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Followup To
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I am 32, pregnant with my second child. I am 27 weeks, 2 days. I had a root canal procedure approximately 6 weeks ago. Subsequently, I have felt a painful fluid filled bump near the top of my gumline which I am reasonably sure is an infection (as I had a prior root canal that got infected before). I went to see my regular dentist, but he was on vacation. His partner didn't want to do a dental x ray, but told me to confer with my obgyn, who recommended amoxicillin as a course of treatment. I have since been on the amoxy for five days, but am not finding any relief thus far. It's a seven day prescription.
I am wondering if the amoxy doesn't clear up the infection, how harmful is this to my developing baby? I am just starting my third trimester and am very concerned.
Answer -
If the antibiotic does not alleviate the infection, and you have fever or tenderness at the site of the bump, you may have to have X-rays and possibly a drainage of the lesion. Dental X-rays are perfectly O.K. during pregnancy as long as you are shileded by w lead apron. Dental X-rays travel in a straight line and are usually "coned down". I would not have a panoramic x-ray. Antibiotics are also O.K. for use during pregnancy (except Tetracycline). Amoxicillin is O.K. but may give you some diarrhea. You should take it for a full week. If it is merely a small cyst, it is not a problem. If it is an abscess, it will have to be incised and drained. This will be for your comfort. As long as you are not having fever of over 101 degrees F, it will not cause any harm to the baby.
Thanks so much for getting back to me in a timely manner. I had xrays originally to diagnose the need for a root canal. I suspect the reason why the dentist (not my usual dentist) didn't do them this time was because he was trying to get to his golf game. (Not making this up; he did have a golf game scheduled and I was his last appointment of the day!) They did double bib me for the first x rays. I don't think I have a fever. Never thought of an abscess though. If the antibiotic doesn't make the swelling go down any I will follow up with my regular dentist and hopefully they could fix me up!
AnswerDon't wait too long to see your regular dentist. HOwever, except for pain, the bump will not effect the baby. A high fever, though, can cause preterm labor, so don't wait too long. Take Tylenol for to keep the temperature normal and to alleviate any pain. Good luck.
