A root canal antibiotic should be effective at killing all of the types of bacteria that like to invade the inside of a tooth, the surrounding bone and gum tissues. Taking this medication is absolutely essential when there is root canal swelling and root canal pain. The medication helps kill off the bacteria that are feeding off of the dead tissue inside the tooth and causing these problems. Without antibiotics many dental infections could grow out of control and cause serious consequences.

          Many patients are confused about the purpose of a root canal antibiotic and also about their situations. A dead tooth is dead. That's obvious. However, when the root canal symptoms go away, many patients do not return to the dentist for definitive root canal treatment. The dead tooth has rotting tissues inside its canals. This is not a good thing for the patient's body. Eventually the situation will blow up again and the patient will most certainly have more serious problems. The underlying cause of the problem has not been taken care of.

          A common root canal antibiotic is penicillin VK. However, this dental antibiotic has been used for over sixty five years and many bacteria are developing resistant strains. Amoxicillin is a penicillin modification that is often used today. Keflex is a cephalosporin that has a broad spectrum. That is, it kills lots more types of bacteria than amoxicillin. Regardless of the antibacterial used, the root canal should be started to remove the source of the bacterial growth and the patient should rest and eat well to help the body fight the infection.

          Prescribing a root canal antibiotic soon can often avoid serious complications later. There is no reason not to treat and not to eliminate a dead tooth as soon as it is discovered. If you have a root canal problem and would like to consult with Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky or Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Smith, call 404-874-7428 for an appointment. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Our dentists are very concerned about every root canal infection that we see and the effects that these problems have on their patients' health.