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.
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.
Hello, 6 days ago I went to the emergency dentist for severe tooth pain from my crowned tooth. They said that I had an abscess and needed specialist root canal. I’ve been taking antibiotics since then, but the main is still just as bad and it seems to of made no difference. I have an appointment in a couple of weeks with my normal dentist and can’t get seen sooner.
If it was a Crowned tooth, it might have got Root Canal treatment done prior to it ? What are the Antibiotics which were prescribed?
Hi, as you have already got your Wisdom teeth removed it would be best to Save the tooth by getting Root Canal Treatment done and then going for Braces. The tooth seems to have been affected Periodontally Earlier.
I just had a tooth pulled and bone graft done on #19. I was prescribed Augmentin. I’m on day 7 of a 7 day rx. The pain is still there and a small amount of swelling. I went to my dentist but she didn’t seem concerned. She took an x-ray. And could see the infection. But said it was healing fine. Is it normal for the pain to be like it is?
As a Bone graft was placed it heals a little different as compared to a normal healing socket. Until there is no severe pain and a huge swelling it will be fine. Just apply an ice pack to relieve the symptoms. Make sure there is no food stuck in the healing socket and you will be alright.
I have a 3rd molar that has been giving me problems since September it has a hole in the middle and I took antibiotics than and never got it extracted until my pain started getting unbearable now and I’m currently on antibiotics again to get it extracted or root canal done but today is my 3rd day on amoxicillin but it’s not seeming to help my tooth still hurts
I had a tooth extracted 4 weeks ago, while healing the gum split open and got infected, an abscess appeared near it but under a different tooth. I have no pain and have been prescribed erythromycin and amoxicillin for 7 days. On day 3 so far no change. Will these clear up the infection and abscess in the 7 days?
I had an impacted infected #32 extracted 2 months ago. I was told I had some loss of bone because of the infection but I didn’t really need a bone graft. #31 is crowned.
I took proper care of the extraction site with regular salt water swish, peridex irrigation for about 6 weeks. I was feeling ok when I suddenly started getting sharp pain in my ear. Another visit to the endodontist and she said she had to perform a debridement at the site of extraction to remove any food debris or infected tissue. I got a 10 day course of augmentin.
It’s been 2 days and I feel pain in the lower jaw and at site #32 that is slightly worse than the pain I had the evening after debridement. Also, my ear feels full and feels like there is something moving there.
Is this normal? How long does it typically take for the antibiotics to take full effect and reduce the infection? Is the feeling/pain in my ear, referred from the infection under #32?
Thanks for your time.
I have extreme tooth pain, i have had it before , took amoxiciilan and it got better. no money for dentist
now taking amoxiciallan again, 6 hours in and the pain is still excruciting, could i ahve become resistant to amoxicillan 2 months later?
Not just that you became resistant to Amoxicillin, it will be because of the infection coming back worse than it was the previous time. In Tooth infection the bacteria which cause the infection do not get completely removed the Peri Apical region of the tooth. The Antibiotics given are just for Temporarily reducing the concentration of Bacteria thus helping in going for Root canal treatment or Extraction of the tooth.
As you have mentioned that it has only been 6 hours since taking Ammox you have to wait for 3-4 doses as it takes affect on the bacteria and you will find relief. But visiting a Dentist and rectifying the course of the problem is the best and permanent solution.
hello. i’ve an infection in my tooth and abscess from it i’ve been on amoxicillin for two days and the swelling isn’t going down or the pain can i put hot or cold compress on it? always my tooth has been filed down and it’s open for the infection to come out of i have an appointment for the 1st of february next year to get root canal. is this ok to leave the tooth this long? i’m panicking thinking what if i get another infection later on my dentist said this is the earliest appointment he has.
I had root canal and crown put in more than 10 years ago. This past week, I had lots of pain on the tooth where crown is. Went to dentist on Friday. He says root canal did not come down far enough. Gave me antibiotics. Today is day 3 and the pain is just as bad. It seems unusual it’s taking this long for antibiotic to work. Could it be something else?
