Hello, Witchdr! How are you feeling? I'm sorry about the dental infection.

According to MedlinePlus, “Cefdinir is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, infections of the skin, ears, sinuses, throat, and tonsils. Cefdinir is in a class of medications called cephalosporin antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria.” [1]

So while it can be used to treat oral infections, it may take several days to start having an effect and it may not reduce swelling immediately. To do that, it has to start eradicating the infection.

Typical side effects are listed as possibly including: nausea, dizziness, headache, non-allergic skin rash and diarrhea.

If your doctor approves of you taking them, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, such as Ibuprofen may help, but even that may not reduce all of the swelling.

Have you consulted your dentist, yet?