Not so wise wisdom teeth

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Hi everyone,

This is kind of an odd thread I'm sure, but was just curious if anyone has had any experience with wisdom teeth gone wrong.. My fiancee has not had insurance for a long time that would cover dental and as such has not had x-rays for a while.. What we do know is that his right wisdom tooth is coming in and it is bad.. He has had intermittent pain, (q month) for about a year but it has never been as bad as this.. His face is extremly swollen on that side and he actually can't open his jaw wide enough to put most food in.. Normally this has subsided in a few days but is taking much longer right now..

Obviously, the only solution is to get the teeth taken out, we know that for sure, but it is way out of the budget right now, and he is still looking for another job (and I am as well) which may/may not have dental benefits.. First question is this: When they see his face or even his x-rays, the insurance will know that this was certainly an existing problem, will they (most) insurance places deal with this if he were to get insurance?

We can't afford to go to urgent care right now either but have access to antibiotics which we'll get for him .. Any home remedies or things that can at least help his discomfort? I'm giving him Ibuprofen, and rinsing with Listerine.. Not medical solutions or anything, just little tricks if you have any from experience or something with this kind of tooth pain..Do any of the oral gels really work for pain at least?

We're saving up to get him some medical attention soon as his jaw might be infected..

Thanks in advance..

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Hi, I am just starting to get the pain from my wisdom teeth coming in and the pain isn't quite as severe as your fiance's but I did try oral gel...it worked for a little while....15 min and then it just wears off. My brother on the other hand has had severe pain from his and is in the same situation with no dental insurance. He did go to the dentist and they gave him antibiotics and some pain meds. I have heard of wisdom teeth roots or something growing into your sinuses somehow, don't know if thats true though. Anyways hope he feels better soon.

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Please get thee to an oral surgeon ASAP! There must be some compassionate dentist who will work out a plan for you although you do not currently have insurance. Your friend may be risking more by waiting, as this kind of infection can spread and possibly cause complications. This type of dental extraction usually is expensive, but if he's in pain and his face is swollen with infection, I would be worried that he may possibly spread infection to the surrounding healthy teeth roots and gums. Ask your friends and family for some referrals to some good dentists in your area, and make an appointment to see the dentist SOON! There may be one or two dentists in your area who may be willing to work out a payment plan if you explain your financial situation. Most dental plans don't pay them 100% on submitted claims anyway; so perhaps you can ask the dentist what a REASONABLE fee would be for you given your lack of insurance.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

I agree...medical attention NOW! No other advise here on this board is necessary!

Many communities have programs for indigent situations or inability to pay. Contact your medical centers, clinics, or public health department... who may have referral information to a provider to get the medical attention he needs...not later...but, now. Several hospitals have such programs in progress already. You may even ask to speak with the hospital social work department for additional referral information.

No home remedies are appropriate here. A poster offering more than what I just posted would be giving medical advice in this case...against TOS.

The man needs seen.

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Hi everyone,

This is kind of an odd thread I'm sure, but was just curious if anyone has had any experience with wisdom teeth gone wrong.. My fiancee has not had insurance for a long time that would cover dental and as such has not had x-rays for a while.. What we do know is that his right wisdom tooth is coming in and it is bad.. He has had intermittent pain, (q month) for about a year but it has never been as bad as this.. His face is extremly swollen on that side and he actually can't open his jaw wide enough to put most food in.. Normally this has subsided in a few days but is taking much longer right now..

Obviously, the only solution is to get the teeth taken out, we know that for sure, but it is way out of the budget right now, and he is still looking for another job (and I am as well) which may/may not have dental benefits.. First question is this: When they see his face or even his x-rays, the insurance will know that this was certainly an existing problem, will they (most) insurance places deal with this if he were to get insurance?

We can't afford to go to urgent care right now either but have access to antibiotics which we'll get for him .. Any home remedies or things that can at least help his discomfort? I'm giving him Ibuprofen, and rinsing with Listerine.. Not medical solutions or anything, just little tricks if you have any from experience or something with this kind of tooth pain..Do any of the oral gels really work for pain at least?

We're saving up to get him some medical attention soon as his jaw might be infected..

Thanks in advance..

Hi Fun,

Here's a thought,are there any dental schools close by you?

I do know here,in NorthEast,Pa,there are,& they offer severly reduced,or no cost to you care,I believe you might have to sign a waiver, do to the fact that these are dental students working on you,however,all work is also overseen by a licensed dentist.

