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Can’t Afford My Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Posted by writeradmin

My lower right wisdom tooth cracked some time ago. Pieces had been falling out for a while but I haven’t had money for a while, so I just let it happen. Now the tooth is super sensitive on the inside. I’m still broke. Will the tooth eventually just fall out? I don’t know what to do when I’m broke.

John

Dear John,

Man in pain grabbing his jaw.

While it is true that the tooth will evenually decay enough that it should fall out, it is risky. It sounds like your tooth is infected. There is a chance that the infection will get into the bone and that could cause serious complications for you. It will be more than a dental emergency. Your safest option is to have the tooth extracted.

Of course, I realize when there is no money, there is no money. You did not say if this is an upper or lower wisdom tooth. If it is a lower wisdom tooth, it is safer to wait than an upper wisdom tooth. For now, I’m going to go on the assumption that it is a lower tooth. In that case, you can wait unless there begins to be swelling. If swelling occurs, you can no longer afford to wait. It must be dealt with. If it is an upper tooth. It should be dealt with now.

You may be thinking that none of that changes the fact that you are broke. Believe me, I have sympathy for your situation. There are a couple of things you can do. First, call around and see if there is an organization in your area that offers free dental work for situations like yours. If there is not, there may be a dental school in your area. This work is usually cheaper because it is performed by students who are learning. They are monitored by instructors, though, so you will be safe.

If that is not an option, I feel confident you will be able to find a dentist willing to work with you. I’d call around explaining your situation. You are bound to find someone who will be willing to work with you on payments so you can get the treatment you need!  Dentists are a compassionate group.

Here is some good news for you, though. Because it is a wisdom tooth, you will not need to replace the extracted tooth. That would not be the case with any other tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Arnold Dentist Dr. Meredith Esposito.