I’ve been laid off and with it lost my dental insurance. I’ve had decent teeth most of my life. Wouldn’t you know it the moment I lose my insurance I have a tooth become inflamed and painful. There’s even a small pimple on my gums, which I think may be part of the problem. But, being unemployed and uninsured I don’t know how I can afford to take care of this. Is there affordable dental care in the case of a dental emergency of sorts?
Eric
Dear Eric,
When it rains, it pours, doesn’t it? It always seems like these type of things happen at the worst possible moment. Fortunately, there are dentists who understand these type of things. They’ll be willing to work with you. Most dentists went into their field because they wanted to help people. This is just the type of situation that will allow them to do that. I’m certain you can find an affordable dentist who’d be willing to allow you to pay out the treatment you need in increments you can handle.
You mentioned emergency dentist “of sorts”. I want to make sure you understand this is definitely a dental emergency. The pimple on your gums is an abscess and a sure sign of a dental infection. You’re going to need a root canal treatment and possibly dental crown.
You want to do that before it gets more serious. One possibility is it will get so bad that your tooth can’t be saved. Then you’re looking at replacing it with a dental implant, which requires surgery. Even worse, the infection could spread. Think about how close your jaw is to both your brain and your heart. If the infection spreads to either of those it will get life-threatening very quickly.
Finding an Affordable Dentist in an Emergency
The first thing I want you to do is encourage you to call your physician. Tell him what’s going on. He can call you in a prescription for an antibiotic. Let me make clear this will NOT take care of the infection. It will only hold it at bay for a while to give you time to find a dentist who will work with you. Dental infections require a dentist to get in there and physically remove the infected pulp.
Then do a search for an emergency dentist online. Call their office and explain your situation. I’m positive you’ll find someone who will help you.
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