Maybe it's worth a try.

I certainly hope this helps,,

I myself have had many dental issues,(I'm fortunate my hubby works for US GOVt,with great insurance)

I understand when your teeth hurt,it's darn near the worst pain!

Good Luck,write me if I can be of any more help to you.

Elsie**

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My wisdom teeth were the most painful experience in my life. If I had it to do over I would have gone to the best dentist in town no matter what the cost. I had been in "terrible pain" and had an order for Darvocet which in my opinion is a totally useless pain pill. Go to the bank and get a loan if no one will help.Good luck.:crying2:

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I had my wisdom teeth out about a year and a half ago. I had relocated and switched to a new dentist who picked it up where my old dentist didn't. While the dentist did the x-rays, I was referred to an oral surgeon and the rest of the bill went under my medical insurance, not dental insurance. It cost 250 to knock me out, and 250 per tooth extracted, about 100 for me to see the doctor and sign the consent forms, and 60? for the vicodin. So total cost (excluding x-rays) was 1410 which went through medical insurance. Health insurance took care of most of this for me. My tooth was slightly infected as well but ended up going away on its own. Good luck!

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Please get thee to an oral surgeon ASAP! There must be some compassionate dentist who will work out a plan for you although you do not currently have insurance. Your friend may be risking more by waiting, as this kind of infection can spread and possibly cause complications. This type of dental extraction usually is expensive, but if he's in pain and his face is swollen with infection, I would be worried that he may possibly spread infection to the surrounding healthy teeth roots and gums. Ask your friends and family for some referrals to some good dentists in your area, and make an appointment to see the dentist SOON! There may be one or two dentists in your area who may be willing to work out a payment plan if you explain your financial situation. Most dental plans don't pay them 100% on submitted claims anyway; so perhaps you can ask the dentist what a REASONABLE fee would be for you given your lack of insurance.

:yeahthat:

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Get em' yanked! While it was pretty painful (and I was only 15 when I got mine pulled)...it was the best decision!

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Yes! Listen to the other posters! I've had a patient off and on the past few weeks who has an abscess on his brain that won't heal. It was from an infected tooth that he let go. He's already had three brain surgeries since March and has at least two more to go. That's if we can get the infection cleared. He let it go so long that it's resistant to most antibiotics. Go to the ED if you have to.

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Most medical conditions tend to become more expensive if they are delayed or neglected. Also, most dentists are familiar with patients who are uninsured and may be willing to accept a down payment and a payment plan. Do you two have any friendly relatives who would be willing to make a loan or (as much as I hate to make this suggestion) can you use a credit card?

I agree with the others that this is probably a situation that will require a full blown Doctor visit.

Best wishes!

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Go to the nearest dental school. They will take them out at a realtively low cost. I had mine out about 15 years ago at the UNiversity of Illinois Dental school and it cost me then $27 per tooth -- including anesthesia. I realize prices have gone up since then and your fiance's situation sounds more complicated, but go get an exam and estimate. You really don't want to spend too much time in that much discomfort.

Hi everyone,

This is kind of an odd thread I'm sure, but was just curious if anyone has had any experience with wisdom teeth gone wrong.. My fiancee has not had insurance for a long time that would cover dental and as such has not had x-rays for a while.. What we do know is that his right wisdom tooth is coming in and it is bad.. He has had intermittent pain, (q month) for about a year but it has never been as bad as this.. His face is extremly swollen on that side and he actually can't open his jaw wide enough to put most food in.. Normally this has subsided in a few days but is taking much longer right now..

Obviously, the only solution is to get the teeth taken out, we know that for sure, but it is way out of the budget right now, and he is still looking for another job (and I am as well) which may/may not have dental benefits.. First question is this: When they see his face or even his x-rays, the insurance will know that this was certainly an existing problem, will they (most) insurance places deal with this if he were to get insurance?

We can't afford to go to urgent care right now either but have access to antibiotics which we'll get for him .. Any home remedies or things that can at least help his discomfort? I'm giving him Ibuprofen, and rinsing with Listerine.. Not medical solutions or anything, just little tricks if you have any from experience or something with this kind of tooth pain..Do any of the oral gels really work for pain at least?

We're saving up to get him some medical attention soon as his jaw might be infected..

Thanks in advance..

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