Tooth infection - now need root canal (implants, dentist, abscess)
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I went to the dentist 2 days ago and was told I have an infection that would require taking penicillin for 1 week. They also said the tooth will need a root canal and referred me to someone who does them. If I was to go see them this week it can take up to a month or longer before my insurance approves root canals. My question is what happens to the infection after it apparently clears up this week but the bad tooth is not touched for several weeks (or perhaps over a month) waiting for root canal approval? Is it likely the infection will come back? I definitely don't want to be going on antibiotics again for the same problem once I finish this course in 5 days.
You need to take the antibiotic for your infection now, before things get worse and the pulp infected by bacteria begin to die allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread.
It might clear the problem for good, or not. Hard to say.
But if it returns before you get your root canal - then you would need to repeat the antibiotic course.
Don't make matters worse and lose your tooth.
You need to take the antibiotic for your infection now, before things get worse and the pulp infected by bacteria begin to die allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread.
It might clear the problem for good, or not. Hard to say.
But if it returns before you get your root canal - then you would need to repeat the antibiotic course.
Don't make matters worse and lose your tooth.
I did take the antibiotics as directed for 1 week and finished them 2 weeks ago. I'm trying to set up an appointment today but concerned about how fast the infection might come back in the meantime, presuming it was cured completely 2 wks ago.
It's probably a crapshoot. I'm in a similar situation but waiting for a consult with an oral surgeon about implants to replace a tooth that's gone bad and is holding up a bridge.
Developed abscess around May 7. Weekend, of course. Took azithromycin since it was the only antibiotic I had sitting around and it worked in less than 24 hours. Talked to dentist Monday and he said keep taking it- I went in for X-rays and he confirmed abscess. Oral surgeon couldn't get me in till June 10. I didn't like the idea of being on antibiotics that long; called dentist and he said to quit taking them and see what happens. That was maybe May 17 or 18? Knock wood, it's been stable. Tooth is sensitive to pressure so I try not to chew on that side but the infection hasn't come raging back.
Years ago a friend who needed a root canal and didn't have the money was kept on antibiotics for a couple of months till he could save up for it, so you may be OK with waiting.
It's probably a crapshoot. I'm in a similar situation but waiting for a consult with an oral surgeon about implants to replace a tooth that's gone bad and is holding up a bridge.
Developed abscess around May 7. Weekend, of course. Took azithromycin since it was the only antibiotic I had sitting around and it worked in less than 24 hours. Talked to dentist Monday and he said keep taking it- I went in for X-rays and he confirmed abscess. Oral surgeon couldn't get me in till June 10. I didn't like the idea of being on antibiotics that long; called dentist and he said to quit taking them and see what happens. That was maybe May 17 or 18? Knock wood, it's been stable. Tooth is sensitive to pressure so I try not to chew on that side but the infection hasn't come raging back.
Years ago a friend who needed a root canal and didn't have the money was kept on antibiotics for a couple of months till he could save up for it, so you may be OK with waiting.
I did take the antibiotics as directed for 1 week and finished them 2 weeks ago. I'm trying to set up an appointment today but concerned about how fast the infection might come back in the meantime, presuming it was cured completely 2 wks ago.
No one can predict if the infection reappear or not.
Take very good care of your mouth higiene - brushing, flossing, rinsing after each meal.
Hopefully you will be good till your next appointment.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elnina
No one can predict if the infection reappear or not.
Take very good care of your mouth hygiene - brushing, flossing, rinsing after each meal.
Hopefully you will be good till your next appointment.
This, and eat on the other side if possible.
I have always managed to get an appointment soon after but my dentist does them himself and he will squeeze in or even stay late if necessary.
I have always managed to get an appointment soon after but my dentist does them himself and he will squeeze in or even stay late if necessary.
In this case it's not about appointment availability. According to OP "it can take up to a month or longer before my insurance approves root canals."
Hopefully it won't take that long. Maybe you can push it with the insurance a bit, OP, since you have sort of emergency situation.
Also, check with a University Hospital in your area. They might perform the root canal for lower or no cost as part of educational program for the future dentists.
I personally have known several people now, who have had health issues stemming from their root canals.
Just wanted to throw another perspective out there. I opted to have mine extracted and an implant put in. They were pushing for the root canal, but I said hell no.
Good luck.
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Took azithromycin since it was the only antibiotic I had sitting around and it worked in less than 24 hours. Talked to dentist Monday and he said keep taking it- I went in for X-rays and he confirmed abscess. Oral surgeon couldn't get me in till June 10. I didn't like the idea of being on antibiotics that long; called dentist and he said to quit taking them and see what happens. That was maybe May 17 or 18? Knock wood, it's been stable. Tooth is sensitive to pressure so I try not to chew on that side but the infection hasn't come raging back.
