Ok so my tooth broke apart numerous years ago (2 or 3). Just a day or two ago another little part came off and now I have a small lump right in the middle of the tooth that broke off and the one beside it, that I think has a cavity. Now, I'm not at home right now. I'm a truck driver and can't get to a dentist ASAP, so I was wondering if I can put it off for a few days, maybe a week until I get home? I don't want my tooth to become so badly infected that I'll end up getting sick in the hospital. I don't have the ability to get to the dentist because my medical and dental isn't covered in this country, and I don't have extra cash to spend on a dentist visit. What should I do? I'm insanely worried about it. it doesn't hurt too much yet, but I can feel it coming. I need help asap on this and thank you in advance for all your answers, much appreciated. I just don't wanna get sick somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Is there any symptoms for when I should be concerned about my life?
2007-03-23 23:54:26 · 9 answers · asked by Christo 2 in Health ➔ Dental
If you are not suffering any pain, wait until you get home. I too was very nervous about going to a dentist. I needed a root canal. I finally went...and fell asleep during the root canal...it was painless. New dentists these days are doing a much better job at working on your teeth and being very aware of new procedures that limit pain. Good luck to you...
2007-03-23 23:58:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The cheapest thing to do is to find a dentist who works on a sliding scale fee and have the tooth pulled.
It's already in pieces and now would require a filling - maybe even a root canal. When a tooth cracks it leaves it exposed to bacteria and infection. If this happened years ago... Wow.
Root canals and all that are really expensive.
I think you may have waited too long to save your tooth. :(
Pulling a tooth is no big deal and is a very cheap alternative. I had one pulled to fix my teeth about 2 years ago. They gave me some Aleve, some nitrous oxide, and I didn't feel a thing. A bit dazed, I was up and walking around pain free in 15 minutes.
At some point in the future you can save up to have an implant or something.
You aren't going to die from a cavity or from a tooth that requires a root canal. The pain can be overwhelming because there are very sensitive nerves in your gums at the root of your teeth.
2007-03-24 07:09:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem you're going to face is infection. If you cant get to the dentist (and you should asap) try not to get food into that area when you chew and flush your mouth several times daily with warm salt water. The salt water will help hold off the infection for a bit longer.
If it starts to hurt badly, all bets are off. Since the tooth has never had a root canal, the nerve endings may be exposed (and hell hath no fury or pain like that!) You can also try buying a numbing gel at any local pharmacy to help if it hurts.
2007-03-24 06:59:41 · answer #3 · answered by Chillyboy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a tooth infection can be dangerous to your health. If you don't have ins in this country then try to go to a dental school, they will fix it and charge you a nominal fee. In any case you must take care of this or you will need a root canal and those are expensive. personally if I were you and the tooth is in the back i'd have it extracted as that is a heck of a lot cheaper. I'm speaking from experience
2007-03-24 07:01:09 · answer #4 · answered by Chery 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously the sooner you can get to any medical practitioner for some antibiotics the better. The dentist won't be able to do anything until the infection is gone anyway. Make sure you keep you mouth clean in the meantime. Clean you teeth and use a antiseptic mouth gargle as soon as you have eaten anything and try avoid eating on that side of your mouth as well as avoiding anything sugary.
2007-03-24 07:00:18 · answer #5 · answered by like to help 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can control the infection and pain to a point by avoiding hot liquids...drink cold icy drinks and keep ice handy with you if possible. This prevents inflamation...however its a temporary relief, so go to a dentist as soon as you can. If you run a fever or feel nausiated seek help at a hospital
2007-03-24 07:00:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to see a dentist. My mother is a retired dental hygentist and yet I still get nervous going into see the dentist, so I think I understand how you feel a little.
2007-03-24 07:04:39 · answer #7 · answered by Mark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like an abscess.
This is an infection that needs sorting.
BUT
to help relieve pain go to a chemist and by a throat spray like chloraseptic. it should contain an anesthetic this should help with the pain. Then use a good mouthwash which will have anti plague and anti bacterial agents.
Oh BTW i was in the same position myself last year (ex-trucker!)
2007-03-24 07:00:17 · answer #8 · answered by JesterUK 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, you can wait a few days. if you are near mexico, go there. you can get right in and it doesn't cost much.
2007-03-25 04:49:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