I had 2 teeth ground down thinking we were doing fillings then ended up needing a root canal but my insurance coverage was all used up by then so i had to wait until January when my insurance renews. Now i have major pain througout my upper jaw. lower jaw, left side of my nose and left ear. I went to see dentist but he would not prescribe antibiotics without more xrays and exam so i went to ER and got perscription for amoxicillin. next day pain was so bad i went in to my PCP and got vicodin to help with the pain but it barely takes the edge off and that’s taking 1.5 pills instead of just 1. i just started my 2nd day of antibiotics and can barely stand the pain it seems now that it’s also causing pain in my neck and the back of my head. is it possible the antibiotics are not working? is there a different pain killer that would work better?
Usually it takes 2-3 days for the Antibiotics to take effect and the infection depending on the tooth involved and the structures it is close to. The pain reduces once there is reduction in the Infection. So it might be a day or two when the pain is relieved.
In some Re-Infection cases it takes longer than usual as the bacteria present in Re-Infected Root Canals are usually very resistant. It also helps if GP removal is done and dressing given to relieve the pain.
Is the cavity of the tooth open without a filling in it? You can have Cold Compression but not Hot for Swelling or Abscess. If the cavity is open just make sure that there is no food particles getting stuck in the cavity. Usually we cannot leave the cavity un filled as it is a magnet for the food we eat to get stuck and leads to further infections.
I have an infection, pain started on 28 December but couldn’t see dentist until 4 January. Been on antibiotics for last 3-4 days. Pain is now more manageable but at times still bad. How long after course of antibiotics will there be no pain? My dentist said it shouldn’t need further treatment. Also, any tips for sleeping at night when the pain is worse lying down.
I have a tooth abscess and the abscess is really big. It hurts a lot and the ibuprofen they gave me with antibiotics doesn’t work the best for the pain for very long. It’s big, and there isn’t enough tooth for the normal dentist to remove, so I have to go to an oral surgeon, which the one they recommended is booked till June. What can I do? It’s been a day and a half since I have been taking the antibiotics. Will my abscess get smaller or keep growing? My cheek and under my eye are swollen, and I have a hard time sleeping because of it.
hello Dr. I am 4 months pregnant. i’ve an infection in my tooth. i’ve been on novamox 500 (amoxicillin) and paracetamol for five days and the swelling isn’t going down or the pain can i put hot or cold compress on it? Dentist told me that root canal treatment will be performed after delivery. is this ok to leave the tooth this long? I don’t know weather abscess or not in tooth. Is there any other treatment in pregnancy because the swelling is not go away till 4th day of taking novamox 500+Parcetamol 500.
If the infection is not subsiding even after the use of Antibiotics, the first step of Root canal Treatment – (Access opening) can be done and the remaining steps can be performed after delivery. The time on the Dental Chair should be limited and also doing it in the mornings is preferable.
I’ve been taking amoxicillin for 3 days and pain killers consistently. I still feel pain if not using painkillers. I’ve got to wait 3 months for hospital referral to fill root canal at the top. Should antibiotics have tsken affect by now
Some times it takes close to 5 days for the Antibiotics to take effect and for your pain to subside, if some rare cases when even the Antibiotics do not help. Here in India we start with the 1st step of Root Canal – Access Opening and removal of the infected tissue and give a temporary Filling to help relieve the pain and complete the Root canal on a later date.
I had 2nd molar removed that was infected, as i didnt want a root canal. Pain is gone after i started amox 500 mg 2x a day, 4 days prior to extaction. Is a 7 day protocal adequate ?
Hi,
I had the first part of a root canal done. The temporary filling fell out 10 days ago. I started having agonising pain 3 days ago. I have had 2 days worth of metronidazole and today went to the dentist to have it cleaned out, antiseptic paste put in and temp filling again. The pain is unbearable still and I’ve not slept at all I’m on night 3. Is this normal even after 2 days of metronidazole? Thanks
It will be there for a night or so but 3rd day is something concerning, better get n opinion from your dentist again.
As the tooth is removed and most likely all the infected tissue removed, even a 5 day course would be more than sufficient.
