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 had to redo root canal of a molar ( second from the last) on my lower jaw due to infected root canal . Completed course of augmeten duo 625/ 5 days / twice daily before the dentist filled the permanent filling and posting. One day after the procedure developed throbbing pain and swollen gums / lower jaw . Took combiflam and was able to manage the pain . Today is day 2 since the procedure and there is no pain however there is swelling in the gum and the lower jaw .
Dentist wasn’t around so assistant took X-ray and said no issue with the root canal and prescribed another 5 days of augmentin duo and flagyl . Says the swelling is not an infection and rather the body’s immune response to the procedure .
Then why was more antibiotics given?? Why do i have swollen face and gums and no pain ?
I am in extreme pain for 2 days. Infection under crown. Dentist prescribed clindamycin 300 (4x a day) mg and acetaminophen-COD #3 for the pain. Seeing endodontist Monday afternoon to try to save tooth.
Pain is excruciating. Don’t know if I can stand it for 2 1/2 more days. No swelling or fever. Can you give me any suggestions??
I can relate, dealing with same issue. Unbelievable pain. Yesterday I finally had the root canal done. I was terrified due to the amount of pain I was still in after 2 days of antibiotics. I searched for a good dentist that offered sedation, just in case. Luckily just the gas and numbing was sufficient. Very sore but able to get through the root canal. Severe infection in my crowned tooth, salivary glands, chin, neck and jaw pain and swelling. Just used ice to survive those 48 hours of antibiotics so I could get to the procedure. I was also living off of Motrin and Tylenol. Now each day seems to bring improvement. Still hurting but it’s going to take time. Good luck to you!
I have just been diagnosed with a gum infection placed on metraconozole and Duraphat toothpaste. The stabbing pain has eased after being on antibiotic for 2 days, I feel slightly nauseous and a dull ache remains. I feel weak and heavy. I have Diabetes 2 and just take a statin for lowering cholesterol. I hope I will feel better soon.
Yes, you will feel better. Did your Dentist suggest you to go for Scaling or Cleaning ? In most cases Gingival infection is caused due to Plaque or Calculus deposits below the gums. So as your a type 2 Diabetic, after the medication you will need to get your teeth cleaned to remove the source of infection.
I started amox-clav 875 mg two days ago for an abcess tooth on my lower jaw but the swelling is getting worse. Yesterday, it was a knot about the size of a golf ball. Today, it’s more leveled out but goes 1 inch from ear lobe over to the middle of my mouth. Root canal appt on the 14th to allow enough time for the infection to go away. But my question is why is the swelling increasing? I have taken way too much ibuprofen, tylenol, poured liquid advil on the area for numbing, angel, prescription lidocaine and saltwater swishes to no avail.
You can wait one more day if the pain in under control. It usually takes around 3 – 5 days for the Swelling to subside. In case it is not subsiding and the swelling is turning hard and extending towards your neck, you need to consult your Dentist immediately as it might be turning into a Space infection – https://www.juniordentist.com/teeth-involved-in-various-types-of-space-infections-and-space-infection-caused-by-nerve-blocks.html
I had an abscess reappear on a failed root canal. Was in a lot of pain and face very swollen. Been to see dentist and he drained all he could, drilled and put disinfectant inside tooth and given me 5 days worth of antibiotics. Just finished course now, all pain has gone and most swelling, but there is still a hard lump above tooth; should I be worried?
Also, it is one of my front teeth so I am just wondering what the likelihood is I’ll need it taken out when I revisit in a months time?
Many thanks
Recurrent abscess are usually slow to heal and mostly the hard lump which you are seeing will subside in a week’s time. On your second visit, the dentist will evaluate whether the tooth needs a Re-RCT or Apicoectomy
ive had an absess for a while now and 2 days ago i woke with swelling on my face were the absessed tooth is i went to the dentist yesturday but they couldnt touch it with the infection my pain pretty much went with the first antibiotic which was bad for about 2 weeks even with paracetimol but today it seems like the swelling has gotten bigger still no pain but swelling is still boldly there xray tomorrrow and tooth being pulled out when they can get me in help
Antibiotics in Tooth infection just help you get temporary relief from the Abscess and Infection, as the tooth is a closed cavity the bacteria tend to return back once the Antibiotic effect and your immunity have calmed down. On repeated usage the Abscess comes back with double the effect and will lead to Resistance of the Antibiotics towards the bacteria.
