My brothers both have no money and have cavities or need root canals in most of their teeth. What do I do?

They didn't really take care of their teeth for years, both are in lots of pain and have teeth breaking left and right. They need root canals or cavities filled in almost every tooth in both of their mouths, but don't have money and I can't afford to help them. They live in the Nashville, TN area.


Our parents are deceased and didn't have any money anyway.


One brother works but earns $7 an hour, one is on disability and has no income. They are 25 and 26 years old.


Is there anywhere I can take them that will help for free or almost no cost with all of these problems?


Please help, I am so desperate.

My brothers both have no money and have cavities or need root canals in most of their teeth. What do I do?
I would contact my local Health Department or Welfare office, if there are any "free" (fees based on income) clinics in your area, they should know. You could also contact the State Dental Board. As for going to a dental school, it will be cheapER.. .not cheap and not free and you still would most likely be looking at extractions. If the teeth are that badly damaged/decayed and the infection is chronic, a root canal may not save the tooth. If you have a root canal, you need a crown on the tooth as well or you will still loose it as these teeth are brittle and will break. If a tooth has filling that is over 40% of the visual surface, it needs AT LEAST a crown..in private practice this (root canal and crown) is 1500-2000 per tooth depending on fees in your area. If your one brother is disabled, does he qualify for Medicaid?? In some states it will at least pay for the emergency care and extractions.


It is imperative that you know: Dental infections can cause brain abscessed and systemic infections and in some cases death. If facial swelling is present (cellulitis) they need emergency treatment now. The hospitals always seem to give a script for Penicillin, this is usually not strong enough. They need Augmentin 500 or 875. NEVER use heat on a dental infection,,, it will spread. Ice only.


GOOD LUCK
Reply:no there is no place to take them for free... and the cost of dental work is not cheap. the only thing you can do is take them and have it done and try to work out the payment with the dentist, ask him if your brothers can pay a little at a time. most dentists won't but it's worth a try. good luck.
Reply:Contact a dental school that is near you. The students always need patients to work on. Often times the fee is minimal or free.
Reply:It won't be free, but it will be cheap. Tell them to go by the school and get an initial exam.





Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry


1005 D.B. Todd Blvd.


Nashville, TN 37208


Phone: (615) 327-6207