I Have a Tooth Infection but No Money for a Dentist

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My left cheek is swollen with a lump the size of a small egg. I don’t have dental or medical insurance, so I’m wondering if you can tell me what I can do to at least decrease the infection. I have a new job, but it doesn’t offer benefits. Still, I think I can manage to see a dentist in about four weeks after saving from my paychecks. What can I do now to reduce some of the swelling and decrease the infection? I am also concerned because, in the past, I have not been able to get through dental appointments without Halcion sedation, so the cost of that is another concern. I’m trying not to get hyper-anxious, but I appreciate your suggestions. Thanks. Lydia from Knoxville, TN

 

Lydia,

Having an infected tooth is a painful and uncomfortable experience. A tooth infection may cause swelling and tenderness in your gums. Sometimes, it can also lead to a fever or other systemic symptoms.

Why Is It Important to Treat an Infected Tooth?

Leaving an infected tooth untreated allows the infection to spread to the surrounding tissues, bones, and even the bloodstream. According to a dental emergencies article published in the National Libraries of Medicine, untreated tooth infections can cause facial and neck pain and eventually spread to the brain.

What If You Have No Money or Insurance to Get an Infected Tooth Treated?

If you have an infected tooth and no money, a few things you can do include:

  • Contact your local dental society or health department. They may be able to refer you to a dentist who offers free or low-cost dental care.
  • Look for dental schools at local universities or dental clinics that offer reduced rates. You may need a referral from your primary care doctor or a dentist.
  • Explain your dental anxiety and that you would like some form of sedation to help you relax during treatment.
  • Contact local dental offices to ask about payment plans for care.

What Should You Not Do If You Have an Infected Tooth?

Palm tree on the beach, representing relaxation with sedation dentistry for routine care or a root canal

Don’t hesitate to tell a dentist about your anxiety and sedation needs.

Do not try to treat the infection yourself with over-the-counter pain relievers or antibiotics. These medications will not eliminate the infection and may worsen it. Also, do not ignore the infection, hoping it will go away. Untreated infections can lead to serious health problems.

If you have an infected tooth, seek treatment for root canal therapy as soon as possible. Resources are available to help you get the care you need, even if you don’t have money. Don’t delay treatment because your discomfort can worsen, and the infection can become life-threatening.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge. Read about our financial policies and ways to help you pay for dental care.

Should I Switch Dentists to Save a Furcation Involvement Tooth?

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Should I get a second opinion or switch dentists if my current dentist cannot save a furcation involvement tooth? After rescheduling my dental exam and cleaning for over two years, the office recommended coming in to prevent me from being considered a new patient after three years. I spoke to the dentist one evening, and she assured me that my anxiety would be better with sedation. That encouraged me to schedule an appointment, so my dentist prescribed triazolam, which helped so much. I was surprised that I was so relaxed, and so was my wife. I suspected that I had gum disease because of my puffy gums that ooze pus and bleed. I didn’t know it was so bad, though. My dentist said I have furcation involvement, which I’ve never heard of. She showed me an x-ray that showed the furcation affects a root canal tooth. So now I am afraid that I will lose the tooth. I don’t know what treatment the dentist will recommend, but I wonder what to do if she can’t save it. I dread talking to another dentist about my anxiety and seeing if their sedation options will work for me. I regret waiting so long to see my dentist. Should I plan for a second opinion now? – Thanks. Esteban from Saginaw, MI

Esteban,

We are most concerned about your inflamed and bleeding gums. Gum disease causes bleeding and inflammation in its early stages. If your gums ooze pus, the infection is advancing.

Only deep dental cleanings from a hygienist can clean the deep bacteria-filled pockets between your teeth and gums. Sometimes, a periodontist will make an opening in the gum tissue to access and remove bacteria. You will also need a diligent oral hygiene routine at home to help control gum disease. You didn’t mention whether your dentist is treating your gum disease or referring you to a specialist, but you can experience tooth loss from untreated gum disease.

What Is Furcation Involvement?

A furcation is a place where tooth roots separate because of gum disease. Only premolar and molar teeth have more than one root, so furcation only affects molar teeth. Furcation involvement is bone loss beneath the furcation, or where a tooth’s roots have separated. Bone loss or gum recession can make the furcation visible above the gumline, as shown in the picture to the right.

What Are the Effects of Furcation and Furcation Involvement?

