HomeAnswersDentistrytooth extractionCould swollen gums surrounding broken molar tooth indicate infection?

What is the treatment option for broken molar tooth?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At January 3, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 8, 2020

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Ten years ago, I had a molar break nearly in half. At that time, I tried to do the correct thing. I went to a clinic and had a temporary filling. I switched jobs within a few months, acquired actual dental insurance and went to a clinic. I got my teeth cleaned, a couple of fillings and set up for a root canal on my broken tooth. During and after the root canal, I was out of it. I have severe TMJ and had to be medicated. It was not until a few days later when I received the bill, that I even realized the procedure did not include the cost of a crown. So I have not had my crown as it was expensive.

There is not an excuse that is acceptable, but the fact remains that I have not done anything about this for a decade. Between that time and now, I have switched jobs and no longer have any provided insurance. I stopped chewing on one side of my mouth a few years ago. My broken tooth has died and fallen out a piece at a time. There is about a quarter left. The teeth next to it are in bad shape. My gums are swollen and surely infected. I am aware of the likeliness of deeper infection.

I have zero dental insurance and minimal health insurance. I am highly anxious in general and suffer from irrational fears. For reasons I cannot explain, I am terrified of visiting doctors, and especially dentists (no offense). I also have very little in the way of expendable income and I cannot afford to hop from doctor to doctor paying each along the way. I have no clue where to start. But I know I need to. I just have no one to ask. I am scared.

What do I do? Can I get to see my general physician about this? I know they will have to refer me, but going straight to a dentist will surely cost a great deal more. I need step one and I do not know what it is?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You need to show to a dentist itself as the teeth is broken and only a quarter of actual size should be removed. The tooth next to this which has cavity should also be filled or maybe would require root canal treatment. You can delay the crown placement if you do not have money for. Otherwise just extracting or pulling out those infected teeth will give you much relief and it would be cheaper also, than trying to restore it.

1. Use Saline or Betadine gargle for at least twice a day after food for a month to reduce the gum infection. I can prescribe you antibiotics but I do not know whether you will be able to buy them there without a prescription.

2. Amoxicillin 500 mg thrice for five days would reduce the underlying infection and give you relief for a month or so. (stop if you have any allergic reaction).

3. You can take some painkillers and antacids if required.

As a last resort if you do not have any money for the treatment and also do not have insurance, just use Betadine gargle and try to buy the above antibiotic and use it for five days. Then when you have money show to a dentist and get those teeth pulled out or restored.

Maintain proper hygiene so that at least other teeth do not get infected. Use warm saline gargling as much as possible and for as long as possible.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Naveen Thomas
Dr. Naveen Thomas

Dentistry

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