Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I am on Penicillin V for an infected root canal and probably an abcess. At first it seemed like the antii biotic was working (after 24 hrs). But now I am not so sure and I have just looked at my painful gum above the tooth and it is swollen. Probably worse than ever. Shouldnt the anto biotic have had greater effect by now ( after 3 and a half days)? How can a doctor decide whether its time to change to another anti biotic "mid course"?Regards,Rod Woolley
[|AI|]  Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The pain and swelling over the gum is because of the tooth infection resulting in abscess formation. The abscess will not respond to penicillin. You have to take metronidazole, 400 mg bid for 5 days(if you are not allergic). Once you complete the course of antibiotics for 3 days, get the tooth treated with root canal treatment. Once the treatment is started, the swelling will come down. I hope my answer will help you, take care.