Some effects of furcation and furcation involvement include the following:

Tooth furcation with an interdental brush in the furcation for cleaning

Tooth furcation with an interdental brush in the furcation for cleaning

  • Ten to twenty percent bone loss. Most of the bone around the tooth is still intact, enough to prevent tooth loss.
  • Plaque buildup. The furcation leaves space for plaque buildup, making it more challenging to keep the area clean.
  • Treatment intervention. A periodontist or dentist with advanced gum disease training will develop a treatment plan for cleaning a restoring your gum tissue. A dental hygienist will maintain the area during regular appointments. The hygienist will show you how to use an interdental brush to keep the place clean at home.

Is Your Root Canal Tooth at Risk?

Your description sounds like the root canal treatment on your tooth is still effective. Although root canal failure can occur, it is usually evident within the first two months after the procedure. After the tooth heals, it is no longer at risk.

Gum disease treatment is the priority for you. The risk of losing a tooth is low if you seek prompt treatment. Otherwise, gum disease can destroy teeth and the supporting bone. You are welcome to get a second opinion from another dentist. However, if your dentist does not have advanced training in gum disease treatment, schedule an appointment with a periodontist (gum, teeth, and bone specialist) immediately. When you schedule the appointment, you can ask to speak with the periodontist about your anxiety and options for sedation to keep you relaxed during treatment.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

 

Need Sedation Dentistry for Routine Care. Nitrous Isn’t Enough

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I need sedation for routine dental care, and now my new dentist says I need a root canal and four fillings. They gave me nitrous oxide for this past visit, but that’s all the dentist offers, and I will need more potent medication for a root canal and fillings. During Covid, my anxiety over other things increased my dental phobia. Last week I had my first dental appointment since 2019. Unfortunately, I was so concerned about seeing a dentist that I didn’t ask about the kinds of sedation the dentist offers. I can’t get through a root canal on nitrous alone. Should I ask the dentist for something stronger or switch to another dentist? Thank you. Wesley

Wesley,

Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge with your sedation dentistry question. Millions of patients have dental anxiety or phobia and want sedation for routine dental care.

Can You Ask Your Dentist to Increase the Sedation Level?

If you want to increase your sedation level for non-routine dental procedures, you can ask a dentist what levels of sedation they provide. Dentists who only offer nitrous oxide must have moderate-sedation training before administering oral conscious sedation.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a dentist must complete the following training to provide patients with moderate sedation:

  • A comprehensive moderate sedation training program that meets the ADA Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation to Dentists and Dental Students, or
  • An advanced education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation that includes comprehensive and appropriate training to administer and manage moderate sedation according to ADA guidelines, and
  • Current Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification, and
  • Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS or equivalent) certification, or
  • An appropriate dental sedation/anesthesia emergency management course that matches the ACLS recertification requirements cycle

Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Consultation

Unfortunately, if a dentist only offers nitrous oxide and that is not enough for your anxiety level, you must find another dentist with training in moderate sedation. We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two dentists before you select a provider. The benefits of consultations include:

  • Getting acquainted with the dentist
  • Experiencing the office environment
  • Explaining your dental anxiety and triggers
  • Confirming that the dentist can meet your sedation requirements
  • Reviewing your dental history and discussing your treatment options

Best wishes, Wesley, for successful consultations and sedation care that allows you to relax and restore your oral health.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

I Have a Hole in My Tooth and It Smells

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I have a hole up an upper molar tooth. I looked at a tooth chart online, and it is tooth #13, a second premolar. The tooth smells worse than it hurts, but I wonder if I can fill it or pull it. I have a lot of anxiety about medical and dental appointments. Even though I can expect some pain, it’s easier for me to do it myself than have someone else invading my mouth. Is the hole a cavity I can fill with something from the drugstore, or will I need to pull it? Thank you. Marv

Marv,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. He would need to examine and x-ray your tooth to determine the cause of the hole and recommend treatment.

Can You Fill a Hole in Your Tooth?

You should not attempt to fill a hole in your tooth. Your efforts will be temporary and may make the tooth worse. Also, if the tooth has a foul odor, it may be infected even if you do not feel pain.

Drugstore-bought fillings are temporary. Even if you try to fill your tooth with filling material sold in drugstores, it will temporarily fix your tooth.

Tooth decay may be the reason for a hole in your tooth. Without removing the infection, it can spread to other teeth or your bone.

