What if you can’t afford a toothache?

I’m being honest with you when I tell you that I just cannot afford a dentist. But. I also have a horrible toothache. What do I do?

Lance Q. – California

Lance,

What you need to do is find a dentis who is willing to work with you.  It’s not as hard as it sounds.  Most dentists get into the field because they like to help people. There are a lot of dentists who will be willing to work with you.

It’s easier if you look at dentists who advertise as affordable dentists. They’re usually more willing to work with patients. Not only do they have affordable fees, but they also have payment plans.

Explain your circumstances and they may have other ways of helping as well. What you don’t want to do is to put off being seen. If this is a tooth infection, it will spread and only get worse.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Dentist insists on full payment up front

I have a toothache. A massive toothache. I called my dentist to schedule an appointment. When I did, they informed me that I’d have to have full payment that day.  I asked them for a range of possible cost. I can’t even afford the lowest amount. Am I doomed to be in pain until I have enough money?

Wesley  C. – Minnesota

Wesley,

You’re in quite a pickle. If you’ve explained your financial situation to your dentist and he is still unmoving in his financial policy, you likely need to find another dentist.

There are affordable dentists that are willing to work with patients, especially those in situations like yours.  They will all have payment plans of some sort.

I would call around and explain your circumstances. There will be a dentist willing to work with you.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Afraid of the dentist and have emergency

I’ve been afraid of the dentist for quite some time. I probably haven’t been in about five years. Now, I’ve got quite a toothache and I don’t know what to do about it.  Well, I know go to the dentist, but I get a knot in my stomach like you wouldn’t believe. Is there anything I can take for that?

Muriel H. – Delaware

Muriel,

I’m sorry for the fear you’ve been experiencing. As you’ve probably guessed, avoiding the dentist causes more problems. Anything you take at home is likely to interfere with anything your dentist will want to give you.

There is medication your dentist can give you to help relax you.  IT will make the appointment go much easier for you. I realize that because you haven’t been to the dentist in about five years, that it may mean you don’t have a regular dentist.

If that is the case, you still need to get in quickly before the infection spreads. There are emergency dentists that will see you quite soon, some even the same day. Make sure you go to an emergency dentist that is also equipped to give you some form of sedation as well, so you won’t have to deal with the anxiety as well.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hilary Peck.