctor gave me antibiotic Metronidazole 200mg for 5days.
Now swelling go down agains.
My question is why is this happen? Swelling(abscess) go away after RC but come back after permanent filling?
Is antibiotic really work for my case?
Im worried the swelling will come back agains after I finished my antibiotic. I’m now second day of antibiotic.
Many thanks
Do you have another appointment of Root Canal left ? Antibitic helps in decreasing the infection and hence the swelling decreases, but if there are remnants of the bacteria left in the Root canal the swelling and infection can return.
Doctor ady put permanent filling on my root canal tooth. It considered complete treatment.
U mean to say that antibiotic only temporary cure my problem? My swelling go away now after antibiotic.
I’m wonder why after first treatment of root canal swelling go away, n me n doctor expect it ady ok; but swelling only returning when doctor put on permanent filling on second visit.
Now my swelling go away agains after antibiotics.
U mean my swelling will come back after antibiotic finish?
I had an abscessed tooth pulled out on july 20 which had lead to a sinus infection. I had been prescribed antibiotics today it has been 9 days but im still noticing a bit of a discharge is this normal or should I be concerned ?
What is the color of the discharge which you are noticing? and from where is the discharge seen? from the extraction socket or from the side of the gums above the socket?
Hi there, I have a rotten tooth that started aching a week ago. It started swelling on day 2. After 5 days, I went the dentist, and he advised I had an infection. He gave me a filling and some antibiotics. After 2 days, the pus drained out of the swollen gum. All pain is gone, and I have 2 more days of antibiotics. However, I am still swollen. How long will it take for the swelling to go down? I have a second appointment in a week’s time.
The Swelling usually takes around 1 weeks time to completely subside, make sure that you do not apply hot pack to the swelling site which might increase the swelling. As you are not having any pain and there is no Pus just wait it out and you can apply cold packs to the swelling region which helps in decreasing it.
My left side of my face is swollen from an infected tooth, so I went to the dentist which he gave me some antibiotics- Curam and diclofenac to take every 8 hrs n cold pack on swollen area. How long it’s gonna take the swelling to go down because am getting married Saturday
The swelling willcome down in a couple of days, follow the protocol and keep applying cold pack on the affected area. Make sure you avoid any hot stuff as it can increase swelling.
Happy Married life btw.
I have a tooth abscess and swelling on the left side of my face. I’ve been taking antibiotics for 3 days but the swelling has gotten worse and I have a low grade fever but no pain. No one will drain it and the closest dental appointment I could get is 2 weeks from now. What should I do?
Good day sir.
Woke up with pains and little dots on the pink attached gum. Applied warn water mix with salt and took some vitamin c. I’m not sure if it is working
Which tooth is it seen in? IS there any swelling in the Gums surrounding the tooth?
Ive done a 10 day cycle of penicillin now on my 8th day of clincydimin or something and my neck and shoulder have been in so much pain which they are telling me is from a tooth infection which has drained a few days ago and I’m just wondering what is going on. Where the infection was I still have white sore gums like I am freaking out.
Have you met your Dentist ? I guess it is spreading into a Space infection it is best you consult your Dentist to get examined.
How does it take for antibiotics to work I am on day two today. No pain yesterday but I do today and I was also given ibprohen 800 mg and still in pain. And to need an extraction on molar
It depends on the extent of infection as mentioned in the post anywhere from 3 days to 5 days of Antibiotic course is required.
Hi there,
I have a dental abscess in two teeth. I have been taking antibiotics for almost three weeks and all swelling and pain is gone. According to this site, I still need two root canals.
I’m starting to worry that the longer I wait to get those root canals, the higher the danger this could turn into something more serious. Right now I’m waiting for a periodontist appointment in three weeks, but I don’t think I can’t wait that long.
Thanks in advance for any answers you can provide.
I had a tooth extracted and ended up with dry socket this was packed but developed an infection on Friday I had it excavated all the yuk scraped out then put on antibiotics the severe pain has mostly gone but how long does it take for the pain to go thanks started antibiotics Friday morning it’s now Sunday morning
Dry socket is a very painful condition and it is good to hear that you are recovering from the pain. Usually the pain which you are experiencing is from the healing Dry socket and antibiotics are just as a precaution to make sure that there is not infection in the Socket while healing. It takes anywhere from a week to 10 days for the socket to heal from a Dry socket.
My 5 year old daughter was having a swelling on the upper jaw above the last teeth. Dr. told infection is there and took antibiotic (augmentin 457 syrup) for 5 days/3 times a day. After two weeks did root canal. Dr said still the infection is there and suggested the antibiotic for 3days/3 times a day. After 2 week when we visited again, the Dr said still the infection is there we have to do root canal to the teeth before the last one. Took antibiotic for 5 days/3 times a day. But still the infection is there? What to do? Any suggestion, Doctor? Please …
Did they take any Diagnostic X-rays for the teeth ?
No…
I had pain on one side of my face for 3 weeks. My regular dentist didn’t even take an X-ray. Then I got a swollen lymph node and I went to a different dentist who took an X-ray and told me I had the beginning of a tooth infection (it didn’t look like a pouch yet, but like a dark line bordering the root of the infected tooth). She prescribed me amoxicillin and it was the only thing that got rid of the pain and inflammation (I had taken paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pain but they weren’t effective).
Then I went to my regular dentist again and showed him the X-ray I took at the other clinic. He didn’t agree that it was an infection because it didn’t look like a pouch. I told him if it wasn’t an infection, then how come amoxicillin was the only thing that got rid of the pain and swelling? And how come my lymph node swelled? I believe the second dentist. I’m sure it was an infection, even if a small one.
Now I’m finishing my round of amoxicillin but I’m worried – if I have only the *beginning* of an infection and not a fully-formed abscess, will the antibiotic make it disappear? I mean, can the bacteria be completely killed? And can the tooth go back to be infection-free? I’m afraid it will inevitably grow larger and I’ll have to get a root canal. I want to avoid getting a root canal at all costs. Thanks!
The main issue here is to identify the cause of the infection, slight radiolucency or dark line at the apex of the root is a first sign of infection. As an X-ray or IOPA is a 2 dimension image it does not give the complete picture and there can be infection spread out which is not visible in the IOPA. The fact that your pain subsided after Antibiotic course suggests it is an Infection.
So in case of an infection the only solution is to get a Root Canal Treatment done, the Antibiotic just temporarily decreases the bacterial colony but does not completely remove the infection, which can recur later.
Hi there,
I started to get pain in my bottom molar tooth in the right side last Thursday, this was followed by swelling to my neck and pain in my jaw and ear. I then went to the dentist the next day and my tooth was drained and the nerve of the tooth taken out. I was put on antibiotics and the swelling has went down but I’m still in pain. I’m just wondering what will be needed to cure this?
I’m kind of freaking out. I’m a bit of a hypochondriac but bear with me. My tooth started hurting last Saturday and by Sunday morning I almost wanted to knock myself out with a sledgehammer it hurt so bad. Saw my dentist Sunday morning, she took Xrays and confirmed that I have an abscessed tooth… 3 to be exact, right in a row. She put me on Amoxicillin, Motrin 800 and Tylenol 3’s. By Tuesday my face was swollen up to my eye (to which she informed me I should’ve gone to the hospital for I.V. antibiotics…. didn’t know this) anyways the swelling came down, and I went to do the root canal this morning, there was still too much infection and I wouldn’t freeze so she froze me enough to drain it (she drilled a hole in my tooth, and that didn’t seem to drain it so she made a small incision in my gums to drain the infection) so after all of that, I’m terrified that the infection will take over and I’ll end up in the hospital…. AND I’m still feeling a bit weak, is this normal??
How did everything work out?
Hi Michelle, sorry to hear about your problem and that you had to bear the pain.
Coming to the treatment and whether the Abscess is healing or not, the point that the Extra Oral swelling is coming down indicates that the infection is subsiding. Draining out the Fluid from the Abscess tends to help in healing faster. But remember that you will not be seeing instant results like swelling going down completely in one day, it takes a few days to come down, so follow the instructions given by your Dentist and relax.
Every one is a hypochondriac to some extent, some show it out and some keep it inside so all you need to do is have trust in your Treatment and keep a positive mind that it will help, it really helps in healing the abscess faster.
Still in pain as in Continuous pain or pain on chewing or biting on something ? How bad is the pain? Is it isolated to the tooth or extending to the Side of the head and ear as well?
hi Doc…i use to get jaw swelling time to time…could it be because of tooth problem ? i have 5 tooth gone through root canal treamnt.Recently i had gone to dentist for cavity filling..aftet 10 days strtd feeling weird pain when i pulled my spit also..so started antibiotic..2 day im still geting that pain feeling when i eat..when does antibiotic strts taking action n reduce pain ?