I have an absess on my tooth... should I go to the GP or the dentisit? What will they do?

Question

I have a very bad tooth and it is all inflammed and sore... I don't know whether I should go to the Gp for anti biotics first or should I just go straight to the dentist... can a dentist perscribe antibiotics?

Answer 1

Go to your dentist as soon as you can. He/she is licensed to prescribe antibiotics related to dental disease. Usually, some form of penicillin is prescribed, but if you are allergic to penicillin you must let your dentist know so that another medication can be prescribed. As far as the treatment, there are basically two things that can happen. If your doctor thinks that the tooth can be saved, he/she will usually perform the first few steps of a root canal (extirpation). The tooth will be anesthetized, opened up, the necrotic matter removed, the root canals flushed with medication, and the tooth will be temporarily closed with a rubber-like material until the root canal can be completed later. In the meantime, you will have a prescription filled and take a course of antibiotics if your doctor deems it necessary. The other course of action, if the tooth is deemed unrestorable, is to extract the tooth and follow up with antibiotics. After it has healed, you can consider an implant or bridge (implants are usually preferable) to replace the missing tooth. Hope this helps

Answer 2

Both will first prescribe anti biotics - unless your allergic of course.

The dentist will have a few more ways of preventing future problems (ie different toothpastes / extracting the tooth)

GP will ask why havent you been to the dentist 1st but it can be difficult & pricey if its private treatment! SO.... if you cant get an instant appointment with the dentist - go to the GP & return to the dentist when the inflamation has gone down

Answer 3

Yes a dentist can pescribe antibiotics. I had an absess last year, half my face was swollen for 2 weeks. I took the antibiotics, but just told the dentist to take the tooth out, at least the i won't ave any more problem with it

Good Luck

Answer 4

You should see your dentist who will be more qualified than a GP in this field.

And yes, a dentist can prescribe antibiotics but they will first of all take the decision as to whether antibiotics will help or whether immediate treatment of the tooth is needed.

Answer 5

I would go to the dentist as he will probably x ray it to find the extent of the abcess. He will then give you antibiotics for a few days then you will go back and see what he suggests probably root canal treatment or even extraction. Hope all is well after the antibiotics and hopefully your dentist will have good news when you return.

Answer 6

Yes, dentists can prescribe antibiotics. I actually had to start antibiotics recently due to a tooth dying and possible infection. I got a prescription directly from my dentist.

Answer 7

You should go to the dentist first to confirm you have an abcess. If it's an abcess you will be prescribed antibiotics which should take down the swelling and make you feel a little better. Good luck!

Answer 8

It is probably best to go to the dentist as they will know better than a doctor what exactly is going on. From past experience dentist's can prescribe but if they have stopped they may be able to reccommed a preffered treatment to the doctor.

Answer 9

Go to the dentist...they will probably need to take the tooth out before treating the infection anyway.

Answer 10

Dentist 1st as Dr's don't really like prescribing for you if a dentist can. A dentist can give you antibiotics.