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. 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.
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).
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
- 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.