What do you do if your tooth hurts but you have no insurance?

Asked by: Jared Stark IV  |  Last update: April 25, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (40 votes)

You could also look online to see if any government clinics are offering dental services for free near you. Many dentists and dental professionals volunteer throughout the year to provide their services at no cost to those in need.

What can I do if my tooth hurts and I don't have insurance?

If you don't have insurance, try using a public dental clinic or ask your provider about a dental savings plan to make your services more affordable.

How can I fix my teeth without insurance?

Clinics. Dental clinics are also available to those who need more assistance with costs. Here, they are able to offer dental treatments and procedures at lower costs. Also, free dental clinics and non-profit clinics may be an option in your area.

How to deal with tooth pain when you can't afford a dentist?

5 Home Remedies to Relieve Tooth Pain While You Wait for Your Dental Exam
  1. Over-the-Counter Anesthetic. Over-the-counter topical gels containing a pain reliever called benzocaine can provide immediate relief from a toothache. ...
  2. Warm Salt Water Rinse. ...
  3. Clove Oil. ...
  4. Cold Compress. ...
  5. Over the Counter Anti-Inflammatory Medications.

What if my tooth breaks and I have no insurance?

If you need emergency dental treatment without insurance, you can visit a 24-hour dental clinic or an emergency room. Many cities have dental schools that offer reduced-cost services. Community health clinics and local health departments often provide dental care on a sliding scale.

What to do if you don’t have dental insurance?

33 related questions found

What if I have a bad tooth pain but no money?

Free or Government Clinics

You could also look online to see if any government clinics are offering dental services for free near you. Many dentists and dental professionals volunteer throughout the year to provide their services at no cost to those in need.

What is the cheapest option for a broken tooth?

One of the most cost-effective ways to repair a broken tooth is through dental bonding. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area, shaping it to match the natural tooth, and then hardening it with a special light.

What if I can't afford dental work?

Federally Qualified Health Centers

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.

What can I do if tooth pain is unbearable?

Do
  1. take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you.
  2. use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets.
  3. try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children should not try this)

Can I go to the ER for tooth pain?

If it's something where the pain is so severe, you just cannot get it under control, you can come to the ER. