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Suggest Treatment For Tooth Infection

Posted on Fri, 21 Nov 2014

Question: I have had c-diff 2x and ended up loosing 100lbs over a year. Nursing home etc. I need a dental procedure on a bed tooth but have health problems. My endocrine system is also bad no pituitary gland and adrenal insufficiency thus I am on 20mg hydrocortisone, doctors say I am only replacing what I can't, produce. I still need more tests. My thyroid is on the low side. My need is to know if I should take antibiotics before dental work on a bad tooth , perhaps a crown. I also may need removal of a papilloma on my tounge . Should I ask for flagyl or Vancomycin IF I have to take an antibiotic? I had 6 surgeries on my knees. There have been 2 total knee replacements and one revision on one knee. The other has had 1 Total Knee, one orthroscopy, and 1 revision on the other, to make things worse I have Ehlers Danlos. My last knee surgery was 5 years ago. I still have trouble with my knees. but I have had a neck fusion about 2 years ago. PLEASE help. I am getting different opinions. I don't want to get an infection in my knee's or c-diff. Is it possible to take flagyl, Vancomycin, or IV Vancomycin before or after the procedures. I have been given Erythromycin by my Ortho Dr..It is not as bad as Cyindomycin. I realize but your answer can't be for sure, but what is my best option? No med's, meds before, or any other choice? {forgive spelling}

Answered by Dr. Divakara (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Depends on tooth condition.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Greetings from Dr.Divakara.P

Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic.

The answer depends on whether your tooth is infected or not. If it is infected or even there is suspicion of Infection then taking Antibiotics from a day prior to extraction of tooth is advisable.

But if your dentist is not suspecting any infection then no need of any antibiotics.

Among the choice between Flagyl and Vancomycin I woud recommend Vancomycin if in case Antibiotics needs to be started.

Hope you find this information useful.

Any clarification feel free to ask .

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (7 hours later)

How much medication should I take one time or a series?

Answered by Dr. Divakara (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should take a course.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Welcome back .

If it is decided that you need to be started on Antibiotics then it is advisable to start a day before Extraction of your tooth and take it till 4 days post extraction. So a total of 5 days .

Any clarification feel free to ask .

Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari