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Do I need to take antibiotics for a broken tooth?

Dr Vijay Mathur
Senior Research Officer,
Department of Dental Surgery,
AIIMS,
New Delhi

Q: Ten years back I felt pain in my tooth (canine) so I visited the doctor. He said that there was a cavity which was filled. Three days back while I was brushing my teeth, the same tooth broke but I didn't feel any pain. I took Amoxycillin 500 mg for three days. Do I have to continue the antibiotics or an artificial tooth is necessary as I am going to India soon?

A:It is evident that the tooth is fractured but an X-ray is required to confirm the status if root remaining. Accordingly RCT may be done again and tooth can be saved by Post and Core technique. Else, tooth can be removed and fixed/removable teeth can be replaced as a last option. Normally antibiotics should be taken for 5 days under medical supervision only.