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Dental Abscess

Protocol Summary

Establish drainage through incision and drainage (I&D) or endodontic access. Prescribe antibiotics if systemic signs present. Follow with root canal therapy or extraction.

Medications

Medication Adult Dosage Pediatric Dosage Duration (Days) Type
Amoxicillin 500 mg every 8 hours OR 875 mg every 12 hours 20-40 mg/kg/day in divided doses 7-10 days First-line
Penicillin VK 500 mg every 6 hours 25-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses 7-10 days First-line
Clindamycin 300-450 mg every 6-8 hours 10-30 mg/kg/day in divided doses 7-10 days First-line
Azithromycin 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg daily for 4 days 10-12 mg/kg day 1, then 5-6 mg/kg daily for 4 days 5 days Alternative