I had a cavity that occurred in the side tooth just before my molars, basically right where teeth meet the side of the jaw. This had swelled up weeks prior but went away, an then I woke up one morning to see that it had gotten severely swollen. Went to dentist and found out that I had a cavity on and infection under one of the teeth (the front one) under a bridge I had gotten years back. In which the dentist shaved the 2 supporting teeth far too low and did not fully cement the bridge on correctly. The cavity and gum had become infected, they attempted to drain the abscess and gave me antibiotics that I took for a week. The night I finished my last dose, the swelling returned completely. I went in and they cut the bridge off, an extracted the tooth. Extremely painful, made an extra incision and drained puss/abscess and gave me another week of antibiotics. I have 2 days left of antibiotics, the swelling has basically all gone away. An was immediately better after extracting the tooth. There IS however still a small hardish lump on the jaw where the abscess infection was. Should this be gone already by now ? Should it take over a week ? Seeing that I’ve removed the problematic tooth.. I’m worried there may sum be some infection, that might return if any remaining. Or that if I smoke at all, this may cause the infection or abscess to remain or come back ? I know I obviously shouldn’t be smoking AT ALL, but I have.. Will this mess up the healing, an if I stop now can it still completely heal once the antibiotics are finished ?
In cases of Chronic Tooth abscess which is your case, the hard lump after draining the pus is likely the result of healing process. It takes time for the body (supporting tooth structures) to get back to normal after having the abscess for a long time. If there is no pain or redness it is healing and it usually takes 5-7 days for the Gums to heal after an abscess completely.
Few days ago, I woke up in the morning with a sore right molar tooth (2nd from the end). There is no swelling or blood coming out of the tooth or the surrounding gums, however, the tooth is very painful, even to a tiniest amount of pressure (cannot eat solid food). Now, there is also a constant pain, even, the pain killer does not seems to work for more than an hour or two. Due to the COVID-19, the dental surgeries are closed and does not see the patient face-to-face. Hence, I spoke to a dentist over a phone, he suggested that, the root of the tooth might have died or dying (based on symptoms). He prescribed me for a 5 day antibiotic (Amoxicillin 500 mg, 3 times a day) course.
Now, it is the end of the 2nd day of the 5 day antibiotic course, the pain has not been relived, moreover, it is getting worse by each passing day. There still is no swelling, but I can feel a slight discomfort under the jaw along with the constant throbbing pain in the from the tooth.
It will be very helpful, if you could provide some advise to handle my toothache!
Thank you.
If it is an infected tooth, it usually take a three day course of Antibiotics to start showing effect. So you will start to feel better by the end of day 3 of the course, but by what you have mentioned, it might also be a Tooth Fracture by looking at the lack of Swelling and the lack of caries. Dental Clinics are starting to see patients now, if possible try to get it checked to get diagnosed properly.
Hi. Four days ago I felt a hard lump, almost like a pimple under the skin, located in the crease to the side of my nostril. The next day I went to the urgent treatment center where I was DX’ed with possible cellulitis and given bactrim oral and an ointment. The day after that, my teeth on the affected side all hurt and my gum is red and swollen In that side. Today, an ulcer/abscess showed up where the gum meets the lip. I see my dentist in the morning and he called in Amoxicillin for me to take as the bactrim has not done anything to calm down the inflammation and infection. My question is this: do you often see a dental bacterial abcsess that is resistant to antibiotics? Although the physician at urgent care misdiagnosed the condition, shouldn’t Bactrim help? Question 2: this condition came out of nowhere. I had no symptoms at all until the abcsess formed 4 days ago. I’ve never had anything like this pop up before. I thought maybe there would be signs or symptoms that something was wrong before an abcsess formed. Thank you in advance for explaining this to me.
