Hi anntay,

Thanks for the update

I'm a bit confused as to what the oral surgeon meant with his comments especially since he put you on the augmentin. Did he mean that there is an infection and it looks "typical" meaning "the findings are usual for this type of infection"? Did he mean he is clueless as to what the swelling is from and prescribed the rx because ..... why?

Infections vary in their species of bacteria. The only way to know what the specific species is you would have to have a culture and biopsy taken of the bone. Augmentin is a broad spectrum antibiotic that kills a variety of bacterias that are found in commonly occurring infections. So this is often the drug of choice when the bacteria has not been "pathologically" identified. But in dentistry it is generally prescribed ONLY when an infection is suspected.

As far as infection is concerned, it is truly irrelevant whether or not an antibiotic was taken for the root canal procedure or not. The drug will not "kill" the majority of the bacteria that resides inside of the tooth both pre and post op the procedure. The drug is given to temporarily subside the inflammation more so than kill the bacteria. People are often under the impression that the antibiotic and the rc procedure are enough to make the tooth well again. Unfortunately, that is just not the case.

I do hope you get some relief and the swelling subsides. It is best to follow up with the OS and then have this area monitored with one periapical x-ray at your cleaning appointments to catch the first sign if something more is brewing.

Keep us posted.
Bryanna