A dental abscess is known to be painful. From tender and swollen gums to having difficulty eating, there are a lot of negative effects of an abscess. It’s also why most people turn to antibiotics for relief. However, relying only on antibiotics, without any other form of treatment, can be hazardous.
Thus, if your tooth abscess is still swollen after three days of antibiotics, make sure to visit your dentist immediately. You might need to undergo proper treatment based on the severity of the condition. In this blog, you will find all you need to know about dental abscesses and how to deal with the pain.
How Long Does It Take For Abscess Swelling To Go Down After Antibiotics?
Usually, the swelling resulting from a dental abscess takes 24 to 48 hours to go back down. When you first take the antibiotics, you will notice the pain begin to subside almost immediately, followed by swelling and other symptoms.
The reason it takes longer for the swelling to go down is because the abscess is filled with infected bacteria. Not to mention, based on the size of the abscess, it may or may not take some time for the swelling to decrease.
This means that if the abscess is large, with its effects spreading to your face and jaw, it could take longer than 48 hours for everything to go back to normal. On the other hand, if the abscess is small or just starting to take form, it can easily heal within a day or two of antibiotics.
Is It Normal If Tooth Abscess Is Still Swollen After 3 Days of Antibiotics?
In most cases, it just takes a day or two for the severe effects of the abscess to heal. If you started your antibiotics course, which typically lasts seven to ten days, but saw no improvement by the third day, it might be a cause for concern. It’s a sign to get it checked by a dentist immediately. Rather than waiting and completing the antibiotics course, consult a dental professional as soon as possible.
Reasons Your Tooth Abscess Is Still Swollen
If your tooth abscess is still swollen and tender after 3 to 4 days of taking antibiotics, it could be due to the following reasons:
- Started the antibiotics course late
Maybe the reason why your mouth won’t heal is because you started the antibiotic course too late. It is essential to start the course within the first 48 hours, or else the bacteria might spread and worsen, causing the swelling to harden. - The Infection is Antibiotic-resistant
Although rare, there are instances where people have developed an infection where the bacteria is resistant to antibiotics. This is a critical situation that can only be evaluated and treated by professionals. - Wrong Antibiotics
Sometimes the antibiotics prescribed are not the right fit for you. In such cases, talking to your dentist and getting the antibiotics swapped might help.
The Next Step
If the swelling does not go away or heal in the slightest by the third day of taking antibiotics, the dentist will most likely ask you to sit through minor dental surgery. This will consist of the dentist draining the abscess through a tiny incision and pushing the pus out.
Once drained, the dentist will ensure your mouth is free of bacteria. If needed, you may also need to get dental cleaning done to wipe away all the remnants of the bacteria.
Long Story Short
If your tooth abscess is still swollen after three days of antibiotics, it’s a sign you need to visit a dental professional immediately. For more information, contact Waller Dental at (936) 372-2673. You can also visit our clinic at 31315 Farm to Market 2920 #16 A, Waller, TX 77484. We’re located at the heart of Waller Village.