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Archives for October 2013

No money and an infected wisdom tooth

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I have a wisdom tooth that is in really bad shape. Not only is it decayed, but the teeth around it are starting to be infected. Now the area from my left cheekbone up to my eyebrow is bothering me. Is there something I can do until I can afford a dentist or do I need to go to a ER?

Norm- Atlanta

Norm,

This isn’t something to mess around with. I know you’re finances aren’t where you’d like them to be, but you need to take this seriously.  When a tooth infection gets bad enough it can spread to your brain.

You need to have this tooth extracted. Call around to dentists in your area.  You could even do a web search for an “affordable dentist“.  There are dentists who will work out a payment plan for you if you explain your situation to them.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

 

Afraid of Mercury

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I need to get my daughter two dental fillings. My dentist only does the kind of fillings that have mercury in them.  He says the other kind isn’t as good. I am feeling afraid of having mercury in my daughter’s mouth.  Are there any other options?

Deanna S.- Iowa

Deanna,

I can understand how you feel.  Many patients don’t want mercury in their own mouths let alone their children’s.  I disagree with your dentist. The other type of fillings are not only just as good, but they are even better.

While amalgam fillings will weaken your teeth, composite fillings will strengthen your teeth. Even better is the fact that they have no mercury in them.

I’d do a search for a local dentist who advertises as being a mercury-free dentist.  They’ll be more than happy to give you white, composite fillings. You may also want to check that they are comfortable treating children.  It doesn’t have to be a pediatric dentist, just someone who is good with kids.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.