Dentists and dental advice, please

August 30th, 2005

Dentists and dental advice, please

So I figured out what I am coming down with, and all the chicken soup in the world isn't going to help. I apparently have an abscess around my wisdom tooth. It hurts a whole lot and is what is making my throat hurt, too. Everything I'm reading about these things is scary as crap and points to immediate medical attention. Thing is I don't have insurance with this company until October 1. (I haven't had insurance in over five years and nothing happened, so you'd think my body could wait one more month before getting all screwed up on me.) So I have a couple questions that I couldn't find answers to in the memories.

1) Has anyone else had one of these things? What can I expect? Can I get away with not doing anything about it for a month? What will happen if I wait?

2) Is there anything like the health department or a free clinic for oral issues? Has anyone dealt with them? Are they nice or are they one of those places that figures patients shouldn't get understanding doctors if they're not paying or are paying very little for it?

3) Is there a really good, gentle, understanding dentist who might work with me on a reasonable payment plan? Who also wouldn't try to sell me on fixing all the other crap wrong with my teeth that can wait until October? (Yes, I know my wisdom teeth need to come out, but that's not essential to my well-being, and I'm really tired of dentists trying to convince me it's a life or death situation so they can get a few thousand dollars.) I work around 15th and L NW, and live in Alexandria.

I thought I had another question, but since I can't think of it now, I'll edit this if I do. Thank you for any insight or advice you may be able to provide.