Tooth Infection, Root Canal and Antiobiotics

[greekkc]

I went to the dentist today with some tooth discomfort. Turns out there is some mild infection and a root canal was recommended along with an antibiotic the week prior to the root canal and the week of the procedure. I had cdiff in Feb 2018, treated with 10 day vanco, still tested positive in May but had no symptoms so doctor said I was colonized but no active infection so no further treatment. I take 2 Florastor/day and 1 OrthoBiotic, a probiotic by OrthoMolecular. I do suffer from post infectious IBS.

The dentist is very sensitive to my cdiff and suggested I contact my GI for an antibiotic recommendation. He knows that Clindamyacin and Amoxicillin are big offenders for cdiff relapse and said we could try one that is not as likely to cause relapse. We discussed taking an antibiotic w/vanco but I really don't want to wipe out my good gut flora I have tried so hard to reestablish for 6 months and he agreed. He did say a root canal can be done withhout antibiotics but he did not recommend it as the infection counteracts with the numbing agent and makes it not effective.

Has anyone tried a lesser offender antibiotic with success in treating a tooth infection? BTW, my cdiff was not antibiotic related, I caught it either from a friend who still had an active infection or from an outpatient surgery facility.

[NanciT]

I would also recommend calling your GI. I have had a great deal of dental issues during CDIFF and post CDIFF. I consulted an Endodontist for the Root Canals I needed over the last 4 years. It does depend on the infection and where it's located but in my case I have not taken any antibiotics. I had the endodontist do them.

I also recently required an extraction due to an infected tooth a few months ago, I saw an oral surgeon and he did the procedure without antibiotics.

I did use a rinse called Peridex which is an antibacterial. I had CDIFF for a year with 5 relapses, I could not get rid of it. My dentist and all these specialist have worked with me and watched closely. We considered possibly taking an antibiotic on the last extraction, but he was able to clear it out.

Just giving you some other ideas, your GI may consider talking with your dentist also.

Wishing you the best!

NanciT

[greekkc]

So I had the root canal on Friday with no antibiotics. Was in a lot of pain over the weekend with some swelling. Went back to prosthodontist today and it is abscessed with infection. I had previously called my GI to discuss use of an antibiotic and also printed and took with me the CDI list of antibiotics. He consulted with the endodontist and although their "go to" is usually amoxycillin, we decided to try a z-pak since it was on the list as a moderate offender. I had already been taking 1 Florastor 2/day and Orthobiotic 1/day. I am going to up the Florastor to two capsules 2/day. Pray for no relapse and also for the infection to be gone!

[NanciT]

There are many of us who have taken antibiotics, I actually took Keflex months post CDIFF and did well. There are many who have taken a Zpak which is on the "safer" list.
There are times when it is absolutely necessary as in your case right now. Hang in there, take the probiotics. You will get through this, hopefully all will be fine

Wishing you the best
NanciT

[lila30]

Greekkc- how are you doing?

[greekkc]

I took the z-pak and so far so good! I have been taking 2 Florastor and 1 Ortho Biotic per day since cdiff in February. Upped the Florastor to 3-4 capsules per day while I took the z-pak. Waiting for everything tooth and gum wise to calm down after root canal and getting a crown in a few weeks.