I’m feeling desperate and hope you can help me. I am already missing a tooth in the back of my mouth. I don’t know what happened, but I’m pretty sure I have another infection. I’ve been having some pain for a while, but I don’t have any type of insurance and am currently out of work as well. I’m broke. Now, though, my cheek is swollen and the pain can no longer be ignored. Do you know any way I can get the help I need?
Elaine
Dear Elaine,
Your situation is difficult and I’m sorry you are dealing with it. Sometimes people in your situation try to just take antibiotics in order to “treat” the infected tooth. This will only temporarily hold off a tooth infection from spreading. It will not actually cure the infected tooth. Then, once your antibiotic runs out, the infection returns with avengence.
The only real way to treat an infected tooth is by a dentist removing the infected pulp, either with a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction. The better option of those two is the root canal treatment because it saves your tooth. Your infection has left the tooth and has now spread to your cheek. I would consider this a dental emergency. As it continues to spread, it can become life threatening. Think about what would happen if it spread to your throat, heart, or brain. Your jaw is close to all of those. Patients still die from tooth infections every year.
My recommendation is that you call your local dental society. Ask them if there are any dentists or dental clinics that run charity hours for people without money and in need of urgent dental care. Most cities have something like that available. If there aren’t, you could call around to some dentists and explain your situation. Most dentists are compassionate and would likely be willing to work out a payment plan for you in order to get you the treatment you need.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.