What Should I Do In The Mean Time For My Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Question

I have severe pain in my mouth cuz my third molars are coming in, but I don't have insurance.  Today, I went to a clinic that uses a sliding scale (which was awesome) and the dentist informed me that my widom tooth is impacted (it's both bony and running into my gums).  He explained that they don't do impacted extractions at the clinic and referred my to an oral surgeon (and i can't afford the 1500).  The dentist advised me either to wait till I get insurance or get on medicaid but obviously, both take a while.  In the mean time, he said my tooth should go back in under the gums (because it's done that already a few times).  He was really nice and took the time to explain everything in great detail so it's not like he was blowing me off.

So.....my question is, is there anything I can do till then?  My mouth is so sore.  I'm taking two Advils every four hours but this pain feels unbearable.  Any advice?

Tim T · Accepted Answer

first off, keep your mouth as clean as possible....rinse with warm salt water when you can.  if you can find a waterpik to help keep it clean that would be good also.  it might not be a bad idea to ask the dentist for a prescription for a pain med.  the best is ibuprofren (which I know advil is) but prescription is a stronger strength...that or take 4 instead of 2 at a time....its about equilivent.  trust me I KNOW how bad it can hurt.  I had the same thing but double (2 impacted teeth).  we have really good insurance BUT the oral surgeon was so backed up I couldn't get it pulled for 6 months!

? · Answer

Hi!  The first thing is to call any hospital that has a dental clinic or a dental school near you.  They always welcome patients for the new dentists to see.  And the cost is little if anything.  Second.  Rinse with very salty warm water 3-5 times a day.  This will help with the bacteria that is trapped under the flap and reduce swelling over the tooth.  Ideally you need the teeth out now.  What we do is for people who can not pay is ask they pay 1/3 up front.  This covers our cost just barely.  Then a payment plan for 12 months.  Some people bail on us, but most do not because we do such a good job and follow up with a post op and let them know we care.  One women sent us 25.00 a month until her bill was paid.  So if you can find an Oral Surgeon that is sympathetic, do it.  We have treated single mothers for free and that is our gift back.  If you have any other questions, please ask.   Marie

Go Blue · Answer

Your definately in a tough situation.  If I was in your shoes, I would get the work done.  You dont want this to get worse, and I would advise against going on Medicaid. That will take forever to process.  If it's possible, maybe see if you can get on a payment plan with the surgeons office, or apply for a credit card that will give you interest free for several months. $1500 is not a lot of money in the long term to pay off.  If your an adult, (i'm not sure how old you are) you can take 4 advil  every 6 hours, along with extra strength tylenol in between to manage the pain. I'm a pharmacist.  also, see if your dentist can prescribe you stronger medication.  Good luck!!!

Trinidy · Answer

Go apply for medicaid, and tell them what is going on. Many times they will give you a sheet right there saying that you have been approved and all of your services are covered. Then you will get the regular stuff in the mail.

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What Should I Do In The Mean Time For My Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

4 Answers