Many dentists provide patients with antibiotics that can clear up harmful mouth bacteria. Having said that, these dental medicines aren’t always effective; they sometimes fail to treat the problem. You should know what to do if or when you face this situation. Luckily enough, your Gainesville dentist is here to explain how best to manage it. To that end, read on to learn what happens if antibiotics don’t work for you.
When Should Antibiotics “Kick In?”
Indeed, dentists will often prescribe antibiotics to treat their patients’ oral infections. These medicines quickly remove the problematic bacteria once they’ve been taken.
Most patients show improvement within 2-3 days of taking their antibiotic. By that point, the medication has started attacking the wall surrounding an infection’s bacteria. This process interferes with the microbes’ reproduction or blocks proteins from forming into them. That being the case, a full course of antibiotics (taken over 7-14 days) should address your mouth’s infection.
Unfortunately, there are cases where an antibiotic doesn’t “kick in” or entirely destroy an infection. These can lead to further oral issues without professional help.
What Happens If They Don’t?
Your oral infection could spread further if an antibiotic doesn’t work correctly. It’d then put you at risk of more health problems.
Remember, bacteria from gum or tooth infections don’t stay put. They slowly but surely spread to other body parts – your tooth’s roots, the jawbone, etc. After a certain point, taking more antibiotics won’t be able to keep them in check. Leaving the bacteria alone would then make heart disease or even sepsis more likely.
As best you can, quickly see a dentist if your antibiotic isn’t easing your symptoms. They can provide you with further treatment options.
How Can Your Dentist Help Out?
Aside from antibiotics, dentists have several ways to treat oral infections. Any of them could quickly help your smile heal and recover.
Take root canal therapy, for instance. This procedure treats a tooth’s infection by removing its pulp from your mouth. As a result, it removes the harmful bacteria and eliminates the aches or pains your infection was causing. That means the therapy would finish the job your antibiotic couldn’t.
It’s not the end of the world if your antibiotics don’t work. Should that happen, just see your dental provider to avoid a dental emergency in Gainesville!
About the Practice
Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center is based in Gainesville, FL. Led by four top-tier dentists, our practice is highly committed to every patient’s smile. That means we tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your mouth and its specific needs! Whether your aim is a dental checkup or dental antibiotics, we’ll ensure your teeth and gums thrive. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (352)-332-6725.