Filling a savable tooth is better than removing it. Although filling your tooth won’t work, pulling creates more concerns. You may damage other teeth while pulling the one with a hole. Removing the tooth will cause nearby teeth to shift. Misalignment issues affect your smile and digestion. In the future, you may need braces to correct the misalignment.

How Can You Save a Tooth with a Hole in It?

A dentist can use root canal treatment to save a tooth with a hole. A gentle dentist can explain sedation options to help you relax during the procedure. You will not feel anything throughout treatment, including the numbing injections.

What happens during root canal treatment?

A hammock on the beach for information on relaxing with dental sedation when you have a hole in your tooth

Sedation relaxes you through dental procedures

A dentist will remove the decay and any infection and sanitize it. Afterward, the dentist will fill the tooth with a dental filler material. You may need a dental crown or a composite filling to protect the tooth.

We recommend looking for a gentle dentist who offers sedation. The dentist will explain what to expect from your treatment options. You can start with an exam, which will be comfortable and painless.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

 

How Many Bite Adjustments Before Dental Crowns Crack?

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Mature man sitting on a couch with chin resting on his folded hands, portraying dental crown bite adjustment problemsHow many times can my dentist try to fix my bite before the crowns crack? I got six zirconia crowns in August, and my bite is still off. My dentist sent two crowns back, shaved the others, and still can’t get it right. Why is my bite still off? The situation is so stressful that I have begun chewing my tongue, which I have never done in my life. I cannot imagine needing new crowns. I don’t think I can take it emotionally. What is my dentist doing wrong? Thanks. Brad from Arlington, TX

Brad,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. We understand your frustration about your new dental crowns and an uncomfortable bite. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your crowns to determine why your bite is off, but we will address your concerns.

Why Can’t Your Dentist Adjust Your Bite?

If a dentist cannot adjust your bite with new crowns, it could be due to a lack of training in occlusion and bite. A dentist must get post-graduate training to understand how to achieve harmony with your bite. Otherwise, the disruption can cause symptoms associated with TMJ disorder, including jaw pain or stiffness, neck pain, earaches, and headaches.

We recommend getting a second opinion because we are concerned that your dentist does not know how to correct your bite. Look for a dentist with advanced occlusion and bite training from a post-graduate institute, such as these:

  • The L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida
  • The Dawson Academy in Florida
  • Spear Education in Arizona

You can do a Google search for dentists in your city with occlusal and bite training or use the name of one of the institutes listed above when you search. It is not surprising that your situation is causing you to develop the habit of chewing your tongue.

Sedation for New Dental Crowns

A dentist will offer sedation based on your level of anxiety if you need new dental crowns. Explain how the concerns with the crowns have affected you, and your new cosmetic dentist will recommend sedation options to help you relax during treatment.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and founding member of the L.D. Pankey Alumni Study Club sponsors this post.

Should a Dentist Repair a Gold Onlay with Silver Filling?

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I’ve had a gold onlay for one of my molars for about 20 years. It is wearing out. My dentist wants to save as much gold as possible and fill the damaged portion with a silver filling. I don’t like amalgam. White fillings look better, and I’m into holistic care anyway. Why would he even suggest silver? I am already anxious, but this treatment recommendation is making things worse. Thanks. F. Turner  – San Jose

Dear F. Turner,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth and onlay to determine the best way to preserve your tooth.

What Is a Gold Onlay?

A gold onlay is a custom tooth restoration that covers one or more cusps or points of a tooth. Unlike a dental crown, it does not cover the entire tooth. Did your dentist explain why he does not want to use composite in the tooth?

Should a Dentist Repair a Gold Onlay with Silver Filling?

Photo of woman sitting back in a dental chair with her eyes closed; for information on Baton Rouge sedation dentistry during tooth extraction.

Sedation can help you relax and get the dental care you need

Repairing the tooth with white composite filling is preferable to amalgam (often referred to as “silver”). If your dentist uses amalgam, two dissimilar metals would be in the same tooth, creating a slight electric current that could cause the amalgam to corrode faster than usual. Also, the gold will absorb some of the mercury from the amalgam.

A dentist who recommends amalgam might be uncomfortable placing composite fillings. Insisting on having composite fillings from the dentist may give you an undesirable result that needs to be replaced.

