{"id":134,"date":"2020-04-20T19:40:12","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T19:40:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.norwooddentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=134"},"modified":"2020-05-20T19:40:21","modified_gmt":"2020-05-20T19:40:21","slug":"need-know-antibiotics-tooth-infection-emergency-dentist-in-norwood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.norwooddentalcare.com\/blog\/2020\/04\/20\/need-know-antibiotics-tooth-infection-emergency-dentist-in-norwood\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection"},"content":{"rendered":"

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You\u2019ve been diligently following all the social distancing protocols that have been in effect due to COVID-19. Suddenly you feel an intense pain in your mouth. To your dismay, you think you might have an infection in one of your teeth. Should you call your emergency dentist<\/a> in Norwood? Is it safe? Absolutely. Dental offices are one of the cleanest places you could be. Not to mention, you\u2019re likely going to need antibiotics to treat that infected tooth. Keep reading to learn more about antibiotics for tooth infections.<\/p>\n

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Why Are Tooth Infections Treated with Antibiotics?<\/h2>\n

Any infection in the head or neck, including one in your tooth, should be taken incredibly seriously. This is because there is a risk that the infection could spread to your brain, threatening your life. Since tooth infections \u2013 especially bacterial ones \u2013 are unlikely to go away on their own, your body needs some help fighting it off. That\u2019s where antibiotics come in.<\/p>\n

How Long Should I Take Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection?<\/h2>\n

Antibiotics are typically prescribed for about a week. Depending on the type and dosage of your antibiotic, this may vary by a few days. You might have to take your pills anywhere from one to four times daily.<\/p>\n

The most important thing to remember when it comes to taking antibiotics is to finish the pills<\/em>. Even if your tooth starts to feel normal again, it\u2019s critical that you take all of the medication that you were prescribed. Otherwise, the infection could come back with a vengeance.<\/p>\n

Do I Always Need Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection?<\/h2>\n

In some cases, you might not need to take any medication to remove the infection. This is often the case when your dentist in Norwood decides that root canal therapy is the best choice of treatment. During a root canal, which is about as \u201cpainful\u201d as getting a filling, your dentist removes the infected pulp (inside portion) of your tooth and replaced it with a synthetic material. Alternatively, the infection can often be removed by extracting the tooth altogether if necessary.<\/p>\n

How Do I Know If I Have a Tooth Infection?<\/h2>\n

If you suspect that one or more of your teeth is infected, it\u2019s imperative that you call your dentist right away. Some of the most common signs of an oral infection are:<\/p>\n