Ask a doctor on the topic of Surgery

Antibiosis before WSR?

August 21, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

I have an acute root inflammation in tooth 27, for which I took Amoxicillin 1000 three times a day for 7 days - after about 6 days, my palate had to be "scratched" so that pus could come out. I then took Amoxi for another 5 days, but only twice a day. I had to stop taking it due to acute diarrhea. Now, a week after stopping Amoxicillin 1000, the tooth is throbbing again and sensitive to touch. I have an appointment for root tip resection on Tuesday. The surgeon said I don't need to take Amoxicillin anymore - if I can't bear it until Tuesday, she will also operate acutely. I have been wondering all the time if it wouldn't be more sensible to start taking the opened pack of Amoxicillin 1000 again before the surgery. I still have a sufficient amount for about 6 days. She wants to make two incisions - one from the cheek and one from the palate, and I am very worried about wound infection. Shouldn't I take the antibiotics instead and do you have any other advice on how to survive the procedure and what else I should consider? Should I be concerned about resistance, since I stopped taking Amoxicillin after nearly 12 days and the symptoms are returning, and does it make sense to take the same antibiotic again?

Christian Welsch

Dear inquirer,

I would not continue taking Amoxicillin, as it is likely not effective anymore. An ideal antibiotic for your case would be Clindamycin, as it effectively targets bacteria in tooth infections and accumulates in the bone. Whether you need it now can only be decided by the treating dentist. Complications like sepsis are very rare in such cases, but if you have pulsating, uncomfortable pains, I would urge you to seek a faster appointment.

Best regards,
C. Welsch