A large amount of inflammation and infection can make root canal treatment more difficult for the dentist, and painful for the patient. In this case, taking a round of antibiotics leading up to nerve treatment can make the procedure run smoother as the tooth is easier to numb.
Antibiotics will not cure toothache, they will only mask the problem until you have something done about the tooth itself. They may stop the pain for a few days, weeks or even months, but it will always come back with a vengeance!
The normal or average time taken for the effect of Antibiotics on a tooth abscess or infection is “24 to 48 hours”.
Apply an ice pack to soothe and calm the pain. Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Try a saltwater gargle. Saltwater can help fight infection after root canals and ease the pain.
My first choice of antibiotics is amoxicillin—that is, if there are no contraindications, such as allergies (figure 1). Because of its broad spectrum, it is effective against root canal-invading bacteria and polymicrobial infections. Metronidazole is added to the regimen if amoxicillin is ineffective after 48–72 hours.
Under the above definition, an infected tooth that needs root canal therapy counts as a dental emergency. A tooth infection can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. And if it's left untreated, the infection will continue to spread throughout your tooth. This can result in the death and the loss of your tooth.
If a tooth had a repeat root canal treatment and you have passed the peak pain period (48-72 hours), but the pain returns, it is often a sign of root canal failure. The American Association of Endodontics advises that if severe pain or pressure lasts for more than a few days, you should contact your endodontist.
Discomfort from root canal treatment is normally due to inflammation around the tooth. The best treatment for this inflammation is Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) therapy. In order to be most effective Ibuprofen should be taken in the following manner: 400mg should be taken immediately following the procedure.
Outlook. A successful root canal can cause mild pain for a few days. This is temporary, and should go away on its own as long as you practice good oral hygiene. You should see your dentist for a follow-up if the pain lasts longer than three days.
Antibiotics after a root canal are not necessary. After root canal treatment, it takes a little time to fully recover.
While you might take antibiotics for a bacterial infection in your body, tooth infections are often an exception. Tooth infections usually aren't treated with antibiotics. Instead, endodontic treatment, such as a root canal, pulpotomy, or pulpectomy, is typically used for these infections.
Usually, within 2-3 days, you'll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection.
Studies have shown that antibiotics do very little to treat pain. Instead of relieving pain, they are treating bacterial infections, killing the source of infection. They are great medications.
Definitive treatment for a dental abscess can only be given by a dentist, not your GP.
A root canal causes mild pain for a few days. The discomfort is temporary and is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and practicing proper oral hygiene. However, if the discomfort lasts over three days, you must see your dentist for advice.
During any root canal, body tissues not directly being treated have a chance to become agitated and mildly inflamed. In the case of throbbing pain after a root canal, the culprit is the bone surrounding the tooth. The bone tissue becomes irritated and provokes some discomfort. For most patients, this is very mild.
Many people are afraid they'll have tooth pain after root canal therapy. However, because the source of infection is removed during the procedure, most people find immediate relief following treatment.
Pain will usually peak 17 to 24 hours after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate post root canal pain along with keeping your head elevated when sleeping the first few nights. Any severe pain or pressure that lasts for more than a few days should be reported to your endodontist.
When you have an infected root canal, the tooth is basically dying and decaying. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharper shooting pain. It can be constant or come and go but pain almost always accompanies the need for a root canal treatment. If not treated, the infection can spread and create even worse pain.
Significant tooth pain occurring within one week of root canal therapy, referred to as post-endodontic flare-up pain, has been reported to occur in 1.6% to 6.6% of all root canal procedures.
In many cases, you'll start feeling better about two to three days after you start taking antibiotics for a tooth infection. 8 However, you should take the full round of prescribed antibiotics. Usually, your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic for three to seven days for a tooth infection.
Leaving an infection to spread to your facial bones may eventually necessitate surgical removal to stop it. Even in minor cases, a tooth infection can cause the bone structures of your jaw to weaken, making it hard to support your teeth.