If the infection is limited to the area of the abscess, you may not need antibiotics. However, if the infection has spread to nearby teeth, jaw, or other areas, the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent it from spreading further. Your dentist may also recommend antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system. With the existing risks and the low effectiveness in eliminating the infection, antibiotics are rarely prescribed for a dental infection or an abscess.
When they are, it's important to take them as directed. They play a crucial role in keeping an infection from getting worse. Therefore, a dentist or endodontist may prescribe an antibiotic when the infection is severe, has spread to the jaw, or if the patient has a weakened immune system. While you might not notice it right away, antibiotics start working as soon as you start taking them.
Usually, after 2 to 3 days, you'll start to feel better and see an improvement in your infection. On average, a full course of antibiotics takes 7 to 14 days to complete, depending on the type used. A tooth abscess is a buildup of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection. You need urgent treatment from a dentist.
A tooth abscess won't go away on its own. Tooth abscesses usually occur when pus builds up under your teeth or gums when you have an infection in your mouth.
