What can I do if I cannot afford a root canal?
Asked by: Jess Kassulke | Last update: August 10, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (1 votes)
What if I don't have money for a root canal?
Fortunately, you have several options for getting a root canal procedure at a discount. A dental school, a public clinic, a government-subsidized health care plan, or a financing option can all be considered to help you pay for the procedure.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a root canal?
Truthfully speaking, however, an extraction is a more uncomfortable procedure than a root canal. Getting a tooth extracted is often cheaper than a root canal treatment, but most dentists strongly advice against doing that since there are serious consequences for leaving a gap in the mouth unaddressed.
What to do if your teeth are rotting and you can't afford to fix it?
Affordable options like sliding scale clinics, dental schools, and payment plans can help with costs. If your teeth are rotting and you can't afford treatment, don't ignore it. Low-cost options like government programs or community health centers can help address the issue early.
What if I can't get a root canal?
Without treatment, the infection in a tooth will eventually spread to other teeth, the gum tissue, and even enter your bloodstream, which could allow it to travel throughout your body.
What happens if I can't afford a root canal?
How do people afford root canals?
Many dental offices will allow you to finance your root canal or pay the cost in installments through a payment plan. Contact your dental practitioner's office to find out if they offer these options, or to see what other payment alternatives may be available.
How long can I go without a root canal?
The length of time you can leave a root canal untreated varies depending on the severity of the infection and your personal pain tolerance. Some people may experience severe symptoms within days, while others may go weeks or even months without significant discomfort.
How do I fix my teeth if I have no money?
Public Dental Clinics
Many charge low, fixed prices or sliding fees based on how much you can afford. Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call. Some clinics charge sliding fees based on how much you can afford.
How long until a tooth infection kills you?
An untreated infection takes weeks to months to progress and become lethal; it does not happen quickly. Like other infections, tooth infections can advance quickly and spread to other areas of the body in people with weakened immune systems.
What is a new procedure instead of a root canal?
Pulpotomy: In cases where only part of the pulp is affected by infection or inflammation, a pulpotomy may be performed instead of a root canal. This involves removing only the infected portion of the pulp and leaving healthy tissue intact.
What do holistic dentists do instead of root canal?
By exploring alternatives to root canal treatments, such as ozone therapy, herbal remedies, and nutritional support, holistic dentists provide care that prioritizes the whole body's health. This approach not only treats dental issues but also contributes to the individual's overall wellness journey.
What is a temporary alternative to root canal?
Pulpotomy is commonly done on children, and it is performed on adults as a temporary substitute for a root canal.
What do I do if I cant afford a root canal?
Community health clinics and dental charities may offer low-cost or sliding scale fees based on your income. These clinics aim to provide affordable dental care to those in need.
How do poor people get their teeth fixed?
A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can provide dental services for you or your family, regardless of your ability to pay. Services are offered on a sliding scale based on your income.
Can I wait 6 months to get a root canal?
If you wait to have a root canal, you're only providing that infection more time to gain strength and spread. Infection can spread from the tooth into the bloodstream, and then you have a much more serious issue than a common and routine dental practice.
What will draw the infection out of a tooth?
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best home remedies to pop an infected tooth or gum abscess safely. You must use a 1:1 ratio or equal parts of peroxide and warm water to make the solution and rinse your mouth with it.
How long will a tooth hurt before the nerve dies?
The time it takes for the nerve to die can range from a few days to several weeks or even months. As the nerve begins to die, the pain may become less frequent but more throbbing.
Can you live with a tooth infection for years?
Can you live with a tooth infection for years? It's possible, but not worth the risk! Instead of wondering how long you can live with a tooth infection, it's better to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have a dental treatment for the tooth, the better chances you have of saving the tooth.
Will the ER pull a tooth?
The primary role of the ER is to manage acute medical conditions and stabilize patients. While ER doctors are skilled in handling a wide range of emergencies, they typically aren't equipped to perform specialized dental procedures like extractions. However, they can provide crucial initial care.
How to fix your teeth on a budget?
Dental bonding treatments are the most affordable and minimally invasive alternative to more invasive smile makeover procedures. Read on to learn more about how dental bonding can transform the entire look and feel of your teeth in a single dental appointment.
Does insurance cover rotten teeth?
Most medical insurance excludes payments for the routine care, treatment and replacement of teeth and related structures such as gums and jawbones. In addition, most health insurance policies exclude dentures, bridges, or crowns because these procedures are viewed as cosmetic, even when they restore function.
What if I don't get a root canal?
If your root canal is needed because the pulp is infected, it's possible for the infection to spread to other parts of your body, which can be a life-threatening medical emergency. Inflamed pulp tissue may become infected if it's exposed after a tooth fracture.
How urgent is a root canal?
A Root Canal Counts As An Emergency Dental Treatment
In rare cases, a tooth infection could even cause sepsis, a blood infection that can be life-threatening. To prevent these complications, a root canal should be used to treat the infection as soon as possible.
Can I delay a root canal with antibiotics?
The use of antibiotics is intended to control the infection and relieve symptoms, potentially delaying the need for a root canal. However, antibiotics do not address the underlying cause of the dental problem. Patients may experience temporary relief, but without root canal treatment, the infection may persist.