No, antibiotics do not remove the source of infection, they do not drain abscesses or repair damaged teeth. Definitive dental treatment will still be required and may include drainage of the abscess, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, or deep cleaning of gum pockets. Antibiotics are indicated when there are signs of spreading infection, facial swelling is present, fever or systemic illness occurs, and immediate dental access is unavailable. Even if you have antibiotics, you must arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible.