Certain dental problems require prompt treatment to relieve discomfort and minimize damage to the structures of the mouth. Such urgent dental problems include
Infections of the bone (osteomyelitis) of the jaw
Certain complications that can develop after dental treatment
To relieve most dental pain and discomfort, people can take acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) by mouth. To relieve severe pain, people may need to combine these drugs with more powerful prescription opioid pain relievers such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone. To relieve pain resulting from a surgical procedure, people may alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 3 hours for a short period of time.
To treat dental infections accompanied by fever and malaise (general feeling of being unwell), those that have spread to surrounding tissues, and those for which immediate dental treatment is not available, doctors and dentists give penicillin, amoxicillin, azithromycin, or clindamycin.
People with certain heart conditions or some people who have a weak immune system and a prosthetic joint are given antibiotics to prevent infection of the heart (endocarditis) or joint that may result from some invasive dental procedures.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Mouth Healthy: This resource provides information on oral health from the American Dental Association, as well as advice on how to find a dentist and when to see one.
