MPACT, Inc.

 

Are you in pain? Seek immediate care (especially if you are swollen) in a dental office or your local emergency room. Though something could be wrong when there is no pain, something is definitely wrong if there is pain. Dental infections are a serious health matter and should be treated as such. Bacterial infections can spread and infect other tissues and even cause death.

 

Once you've visited the emergency room, it is imperative that you seek further dental assistance. The ER gives medications to get rid of infection and maybe something for pain, however, the infection will very likely return unless you seek further treatment.

 

While you are in the process of getting your dental needs met, you must take special care of your teeth to avoid further damage and limit more infection. Go to the Hurting Teeth Help page to get tips on what to do.

 

Start with your local dental hygiene school. Since these far out number dental schools, you are much more likely to find one close by and be able to get in for an appointment. It is important to obtain x-rays as a first step toward getting your care. You can find a list of dental hygiene schools in the US by going to the links page.

 

Dental hygiene schools can be incredibly beneficial to the dental patient with limited resources for dental care. Schools provide services such as x-rays, dental exams, regular cleanings, sealants, scaling and root planing procedures, periodontal maintenance and fluoride treatments. Hygiene schools generally charge a nominal fee ($20 here) for all services they will perform for you. Considering an exam, full mouth x-rays and a regular cleaning would cost around $270 in private practice, which is quite a savings. Scaling and root planing services could easily cost $1100 in private practice. Not only is this a real value, it will get you started on the path to dental health by getting your preliminary exam and treatment out of the way. Also, dental hygiene schools frequently have dental assisting schools that provide reduced fee dental procedures.

 

While in the dental hygiene school inquire as to whether they maintain a list of local clinics, doctors and facilities that offer free or reduced fee dentistry. If so, this will be another resource in your quest for dental health. If not, contact your local health department for a list. Your state's dental society may also be helpful in providing this information.

 

Dental schools are few, but a great place to get care. Dental schools typically charge 20-40% of regular fees. At our local school a crown (cap) costs $300 compared to the $1000 cost in a private office. Go to the links page to find a list of US dental schools. If you are fortunate enough to have a school nearby, call to determine the steps necessary to become a patient. Some schools have lotteries, others treat on a first-come, first-serve basis and still others may require a student referral. Whatever the case, it is much easier if you are prepared with the information in advance. Additionally, there will be a payment necessary at your visit, so make sure you know what to bring.

 

 

 

There are many ways to pay for dentistry, click here for suggestions.