Amoxicillin might fail to clear your tooth infection if the bacteria causing it are resistant to the antibiotic. Many dental infections involve bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis, known for its resistance to penicillin-like antibiotics, including amoxicillin.
A severe or deeply rooted infection may also require a stronger antibiotic or a different treatment approach altogether. Amoxicillin may not penetrate the infection site sufficiently to eradicate the bacteria. This is particularly true for infections involving abscesses.
Your dentist might consider your medical history and the severity of the infection when selecting an antibiotic. Allergies to penicillin also rule out amoxicillin; alternative antibiotics will be necessary.
Finally, improper use of amoxicillin, such as not completing the prescribed course, contributes to antibiotic resistance. This can render the drug ineffective against future infections, including tooth infections.
If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days of starting amoxicillin, contact your dentist or doctor immediately. They will assess your condition and adjust treatment accordingly, possibly prescribing a different antibiotic or recommending alternative methods like root canal therapy or extraction.
