Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 6/7/2004

Question
Hi, thank you for volunteering! I'm a single mom who was layed of for some time. I have a great new job now, but I will not be able to use my insurance for about a month. I'm 42, in reasonably good health and take some vitamins, herbs and zinc. My son has a couple of illnesses and it's just me and him- money is not plentiful at this time.

I have a tooth so loose it will likely be out this week. I injured and loosened it a few months ago and could do nothing then either. This tooth is the 2nd molar from the front. The one next to it is somewhat loose, but not like this one. I'm afraid to pull it in fear of loosening the one next to it! The real problem is not being able to get any help if something goes wrong and that my new job is assisting a Director- I can't really look funny either. I also go to school and have some extra money in October from a loan to deal with things more thoroughly. But that's some time from now.

My question is what to do when the tooth comes out. It IS coming out anytime now and there's no way I can see a dentist. What's the standard after care for an extraction? What do I rinse with- salt? Peroxide? Mouthwash? Any advice is appreciated- I'm really in a bind financially right now.

Thanks,
Lisa  

Answer
Lisa,
Sorry about the delay. AllExperts would not connect last night. It is working again tonight so here goes.

There really is not much I can tell you. When a tooth has to come out, you do not have a lot of options. You can have a flipper made. This is a retainer with a tooth hanging off of it. It is quick and relatively inexpensive to make. Another option is to have a temporary bridge made...knowing that a permanent bridge would be made in the future.

As far as how to do this inexpensively, that is the dilemma. You can try a dental school. The work done there is quality work and not as expensive as private property. You can try low cost clinics. But you have to be careful about quality. You can get private financing often through a dental office. Some dentists contract with companies to offer their patients financing.

Sit down and discuss things with your dentist. See if he or she has any good ideas.

If a tooth falls out, just bite down on some gauze for around 10-20 minutes. The bleeding should stop with the pressure and there really is not any aftercare other than that.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. Good Luck.

Jeff Dalin, DDS
jeff@dfdasmiles.com
www.dfdasmiles.com