In most cases, antibiotics are not necessary after endodontic therapy. However, if your dentist or endodontist deems it necessary, they may prescribe antibiotics. Some medical conditions require a special antibiotic prophylaxis regimen before the appointment to help protect certain structures. After the procedure, it is important to safeguard your teeth from damage by avoiding hard or crunchy foods and wearing a cap.
If you have been prescribed an antibiotic before the appointment, make sure to take it as directed. Additionally, some medical conditions, such as hip joint replacements, necessitate special doses of antibiotics one hour before treatment to reduce the risk of joint infection. Using endodontic treatment for dental infections helps reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics or the overuse of these medications, helping to reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
It is recommended that patients stop treatment with antibiotics for 7 or 10 days when their symptoms go away and they feel better.
Talk to your doctor or dentist about your decision to use antibiotics and make sure that the decision is best for everyone involved.An endodontist is a licensed dentist who has completed two or more years of advanced postdoctoral residency in the specialty of endodontics. Endodontic patients rarely experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. Endodontic procedures involve removing infected tissue from the affected tooth, helping to eliminate the infection. After endodontic therapy is finished, the tooth may require periodic examination, usually for 6 to 12 months.
With proper care, teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment will last as long as other natural teeth.