If you want composite fillings, find a cosmetic dentist who regularly uses them on back teeth. Call the office and ask if the dentist does many silver fillings. If the office representative says that the dentist does very few of them or does not use them, it is likely that the dentist is comfortable placing composite fillings on back teeth.

If your dentist is not answering your questions to your satisfaction, look for a skilled cosmetic dentist and request an exam. Tell the dentist about your anxiety and ask about sedation options.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Still Looking for a Dentist to Respect My Allergies and Reactions

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I have a lot of autoimmune issues going on, in addition to allergies. Joint pain is a big concern for me, and I notice that it worsens when I am exposed to certain chemicals. I went to a different state to get some thorough testing done and found out everything I am allergic to or have a chemical sensitivity to. I have cleaned my house from top to bottom and removed everything I reasonably could that is a trigger for my symptoms.

Now I am trying to address environmental issues and anything else that could affect me. Last night I looked at my schedule and saw that my 6-month dental checkup is due in late October. My dentist isn’t into the natural thing, so I am wondering about any dental treatment, the materials used in my mouth, and what kind of reaction it might be causing. I am not really interested in trying my dentist out again to figure out how I react and what I am reacting to. I am just going to start fresh and find a dentist who maybe is more up on treating patients with chemical sensitivities or allergies. I am not sure what I am looking for, but I did notice your site and the page for holistic dentistry. Is this a common specialty so that I could find a holistic dentist, maybe within 20 miles or so of my home? I have started searching already and didn’t get good results. I am becoming anxious about getting the care I need and wonder how if I can ever relax again at a dental appointment. Thanks. Reagan from NJ

Photo of a young woman relaxing in a hammock that is tied to palm trees on the beach; for information on Baton Rouge sedation dentistry from Dentistry by Brooksher.

Sedation dentistry creates relaxing experiences

Reagan – Holistic dentistry is not an official specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. There are dentists who avoid metal materials or who use biocompatible dental materials.

Do an Internet search for “holistic dentist” or “biological dentist” to find one in your area who will look for ways to give you dental treatment to which you are least sensitive. Some dentists recommend allergy testing to help identify your sensitivities.

Please do not be discouraged if you cannot find a holistic dentist within 20 miles of your residence. You may find a nearby dentist who is willing to work with you and, as much as possible, avoid materials that cause a reaction. Be patient with your search. You can also consider scheduling consultations with a few dentists who seem agreeable to treating you. Find out what each dentist will do to ensure your requests are respected to the extent possible. If your anxiety level escalates, ask the dentist about sedation options.

 Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

I Had a Panic Attack at the Dentist and Walked Out

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I am always nervous about the dentist, but last Wednesday was worse than ever. When I pulled into the parking lot, I started feeling nauseous. I thought about calling the office and telling them that I was in the parking lot but sick. For some reason, I decided to go in anyway. I felt woozy and sat down quickly. When the dental assistant called my name, I jumped up and walked out of the office.

I was supposed to talk to my dentist about implants for two missing upper molar teeth. But I had a panic attack in the waiting area and had to leave without seeing her. I called to apologize but did not reschedule. I don’t know what to do next. I am terrified that this is something that I won’t be able to cope with enough to get dental implants. I am embarrassed but do not want to start over with another dentist. Thanks. Malachi from TX

Malachi – Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. Millions of people have dental anxiety and skip appointments because of it.

You may need to start by addressing the reason for your anxiety. Past dental experiences that were emotionally or physically painful can cause anxiety. Also, consider whether your current dentist understands and sympathizes with your anxiety.

Dentists who welcome anxious patients will listen to your concerns and fears and address them. Frequent, clear communication may be enough to calm your fears. Some patients require sedation for dental appointments, and you may be one of them.

A beach hammock between palm trees portraying the relaxation of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry relaxes you during denal visits


We suggest that you start by speaking with your current dentist. If she does not understand your anxiety, look for another implant dentist. Schedule a consultation, explain your concerns, and ask what the dentist can do to help you relax. Ask friends for recommendations for dentists or search online for dentists who cater to anxious patients. We are confident that you will find a dentist to meet your needs.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

My Dental Crown Feels Weird When I Chew

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My dentist placed a crown on an upper left molar three weeks ago. The tooth touches the opposite bottom molar tooth when I chew, but it feels off. I think the crown needs deeper grooves so the other tooth will match it when I chew. If I ask my dentist to drill down some of the crown’s surface, will it damage it? Although I will need laughing gas or another sedation to cope with my anxiety and get through this, I want it resolved. I already told my dentist about the discomfort, and she said that I need time to get used to my bite. How long will that take? Thanks. Randall from Memphis

Randall,

Your dentist’s request to give your concerns more time means that she does not know what to do. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth and crown to determine what is causing the disharmony when you chew. But the situation could be challenging to correct, or your dentist’s lack of knowledge might be the problem.

