I have a tooth that was rotten and smelly. I thought it was completely dead, but it broke last Saturday while I was eating, and now it is starting to hurt. Since that time, the pain only increased. I am taking Advil for it, but other than that, is there anything that I need to do? Since the pandemic, I have not been to a dentist, but before that, I never had a dental appointment without needing laughing gas. I know that is an expense that I cannot handle right now. My daughter is sick, so I had to reduce my schedule to part-time work, so I cannot see a dentist. What kind of antibiotic can I ask my doctor for until I can afford a dentist? Thank you kindly. Olga from GA
Olga,
Thank you for your question.
Although you don’t have dental insurance, you need to see a dentist promptly. If the broken tooth is hurting, it is probably infected. If a dentist does not treat the infection, it will spread, and you can start having problems with nearby teeth.
Will Antibiotics Get Rid of Your Tooth Infection?
Even if you take antibiotics, they will not get rid of the infection. They will temporarily control the infection until you stop taking the medication. Eventually, you can develop antibiotic resistance, and the condition will get worse. And you will not be able to take pain medication indefinitely without it harming your health.
No Dental Insurance and a Broken Tooth
Many dentists have patients that don’t have dental insurance. Some dentists have discount plans or offer financing or payment plans to make treatment affordable for you. Find a few dentists in your area who will work with your budget. If you have no funds, look for a dental clinic or dental school that might offer free care. And explain your dental anxiety and that you need some sedation to complete the procedure.
David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.
