ANTIBIOTICS AND DENTAL INFECTIONS

Antibiotics are commonly used to help relieve and eliminate dental infections. In some cases, the tooth/cause of the infection is able to be removed immediately; but can leave behind infection in the bone surrounding the tooth and may be harmful to the surrounding teeth.

This is where an antibiotic could help continue to remove the remaining infection and aid the surrounding areas to be abscess free.

In other cases, the infection can be too strong causing the need for antibiotics to help bring down the level of infection to a manageable level. Dental abscesses are very acidic, while anesthetic is considered a base. When the acid levels overpower the base levels, it is impossible to get a patient numb.

This is where an antibiotic would come in handy and help bring the acidic levels of the infection down to a workable level.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO FINISH YOUR ANTIBIOTIC
CYCLE FOR DENTAL INFECTIONS EVEN IF YOU FEEL BETTER!

If you have been given an antibiotic for dental infection, please follow the prescribed directions and finish the entire course. If the antibiotic course is stopped early, it can result in the infection and pain returning stronger than before. You may feel better and be tempted to stop or even forget to continue taking the medication, but please do your best to finish.

If you have any allergies or feel that you may be having a reaction to penicillin or other antibiotics, please let your dentist know immediately. Give our Ogden, Utah office a call if you have any additional questions!