Your bite should be perfectly comfortable when you receive a new crown or onlay. But the motions involved in chewing make the occlusion—how the upper and lower teeth fit together—complex. And many dentists lack the training and skill to resolve the issue.

Post-graduate institutes, including the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the Texas Center for Occlusal Studies, the Dawson Academy, the Pankey Institute, and others, train dentists in the science of occlusion. Many cosmetic dentists attend the institutes or receive courses from other organizations that teach the same principles. Still, many other dentists feel that basic dental school education is enough, and they do not need occlusion training. Although dentists who bypass additional training might complete single crowns or onlays, they may not be qualified to complete a full-mouth reconstruction with a balanced bite. So, as a patient, a dentist may tell you that it takes time to get used to your bite.

What Is Malocclusion and What Problems Can It Cause?

Malocclusion is the term for disharmony in how your upper and lower teeth line up. The shape, size, or position of your jaw or teeth may cause malocclusion, or misaligned teeth. The shape and size of a dental crown can affect your bite. Although you might adjust to how your bite feels, it does not mean it is aligned correctly. And malocclusion can lead to other issues.

  • Unusual stress on teeth – The stress can lead to bone loss around the affected teeth.
  • TMJ disorder – You might experience symptoms or signs related to TMJ, including jaw, facial, or neck pain, and headaches or earaches.

Face of a woman relaxed during dental treatment for information on sedation dentistry from Dr. Brooksher of Baton RougeMany dentists adjust a new crown or onlay by asking you to bite on bite registration paper. The paper leaves marks where the crown or onlay makes contact prematurely. The dentist will grind down the crown in those places. Your dentist has completed that essential step, and your crown is not high.

The issue with your bite is more subtle. But a dentist—perhaps not your dentist—can adjust the crown to make it comfortable without damaging it. If your dentist does not know how to correct it, you can wait a few months to see if the tooth begins to feel better with your bite. Or you can get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look on a few dentists’ websites for information about post-graduate training in occlusion from one of the institutes mentioned on this page. You can talk to the dentist about your anxiety and discuss sedation options during your consultation.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

How Does Lupus Affect Your Teeth?

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Young African American woman portraying concern over lupus and oral healthI was diagnosed with lupus two months ago. I have a friend who was diagnosed over 20 years ago. She says that lupus can affect your teeth. I haven’t been one to be regular at any dentist because of my anxiety. But I know I need to rethink it all. What kind of changes should I look for in my teeth now that I have lupus? – Krista

Krista- Thank you for your question.

According to a 2019 article in the dental journal, Oral Diseases, studies show that people with systematic lupus have a greater risk of “compromised oral and dental health exhibiting increased risk of periodontal diseases and temporomandibular joint disorders.” So, how does lupus affect your teeth?

How Does Lupus Affect Your Teeth?

Lupus can affect your teeth and jawbone health, salivary glands, and increase tooth decay. We will explain:

  • Jaw joint health – Lupus often affects joints in the body. The temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull, can be affected. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can result from chronic inflammation of the joints that lupus can cause.
  • Salivary glands – Auto-immune conditions, including lupus, can attack the body’s moisture-producing glands, including salivary glands. A reduction in saliva flow in the mouth increases acid.
  • Tooth decay – Tooth decay increases when acid attacks your teeth. In severe cases of decay, a cosmetic dentist can protect and restore your teeth.
  • Mouth sores – Additionally, many medications prescribed to treat lupus can cause mouth sores.

Maintaining Your Oral Health with Lupus

It is an excellent time to start seeing a dentist for regular exams and cleanings. Let your dentist know that you have lupus. They will monitor your teeth and gums for signs of dryness. If you experience dry mouth, your dentist can recommend at-home care or prescription remedies to assist with saliva production.

Please do not let your anxiety keep you away from the dentist. Schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to discuss your options for treatment along with sedation to help you relax.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.