Which antibiotic should I use for root canal inflammation?

Which antibiotic is chosen by the dentist depends on several factors. Allergies play an important role here. There are people who, for example, react allergic to the active substance penicillin with skin rash, shortness of breath or similar.

If this is the case, it is essential that the doctor treating the patient learns about it, as otherwise taking it can be life-threatening. There are then other active ingredients that can be used, e.g. Clindamycin. Important for the decision is also the pathogen spectrum, i.e. the type of bacteria that is present in the body.

For each type there are special antibiotics that work specifically. The active ingredient amoxicillin has proven its worth in dentistry. It is particularly effective against inflammation inside the body. Penicillin V and erythromycin are also used. As a rule, the attending physician will inform himself before a prescription about previous intake and intolerances and only then will he decide on the right remedy.

What should I do if the antibiotic does not work?

If an antibiotic does not work, this can have several reasons. Either the drug does not work against the pathogen or the duration of intake was simply too short until now. It is normal that the pain does not improve within an hour immediately after the first tablet, as is known from painkillers.

In most cases it takes up to three days before the first successes are felt. However, if this time is exceeded or if the swelling becomes more and more severe, the most important thing is to go to the dentist immediately or to the emergency service on the weekend!Otherwise, the inflammation can spread rapidly and cause permanent damage. Under no circumstances should self-therapy be performed.

There are no home remedies that can help in this case. To bridge the time until the visit to the dentist the pain can be relieved a little bit. The short-term intake of painkillers, for example ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help well. Cooling the affected region also reduces pain, but warming often leads to the inflammation spreading even further. The bacteria can spread more quickly in warm conditions.