Do you have to take amoxicillin before you get your wisdom teeth out?

Answer 1

Usually, if the surgery is complicated, you take antibiotics after the wisdom teeth extraction. Some dentists might recommend to start taking the antibiotics a day prior to the surgery and then continue for about a week.

Answer 2

Inflamed calls for anti-inflamatory
I would think you'd want to take ibuprophen (with food so you don't irritate your stomach). It is an anti-infamatory. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic (much misused), for infection. If there is infection, then antibiotic may be called for, but, if you can't see a dentist, I'd start with an anti-inflamatory.

Answer
Swelling is normal after tooth extraction, but it is not always due to infection. Anti-inflamatory drugs usually help for swelling. Also using ice packs on your face right after the extraction can help a lot.
In very complicated extractions, infections can happen, and usually the dentist determines if the use of antibiotics is indicated, including amoxicillin. Answer

I've only had an antibiotic prescribed 2x's, by my dentist: #1.) I had an abscessed tooth that was infected, with a swollen root. It couldn't be accessed for treatment, after I took the meds for 1 week. #2.) Wisdom teeth extraction. I don't like taking this kind of med, because your body can become immune and when you really may need it (in the future) it may not work.