I had a toothache a couple of weeks ago and ended up having a dental infection. I saw my dentist and he prescribed me Keflex. My tooth seemed to get better but has recently flared back up. My cheek is starting to swell too. Is there a chance he had me on the wrong antibiotic?
Tom
Dear Tom,
I think there is some kind of miscommunication between you and the dentist. At least I hope there is. An antibiotic can not cure a tooth infection. What it can do is hold an infection at bay until your dentist can do the appropriate treatment. Is it possible your dentist spoke about a follow-up appointment? To fully get rid of a tooth infection your dentist would have to go in there and physically remove the infected pulp. This can be done in one of two ways.
If your dentist thinks the tooth can be saved, he will do a root canal treatment. If he or she feels the infection is too far gone and the tooth cannot be saved, then the tooth will have to be extracted and replaced.
What you are experiencing is the tooth infection flaring back up after your antibiotic wore off. This is now what I would consider a dental emergency. Call your dentist back and have him get you in immediately for treatment. It’s already spread to y our cheek. If it is allowed to reach your brain a simple tooth infection can turn life-threatening.
Hopefully, a root canal treatment will be enough and your tooth can be saved. If it cannot and you have to replace it, I am going to recommend a dental implant. It is by far the best tooth replacement option available. It will be like having a natural, healthy tooth again.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.