Last week, I developed a persistent toothache. I saw my dentist yesterday, and she checked my June x-rays for signs of infection. The filling in the tooth isn’t cracked, and since there are no signs of infection, my dentist prescribed antibiotics. What is my dentist treating if there are no signs of an infection or damage to the tooth’s filling? Thanks. Luca from Ft. Lauderdale
Luca,
X-rays from two months ago may not help with your current toothache. Pain signals a change, and new imaging is needed. Bitewing x-rays often focus on the crowns of teeth. To rule out or confirm infection, you need an X-ray that includes the root tip.
What Should a Dentist Check for a Persistent Toothache?
When pain persists, a dentist has several diagnostic tools beyond checking for cracks. Common tests include:
- Tapping the tooth to detect tenderness
- Applying cold or heat to see how the tooth reacts
- Using electrical testing to confirm if the pulp is alive
Root canal treatment removes a tooth infection
Skipping these steps can leave questions unanswered.
Are Antibiotics Alone Enough for a Toothache?
A prescription for antibiotics without further treatment does not resolve a toothache. Antibiotics cannot penetrate the inside of the tooth, so the infection remains. Once the medicine wears off, the bacteria often return, stronger and resistant. A lasting solution requires dental treatment to remove the infection at its source.
Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.
