How Do I Know If Antibiotics for a Toothache Are Working?

Posted by AllSmiles

I’ve had a lingering toothache for two weeks that has gotten more intense. I went to my dentist this week, and she prescribed antibiotics. If I don’t feel relief, I need to schedule a follow-up visit. My dentist reviewed my X-rays from my August exam and cleaning appointment and said the tooth looks fine. She is confident that the antibiotics will help. How will I know if the antibiotics are working? Thanks. Josiah from NV

Josiah,

You need current X-rays for an accurate diagnosis. Although you had X-rays in August, the tooth wasn’t hurting at that time, so your dentist needs new information. Bitewings from your previous visit likely didn’t show the tooth’s root. A periapical X-ray can reveal whether the pulp is infected and help your dentist determine appropriate treatment.

Why a Visual Exam Isn’t Enough for Diagnosing a Toothache

Relying on whether the filling has a visible crack does not evaluate the inner tooth. Tooth pain requires a broader assessment, and several simple tests help determine whether the pulp is inflamed, dying, or already infected. A thoughtful work-up typically includes:

• Checking your response to tapping on the tooth
• Using cold or heat to evaluate nerve responses
• Using electrical tests to see whether the pulp is still alive

If none of these tests were performed, the evaluation is likely to be incomplete.

Is It Risky to Rely Solely on Antibiotics for a Toothache?

It is risky to rely solely on antibiotics for a toothache. If antibiotics reduce your symptoms, that strongly suggests an infection that still needs root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased tissue. Antibiotics cannot treat the inside of a tooth; they only reduce the infection in the surrounding bone. After you finish all the medication, the infection usually returns—sometimes with more intensity—due to your body’s development of antibiotic resistance.

 

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide our patients with some of the best dental care in Chandler.