Abscess Tooth (3 mos): Should I request a second course of antibiotics? Also-follow up care question...?

Question

I have a tooth that is abscessed and has been for nearly (or at least) 3 months (my fault for not having it checked). The pain has decreased quite a bit, and is far les frequent, but my concern is that having been infected so long, one 5 day regimen of zithromax won't clear it up completely.

I am definitely NOT one to abuse antibiotics, don't request them for colds or even bronchitis, but I am afraid of a recurrence of this long-running (and extremely painful!) problem.

My dentist has told me to follow up with her, so I need to call Monday regardless. When I DO, should I express my concern and propose a second course of antibiotics?

Also, I read elsewhere that infected teeth frequently reinfect. Is this true? If so, should I ask her about the likelihood of this with me and start the paperwork for a root canal or extraction?

Answer 1

i would ask them for another round of meds.an abcess can be very dangerous and even fatal.it must be cleared up before they do any work on that tooth.the dentist may try to deny you the meds but be persistant-it's your health!

Answer 2

it sounds like you have a chronic infection, which antibiotics for the second time may help for a very short period of time.  the infection will come back, and maybe stronger. the best option is to call your dentist and either have a SPECIALIST-an ENDODONTIST do the root canal or an extraction done by your dentist.  you need to get rid of the cause of the infection to get better -the root canal or ext.  good luck and remember if the root canal is done on a molar or pre-molar the tooth should get a crown afterward.

Answer 3

Have you had a root canal?  If not you might consider getting one.  Antibiotics might not be the best course of action in this case.

Answer 4

Call your dentist. infected teeth can lead to severe medical problems including heart disease. See your dentist and ask if you need more antibiotics and ask whatt the next course of action should be.  The tooth may just be sensitive and not infected, BUT YOU DON'T KNOW THAT. This is what dentists are for, so get going and make that appointment.