Antibiotics usually take couple of days to take effect and the infection to reduce which decreases the pain as well. Make sure you avoid anything hot (eating/drinking or applying on the surface) as this can increase the swelling.
The antibiotics will reduce the swelling temporarily but there are chances that it might return.
Hi I had a tooth removed Tuesday last week I went back on Thursday as I have an infection in where it was removed I started taking amoxicillin but today Monday I’m in pain with it it again can I get stronger antibiotics?
How bad is the pain?? Is it continuous or more on chewing, did you get your tooth removed or got a RCT done????
I had a root canal done about 9 months ago. I now have an abscess in my gums above it. Currently on antibiotics.
I believe it is because maybe some food or something got up there because it is open or maybe my aligners caused an infection. They didn’t fill it permanently. Just with temporary filling that took about 2 weeks of brushing and flossing it finally all came out. I’m assuming it’s from that tooth because when I press my tongue on it, it’s very sore and my cheek is sore too. I am not sensitive to hot or cold because there is no root or nerve anymore. Should they have filled it in with some kind of permanent material. I feel like this is going to be an ongoing issue if they don’t. I paid 4,565.00 cash for them to do it and to do a clean out of an old root canal so I could get a new implant. Hey, they let me keep the gold that they cleaned out though LOL.
It most likely is a Re-infection of the Root Canal treated tooth as the filling is lost and there are high chances for any food particles + Bacteria to enter the Root Canal which can lead to a Re-infection.
It is advised to go for a Permanent Filling after a Root canal filling, which is called as a Post Endo Restoration which plays a major role in the success of an RCT, as any leakage can lead to failure of the RCT. We usually advice to go for a Crown as well if the treated teeth are the Pre Molars or Molars as they are the stress bearing teeth which can be prone to fracture.
I had root canal procedure on my front tooth on Friday and also started antibiotics straight after.
The fiscular is still leaking pus, is this to be expected?
Is the Root canal procedure completed or just a step done? If it’s been 3 days now the Fistula has to start closing. If it is still weeping it’s better you get it checked with the dentist again.
Hey I woke up with an abscess tooth went to the ER. No puss or anything just a swollen bottom jaw they said I caught it. It by bottom back right molar dentist says no saving it with RCT…. But I’m on day 3 of antibiotics and I have 9 days till extraction I’m worried I can’t find anywhere saying is it okay to wait.? …….also for dental implants I have crooked teeth and I’m starting orthodontist in next 1.5-2 months and dentist said we don’t do a implant until after the orthodontist treatment and that they well make sure there room for implant! But my main worry is by not having the implant for 20 month ortho not problematic :/
But my main question was with just swowllen jaw that’s gone down a good bit and dooable pain is it fine to wait 9 days that’s quickest I can get an appointment.
Thankyou your much appreciated ~~Aidan
Hey I woke up with an abscess tooth went to the ER. No puss or anything just a swollen bottom jaw they said I caught it. It by bottom back right molar dentist says no saving it with RCT…. But I’m on day 3 of antibiotics and I have 9 days till extraction I’m worried I can’t find anywhere saying is it okay to wait.? …….also for dental implants I have crooked teeth and I’m starting orthodontist in next 1.5-2 months and dentist said we don’t do a implant until after the orthodontist treatment and that they well make sure there room for implant! But my main worry is by not having the implant for 20 month ortho not problematic :/
But my main question was with just swowllen jaw that’s gone down a good bit and dooable pain is it fine to wait 9 days that’s quickest I can get an appointment.
Thankyou your much appreciated ~~Aidan
Hi Aidan, sorry for the delayed response. Hope you got the tooth extracted and your pain has reduced now. As for the Implant, it is best to get it done after the Orthodontic treatment as movement of the teeth around the healing implant will not it osseintegrate or fuse to the bone properly.
Had root canal and filling done. 3 days later had to go to emergency doctor as the pain was not reduced and swelling was getting bigger. Was told had an infection and was prescribed amoxicillin and metronidazole. 3 days later swelling has gone down a bit, but in mouth, gum is still swollen and very tender. Pain hasn’t reduced a great deal. Was only given a 5 day course of antibiotics and my dental practice hasn’t a vacancy for another 2 weeks. Do I give it time or see another emergency doctor after a few days?
