I had a toothache and infection, so last week my dentist prescribed antibiotics to control the infection. The extraction date is in six weeks because my dentist can’t save the tooth, but my tooth doesn’t hurt anymore. Is it a waste of time and money to remove the tooth if it doesn’t hurt? – Thanks. Ronya from GA
Ronya,
When root canal treatment can’t save a tooth, you need an extraction to stop the cycle of pain and swelling. While antibiotics provide temporary relief by attacking bacteria in the surrounding bone, they cannot penetrate the tooth to provide a permanent cure.
Preparing for a Comfortable Procedure
Your dentist uses antibiotics to control the infection so the numbing medication can work properly. This preparation is essential for upper teeth, where active infections can block the effectiveness of the local anesthetic.
- Schedule the surgery for an optimal time: Schedule your surgery for day four through day seven of your ten-day antibiotic course.
- Take all the medication: Continue taking your medication through the day of the appointment to ensure the site remains stable for the dentist.
- Call your dentist if you experience a flare-up: Reach out for a refill if you feel the infection flaring up before your appointment date.
The Risks of Waiting Too Long
Waiting almost two months to remove an infected tooth is not ideal and puts you at risk for antibiotic resistance. Since the medication only suppresses symptoms, the bacteria will likely rebound before your appointment. If your dentist’s schedule were too full to treat you within a week of starting antibiotics, a referral to another office would have been a more appropriate way to handle your care. We encourage you to 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.