Where should I go for cheap/free dental care?

[joe7dust]

I haven't been to the dentist in years, but the last time I went I was told I needed my wisdom teeth out. I didn't even consider it because I heard it costs thousands and I had/have no insurance. Since then I have had 2 chipped teeth (1 bicuspid, 1 1st molar) that seem to be a result of crowding due to 3rd molar eruptions. I have taken pain killers almost daily for weeks and I know that is unhealthy so I'm starting to get concerned. I have also had some lingering mild infection for weeks and I'm not sure if it's an ear infection or from an abscess in the chipped teeth or the gap I have between 2nd/3rd molars. I've had pain in my teeth and inner ears so it is difficult to tell where the infection is, all I know is I get slight fevers sometimes and very tight/swollen lymph nodes all along/underneath my jaw, even on the side of my cheek where sideburns grow.

I don't have a job, I have no insurance. I have googled a lot on wisdom teeth and 90%+ of the things I have is just general info or people concerned about the pain/surgery, very little concern for the $$! I'm in Texas and considering a trip to Mexico  or Canada but not sure what kind of savings I would be in for. From what I can gather it runs between 2,000$-4,000$ in the US but one person said they got it done in Brazil for $600. Any thoughts/suggestions? I can't just go to the emergency room because they don't deal with dental stuff but this could be live threatening if I were to get blood sepsis or whatever you call it!!

[joe7dust]

OK thanks for the help all.

[theMRS25]

GET CARECREDIT.

it is an interest free loan that you can pay back in a reasonable amount of time.  most dentist's offices have brochures on the program.

my advice is GET the work you need completed on your teeth - it will only worsen if too much time passes.. a few thousand dollars now will save you from several thousand later.. i know from personal experience..

good luck.

[yepitsme06]

I had my wisodm tooth taken out at a dental school (i live in a college town) it cost 110 for everything..(that still was a lot to me) but i understand ur problem..but that was the best place..Also u should check and see if ur city has a clinic that deals with sort of thing..u have to pass income test tho..But those two are the best options..Best of luck to you.
BTW i honestly have not seen teeth extraction cost in the thousands of dollars..but when i was researching on the internet also alot of site would say that..

[joe7dust]

anyone else?

[lynn117]

its getting more and more difficult to find free or low cost dental care. even dental schools have raised their rates considerably.  if you are unable to work due to disability you can file for government aid. if not you can find a local dentist who will accept payment plans. when i found out i needed a root canal i found a second job as a grocery checker until i payed it off. the emergency room will not fix your teeth. you will get antibiotics and they will keep you from dying but they will not cure the problem. you will need a dentist. mexico is cheaper but the chances of substandard care is extremely possible.

[joe7dust]

this thing on?