You do have time as it has swelling has gone down now, just make sure not to strain the tooth much and avoid Hot stuff or hot Application.
My teeth were rotten and I put off care. Went to ER with eschemic toe and Cardiologist put in a stent. I made an appointment with a dentist and had full extractions for dentures last week. I felt that my circulation issue and high blood pressure was probably from the dental bacteria, but the dentist only gave me the standard one week of amoxicillin. My primary care doctor also blew off my concerns and said a systemic issue was very unlikely even though I went 50 years with no dental care.
I have infected lower right molar started antibiotic on May 9, now May 16. Still pain and swollen glands. My problem my dentist is 90 miles round trip and have to schedule pick up through insurance. Have to give ins. 48 hours notice to pick up. Scheduled extraction on may 19. Can not find dentist closer that takes Medicade. Believe need more antibiotics before they pull it on May 19. Dentist will not give any more pills unless seen! My ER will not help either!
If I have an abscess in a tooth that has already had a root canal, what is the next step the dentist will take? It is the last tooth in the back so I understand pulling it is a poor option.
How can I find an emergency dental clinic near me…its been three days I got pain in the right side of my jaw, which is unbearable now.
Hi! I had a root canal that never got a crown, filling came out and went back after over a year, they start the crown process again and fill it with a filling but then my gum under start to swell and be excruciating pain went to a walk in clinic and got prescribed amoxicillin and took that and finished it. Pain went away but then right before I was going to get the crown the filling came out dentist said tooth was too weak and most likely would not hold the crown or that it might last maybe a year or two so we decided to extract and get rid of the problem since I’m 4 months pregnant. Had an extraction and have been in excruciating pain. After 4 days of pain I Went to the dentist they said I developed a dry socket, got medication put in and stitches, returned after 24 hours because the pain has significantly gotten worse and they did the same thing again by this time they prescribed amoxicillin again and Tylenol with codeine since regular Tylenol was not helping with pain. Last night I went to the ER because the pain was so overwhelming and the meds weren’t helping they were finally able to numb me enough to where I could finally sleep a few hours but I’m still extremely swollen and in pain. How long will the amoxicillin take to start getting rid of the infection? And is there anything I can possibly do to numb this at home.
A Dry socket needs regular change of dressing using a combination of Iodoform + Butylparaminobenzoate or Zinc Oxide eugenol paste on a regular basis until the healing starts. You can visit your Dentist and ask them to address it, this is the best solution I have found in patients having Dry Socket.
Hi
I got a root canal on #31 in 2019
Recently experiencing pain, tenderness, swelling, ear ache, swollen neck and swollen jawline
Went to a dentist and the prescribed Amoxicillin. Infection at the bottom of the tooth.
Is it best to just extract or get another root canal?
The point was to be pain and infection free it I saved the tooth previously. Will extraction stop this from reoccurring
It depends on the cause of Re-infection, whether it is due to Food accumilation below the Crown placed after Root Canal Treatment leading to Re-infection or a previously faulty Root Canal Treatment. In either cases you can get a Re-RCT treatment done to save the tooth. In case the tooth is beyond repair it will be best to get in removed. The best option would be to save the tooth. If you can forward any X-ray which might have been taken, I can give a better response to your question. You can mail it to – juniordentist@gmail.com
Hi
I have a tooth infection under a bridge…tooth had previous root canal over 10 years ago. Endodontics said tooth is cracked, and only 50% chance of saving it. I have a lot of pain and swelling below jaw, and now my jaw on that side is very sore to open, like lock jaw. I’ve been on antibiotics for 48 hours..,.and have 3 more days before I can see oral surgeon to extract tooth. Will the lock jaw get better by then? I’m afraid I can’t open my jaw enough for him to work on it as it’s in back.
Thank you
In most cases once the Anesthesia is given you will get instant relief and can be able to open your mouth properly for the Surgeon to work on.