The Mode of Action of Bactrim is narrow, while the mode of action of Amoxicillin is broad which is the most commonly used Antibiotic in Dental Infections.
Did your Dentist take an X-ray to narrow down the site of Infection?
Peri Apical abscess in Anterior teeth can lead to similar symptoms which you have mentioned. Is any of your Upper Front tooth either fractured or has caries?
I recently had a root canal treatment done on my lower right, second molar. The Endodontist suggested that, the molar tooth has a facture, but it is not very deep, so, the tooth might be worth saving, rather than, exaction to relief the pain.
The endodontist completed the full root canal treatment in a single visit, in about 1 and half hour, using the local anaesthetic. He did brief me that, the roots were dead and there was a bit of an infection. He also said that, he had removed the infection and sealed the roots. However, he did not prescribe any anti-biotic. He explained to me that, the purpose of the procedure was to remove the infection, hence, he recon that, the 97 to 98 percent of the infection was removed by the procedure and whatever is left behind, the body’s immune system should be able to heal it. Currently, there is a temporary filling, and he recon that the tooth needs a partial crown, rather than, a full crown.
He asked me to take Paracetamol and Ibuprofen for few days to relief any discomfort or pain. It has now been 4 days; the pain is manageable with a pain relief tablets. However, the root canal tooth is still sore, in a sense, that when I apply any kind of pressure to the tooth, it pains, just like, it did before the treatment.
Could you please suggest, it is normal to have some pain for few days or week after the root canal treatment? Or, should I request an anti-biotic? There has never been any swelling pre- and post the root canal treatment. However, the tooth is still painful when pressure is applied to it. 1st night after the treatment was painful enough to wake me awake. I would really appreciate your advice.
Thank you!
I recently went to the dentist for pain in my mouth, he decided upon extractions. When I went in for the surgery, he said that I had an infection in my tooth and that was causing the pain. He pulled it and put me on pain killers and antibiotics. It’s been draining since it was pulled 6 days ago. When will it fully heal?
Draining as in ? Is there blood oozing out of the socket ?
I had my teeth cleaned on a Monday and told him that my teeth on my upper right side were hurting off and on. I had laid down one night and horrible pain shot to the top of my head. I stood up and it stopped immediately. He did X-rays and Said he didn’t see anything. Dentist said it was probably sinus problem. I started taking sinus medication and ibuprofen. The pain was unbearable by Friday. The office was closed. I found some antibiotics on Saturday morning and finally got some relief by Monday morning. I definitely knew which tooth it was then. He did X-ray again and really didn’t see much of anything. He said there is a tiny spot but nothing that should be causing all the pain. He gave me 7 days of antibiotics but can’t do the root canal until October 5. He is on vacation this week. Will the pain return ? I took my last pill this evening. I have 7 days before the scheduled root canal.
Once you take the course of Antibiotics for 7 days, any infection wont be bothering you for a few days to few weeks. so you must be good for 7 days until your scheduled Root Canal Treatment after 7 days. There are instances of Tooth Infection leading to Sinus Infection or vice versa which can also mimic tooth pain.
Hi there I had an infected tooth and sought treatment 8 days ago. I will be having a root canal treatment next week. I ended my course of two kinds of antibiotics on Tuesday 1st, where the pain has basically gone and the swelling highly reduced, but there is still slight swelling in the formally raised and painful gum. Should I have expected an entirely smooth gum by now?
From the description given by you, it most like is a Peri Apical Abscess and with the help of Antibiotics the swelling does not completely go down but most of it will be reduced. You require a Root Canal Treatment to get the gums back to their original condition.
Started antibiotics 2 1/2 days ago for a inflected tooth that was crowned some time ago.
I’m on Amox-Clav 500mg 3x a day and pain meds .
The pain has slightly subsided but the right side of my face suddenly swell up overnight.
I have no fever , just a bit of throbbing on the tooth which I asu e is the pressure from the swelling.
I have a root canal appt. by end of week.
