I have a bad tooth. It’s been hurting for a bit and now my left cheek is so swollen if feels like I have a golf ball in my mouth. I don’t have dental insurance and am currently furloughed because of this stupid COVID thing. Is there any inexpensive antibiotic that I can be prescribed that can take care of this?
Carl
Dear Carl,
I want you to understand that this is serious. Most tooth infections are considered dental emergencies. This is in part because of the proximity of your jaw to your heart, lungs, and brain. If a tooth infection were to spread there, it could become life-threatening quickly.
There is an added complication that antibiotics do not work on tooth infections the way they do other infections. The only way to truly rid yourself of an dental infection is for a dentist to physically remove the infected pulp. That is typically done by either a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction.
It is always better both physically and financially to preserve as many natural teeth as possible. As a result, a root canal treatment would be my first choice. Only if the tooth cannot be saved would I consider the alternative of a tooth extraction.
If you do have to extract the tooth, you will want to replace it. You do not seem to be in a financial situation that will enable you to get a dental implant, which is the best tooth-replacement option. However, I would make plans to save up for one. In the meantime, you can get a dental flipper, which is significantly less expensive.
I realize none of that information helps you with not having money now. I have found that many dentists are compassionate and went into their field in order to help people. If you explained to them your situation, I am sure you would be able to find a dentist who would at the very least get you out of danger and allow you to make payment arrangements.
This blog is brought to you by you Des Moines Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas