I have two decaying wisdom teeth. I’m unemployed at the moment and running out of money. Would it be better if I went to the ER or if I saw a doctor and got some antibiotics?
Perry
Dear Perry,
I know you are in a pickle, but antibiotics are not going to solve a tooth infection. At the most, they will temporarily hold off the infection until you can get in to have the infection dealt with. The moment you stop the antibiotics, the infection with return with a vengeance.
Unfortunately, the Emergency Room isn’t an option either. At the most, all they will do is write you a prescription for an antibiotic and charge you several hundred dollars for the privilege. Most ERs and medical insurance have a dental exclusion.
Tooth Infections are Dental Emergencies
I don’t want you to leave this because of your finances. Dental infections spread and not just to other teeth. Your jaw is close to your heart, lungs, and brain. If the infection spreads to any of those it will turn life-threatening quickly.
What I’d like to do is an internet search using the term “affordable dentist.” These dentists are more willing to work with patients in your situation. They almost always offer payment plans to allow you to get the treatment you need and then pay for it a little at a time.
In most cases, we try to save a tooth by doing a root canal treatment. With a wisdom tooth, however, your dentist is more likely to do a wisdom tooth extraction.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.