My bottom right second molar was hurting on and off for a few months. My jaw started swelling, so I finally went to a dentist. And a little over a week ago, the dentist extracted my bottom right second molar. Before I left the dental office, my doctor gave me an amoxicillin prescription. I’ve been taking the medicine, but the infection and pain are worse. The swelling in my jaw is large and hard. Do I need to ask for a stronger dose of amoxicillin before Io lose the tooth? Thank you. Reuben
Reuben,
Although amoxicillin often works well for tooth infections, your infection is not improving. It’s getting worse. Many infections have a bacterial strain with amoxicillin resistance. That is likely the case with your infection.
Infections in the jaw can become severe, spread elsewhere in your body, and become life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms that the infection is spreading:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fever, including sweating or chills
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Stomach pains
- Swelling that makes it difficult to open your mouth, swallow, or breathe
- Vomiting
Treating a severe jaw infection is the priority. A dental implant can replace a lost tooth.
Call your dentist immediately and request a different antibiotic that will help your body fight the infection. Don’t delay getting the prescription filled and taking the new medicine right away. If your symptoms get worse, go to an emergency room.
The effects on your overall health are at risk. If you lose the tooth, you can visit an implant dentist to replace it. But for now, it is essential to get the infection under control.
Michael Szarek, DMD, of Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.