Before undergoing endodontic treatment, your endodontist in Buckhead may suggest taking an antibiotic to eliminate bacteria on the infected tooth. The potential risks of misusing or overusing antibiotics are a valid concern, so Dr. Barr only recommends the medication when it is the best option for you. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in this type of treatment. WHAT ANTIBIOTICS ARE USED IN ENDODONTICS? In dentistry, prescribing antibiotics is based on educated guesses since the dentist does not know which microorganisms are causing the infection, as samples from the root canal or periapical region are not usually taken or analyzed.
The most commonly used antibiotic in endodontics is amoxicillin, due to its broad spectrum, high antibacterial efficacy, low resistance rate, pharmacokinetic profile, tolerance and dosage. Other antibiotics used for odontogenic infections are listed in Table 1, along with their corresponding dose. If you meet all of the criteria above, you should consult with your endodontist, dentist or dental hygienist to avoid taking oral antibiotics and try Biocidin LSF or Dentalcidin Liquid instead. Most dentists, endodontists and oral surgeons I know take great pride in helping their patients. Endodontists need to disinfect and use dental instruments around the roots of teeth during root canal treatment, so prophylaxis may be recommended to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria from inside the tooth into the bloodstream.
If this is the case, you may need root canal treatment to save the tooth, as explained by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
