Office Location: 540 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508
New patients: 855-610-7695 | Existing patients: 859-252-0314
Our Reviews

Infected Tooth & No Money

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I don’t know what to do. I have a seriously infected tooth. That part of my cheek has swollen to the size of a golfball. I have no dental insurance and no job. I was laid off 5 months ago and just haven’t found anything. I don’t know what to do in order to take care of this. Do you have any suggestions?

Parker

Dear Parker,

Photo of young man wearing a blue shirt and holding the right-hand side of his face, for information on Lexington, KY emergency dentistry at Kentucky Dental Group.

I’m sorry about your lay-off. I know that is a terrible feeling, especially when you have something serious going on which needs to be addressed. When you’re talking about an infected tooth, it is important a dentist gets in there and physically removes the infected pulp. This is done with a root canal treatment. Antibiotics alone cannot solve the problem. The infection will flare back up and be harder to treat.

Even in the 21st century we still have people dying from tooth infections. Most people don’t realize how quickly these can turn life-threatening. However, if you think about how close your jaw is to both your heart and brain you can see that as the infection spreads things can turn serious.

Affording Dental Care During an Emergency

Most larger communities have some type of clinic available for people to get affordable dental care in cases of emergencies such as yours. Call your local dental society and see what they advise.

If you happen to live in a community which doesn’t offer these services, don’t lose heart. Most dentists are compassionate and went into their field because they wanted to help people.

Try calling around and explaining your situation. They may be willing to let you get the services you need and pay as you are able. Each practice will have their own policy. Communication is the key.

If the Tooth Can’t Be Saved

Depending on how far gone the tooth is, it may not be possible to save it even with a root canal treatment. If you end up needing an extraction, your dentist can provide you with a dental flipper. This is an inexpensive tooth replacement. It’s meant to be temporary but it gives you time while you are still looking for employment. When things are more stable for you, there are better replacement options your dentist can discuss with you.

The key now is to get the treatment you need.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Emergency Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

How Do I Get an Affordable Full Mouth Reconstruction?

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I haven’t been to the dentist before. My parents never took me growing up and I just kept putting it off as an adult because it didn’t seem important. I’ve never felt very healthy and recently learned that some people who always feel bad but don’t have a medical problem, usually have an underlying dental problem. I decided that might be me and it’s time to get my mouth checked out. I’m really glad I did. He said I need a full mouth reconstruction. The price was astronomical. Is there a way to make this more affordable?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

Person hiding behind a chair in fear

The cost of dental care shouldn’t make you want to hide. There are affordable dentists.

I’ll say right off the bat that I think it’s fantastic you’ve taken this step to get healthy teeth and gums. You’re going to feel worlds better. That being said, I’m not convinced you need a full mouth reconstruction.

You gave no indication that your mouth had extensive decay or that you were in pain a lot. You just mentioned possible underlying dental causes. I don’t want you being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous dentist who sees a newbie coming a mile away.

Because of that, I’d like you to get a second opinion. You can probably find a dentist who does free second opinions. Or, if there’s not one in your area, the nearest decent sized city should have either a school for hygienists or a dental school. They’ll usually do exams and cleanings for around $50. Not bad.

When getting a second opinion, never tell them the first diagnosis or who the dentist was you saw. If they ask, tell them you just want their untainted opinion. The reason for that is if they happen to be buddies with the other dentist they might feel guilty countering his or her opinion. This way you get their honest, unswayed thoughts.

While you are likely to need more than the average amount of work, including some fillings and possibly a dental crown, I’d be surprised if you really needed a full-mouth reconstruction.

Affording Extensive Dental Work

Let’s say for the sake of argument I’m completely wrong and you do need extensive work done. There are affordable ways to get good dental care. However, full-mouth reconstructions are very advanced, complicated procedures which aren’t taught in general dental school. It takes a great deal of planning to do correctly. It would be best if you sought out the right dentist to do it and worked out phased treatment to make the cost more do-able. There are qualified dentists who will help with payments.

For now, get that second opinion. If it turns out you do need a that full-mouth reconstruction, write back and I’ll help you find the right dentist in your area to do it.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.