Should I be concerned about the sudden swelling two days after starting on Meds !?
If it is two days after the meds its most probably due to the infection, have you applied any pain balms or applied heat on the surface ? Such things lead to the swelling. If not then just continue with the medication if it is only swelling without pain, as it will subside in a day or two.
IF you feel that the swelling is increasing and extending towards the eye or spreading below the lower jaw consult your Dentist immediately.
I had a filling fall out between my premolars on the bottom right. The right side of my face swelled and the 2 teeth hurt. I went to my Dr since the dentist had no openings. I was put on Pen VK 4x daily for 14 days. The next day the swelling was much worse. It involved my bottom lip from right side to the middle and the area of my jaw where the 2 teeth are increased in size also. I even had swelling under my chin but my lymph nodes weren’t involved. This is the 5th day of the antibiotic. Swelling has decreased significantly but I still have pain. I see a dentist on the 13th. I’m worried that the infection is still there. Will the local anesthetic work if I have it pulled? Will there be complications after extraction?
To save the tooth, you can have a Root canal Treatment done with a Crown on it. But if the tooth is not in a position to be saved, you can have it pulled. As the swelling and pain have subsided you are good to go for Treatment of any kind – Extraction or Root Canal Treatment.
Hi, I stay in USA, I had a toothache last week and I went to the public health centre they did an x- ray and suggested for tooth extraction and have given penicillin v and ibuprofen tablets for 7 days course which I am on 5th day now. I took an appointment for my tooth extraction surgery which is after 40 days. The PAIN is UNBEARABLE please suggest me something
The pain hasn’t subsided even after taking Penicillin and Ibuprofen ?
If it is not subsiding, it is best to visit the emergency as they might increase the dose of painkiller or give an additional Antibiotic to help relieve the pain. As you cannot get those over the counter at your chemist you have to visit the Dentist or Emergency, and request to push oyu extraction slot ahead.
I took a round of antibiotics, the pain went away as I wait on appt. it’s been 3 weeks and it’s back throbbing again. I can’t get an appt for a over a month because everyone is booked as they say. So my dentist prescribed antibiotics again, is it safe to take so soon?
Yeah as you have no other option it’s better to take antibiotics as the infection might increase if you don’t.
I started having tooth pain when eating and sinus pressure a little over a week ago. I thought it was sinus related because of noticeable pressure on my sinus cavity. So I did a visit with a doctor and was prescribed a steroid pack for what they said was a viral sinus infection. The inflammation went down but after a few days, everything started to ramp back up. I was then prescribed Amox/Clav for what I was told was a viral sinus infection turned bacterial. After a day on Amox/Clav, I woke up and had noticeable swelling. I ended up getting a CT scan and through that, it was determined that I had one main abscess and some other teeth that are affected as well. After meeting with the endodontist, he changed my antibiotics to clindamycin. It has been almost 24 housrs on the new antiobiotic and my face swelling is still getting worse (slower rate than before). When do I need to contact my dentist about my body not responding to the new antibiotic and what is the next step? The teeth are located below my maxilarry sinus on the right side. What are my options?
Hi so i just had a root canal treatment and also abscess draining this morning. After the treatment theres a weird medicinal taste in my mouth. Its been few hours since the treatment and this weird taste is mouth still there. Im worried if my root canal treatment is fail or something. Second, is it normal to have a big lump on the gum after the abcess draining? If it is how long should it take before it gone?
Have swelling around gums on left side of wisdom tooth (covering tooth) and in a lot of pain. It’s not getting worse just staying the same. I did a phone call to dentist and she perscribed meds, and recommended to take out my wisdom tooth or cut the gum. Just started amoxicillin two days ago along with pain killers and some really strong mouthwash she perscribed. When will the swellling and pain go away? Pain is still there but Its def decreasing, when will the pain be gone completely? as well as swelling?
Sorry for the delayed response, hope you are doing better by now. The swelling around the wisdom tooth which you are mentioning is called as “Pericoronitis” which happens when the gums on top of a Wisdom tooth is stuck and takes repeated trauma whenever you open/close or chew food.
As mentioned by your Dentist the solution is to do “Operculectomy” or cutting the extra tissue off or to get the Wisdom tooth out.
The weird taste is usually due to the Filling material used to close the Access Opening in your Root Canal Treated tooth. There is nothing to worry
I have an abscesses tooth that I am getting pulled in4 days. Today is my 4th day on clindamycin 4x a day. The pain has not gotten any better at all. Is this normal or should I call my dentist Monday morning?
I have an impacted wisdom tooth. And every 3 months for the last year I get an infection. Each time is worse then the last infection. And develops quicker. I am always prescribed amoxicillin clauv. Over night I woke up with really bad swelling in my gums and the effects areas cheek and swollen lymph node. I have been in the antibiotic for 12 hours now and I am having to take norco with ibuprofen every 4 hours because the pain is still so severe. Should i be worried?
If the infection has been recurring multiple times it is better you get the impacted wisdom tooth extracted. In some severe cases the Abscess or infection can spread to become a space infection which is a little worrisome. It is best to get rid of the Impacted tooth as it might even damage the 2nd Molar in front of it depending on the type of Impaction it is in.
I had a root canal 7 years ago and now I am having tooth pain. I am taking amox-Clav twice a day. Today is day two and the pain hasn’t subsided. Is this normal? I am in the process of finding another dentist since mine retired. Thank you.
Hi can you explain Ludwigs Angina and how it can lead to cardiac arrest and brain death
I have exstream swelling of my bottom, left side , if my jaw and neck. My ear even hurts. I have Cephlexin I’m using as an antibiotic. The swelling is down. But it’s very itchy and still throbs. It’s my birthday my bottom milar that’s now only half of a tooth. It needs pulled, I can’t get to a dentist until Monday. A neighbor gave my the antibiotics I’m currently using. I can just now feel my jaw bone. I’m afraid these antibiotics aren’t working well enough. Any advice is be so grateful for. Thank you
The extent of Swelling which you are mentioning seems to be extending from Dental Abscess to a Space Infection, Cephalexin works well for Upper respiratory Infections but a little less effective for tooth Infection. So Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid works best in combination with other medications for your type of Infection. Better get an Appointment with the dentist and get your tooth extracted.
As you know about Ludwigs Angina, it is a type of tooth infection which can spread to the Floor of the mouth and neck region. Due to its Rapid spreading swelling it can lead to difficulty in breathing as it obstructs the Airway which if not attended immediately can lead to Cardiac Arrest and also Brain Death. The main reason for the two mentioned complications are the blocking of Airway passage.
Usually it takes a three day course for the infection to subside and. 5-7 days for the complete reduction in infection. A Re-RCT is the best option for reducing the pain. A Re infected tooth after Root Canal has a specific type of Bacteria – Enterococcus Faecalis
You need to go to emergency room and get amoxclav antibiotic – don’t risk it
Hi there, I went to the dentist with a reinfected root canal. Quite bad pain but not as bad as the first time it was infected. The dentist did not drain the tooth even though there is quite bad swelling. He provided two types of antibiotics for 5 days. Will the pain and swelling go away soon? I’ve been taking for 24 hours and have seen no change at all.
It takes a minimum of 2 days for the tablets to take effect and the swelling to come down after that, it is best to wait and it surely will come down in couple of days.
Hi there, my gum above second molar was bleeding and went to dentist two months ago. She gave antibiotics and did deep cleaning after a week.
Now, the tooth under that gum becomes painful without swelling/ bleeding… When u checked, I found that the gum for that tooth is not fully cover yet and the tooth is a bit loose too.
I feel pain constantly and went to see the dentist.
She said nothing can see in X-ray and there is just scratch line she can see via eye only when she checked. She said I might need to take out that or do root canal. It still painful and currently, I am taking antibiotic and pain killer ghat she prescribed.
I was planning of wearing braces because if the spaces and may I know what should I do?
Is it better to take out second molar to wear the races?
Besides, I have already took out all wisdom tooth.