Infected or not?
Is it possible to have a tooth thats infected for "a long time" but not need to be treated with an antibiotic? This dentist claims my friend needs a root canal and a crown(she's on medicaid) and medicaid doesn't cover either. they said she could have it pulled, but then it would be more expensive in the long run(probably because of the partial expense-pontic and retainer charge, I am guessing)... But they also said she could just leave it and do nothing for now.As far as I know people still die from tooth infections getting out of control and going to the heart and brain. it seems reckless or at the other end like they are full of it. More details -> my girlfriend is 35, and thats who I am asking for. she feels pain when drinking or eating cold foods. she has a big filling there already. which I figured there must be a spot there where the filling is not sealed properly.
Answer: when you have a infection , you should be on antibiotic
By BracesInfo.com Expert 3
Anytime anyone has a infection in the mouth from a tooth, usually needs antibiotic. As you mentioned that your girlfriend is on medicaid, which they do not cover dental. I suggest that she has the tooth removed and later when you could afford a partial denture you can do it. You did not mention which tooth, so its difficult to determine what to do. But she should be on anitbiotic. As the infection is not good for our body to fight. If you leave it alone, it will come back. As far as what the dentist said about a root canal and then a crown later. The nerve in that tooth is dying or died and that causes infection if not treated.
See if you can find a dentist that will do a payment arrangement or go to a university that does have a dental facility where they take usually anyone and a lot cheaper.
Good Luck
