Last week, I began taking antibiotics for a toothache. My dentist looked at my X-ray from May and said she didn’t see any signs of an infection or damage to my tooth. She recommended the antibiotics as a precaution. When should I expect to see improvement? My dentist didn’t recommend a follow-up appointment. What should I expect? Thanks. Edwin from IN

Edwin,

A new X-ray is necessary because your current symptoms indicate a change in your dental health since your last checkup. The previous X-rays, which were likely bitewings showing only the upper portions of your teeth, don’t provide a complete picture. A periapical X-ray shows the entire tooth, especially the root tip, where an infection would be visible.

What Diagnostic Procedures Should a Dentist Follow?

A thorough diagnosis involves more than just a visual check for a cracked filling. A dentist should perform several tests to identify the cause of the pain and determine the correct treatment plan.

• Is the pain aggravated by tapping on the tooth? This simple test can indicate inflammation around the tooth’s root.
• Does the tooth respond to thermal changes? A dentist should apply cold and heat to the tooth to assess its reaction. Increased or lingering sensitivity to temperature can signal a problem with the tooth pulp.
• Is the pulp alive? An electric pulp tester is a common tool used to determine if the nerve inside the tooth is active.

Will Antibiotics Alone Eliminate a Toothache?

Using antibiotics to treat dental pain only addresses the symptoms, not the cause. Antibiotics can help reduce an infection that has spread into the bone, but they cannot reach the bacteria inside the tooth itself.

Once the antibiotic course is finished, the infection will return, often with greater severity. Any remaining bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance, making the infection much harder to treat in the future. Therefore, root canal therapy to eliminate the infection, rather than just a prescription for antibiotics, is essential.

You can ask your dentist about a treatment plan or get a second opinion.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.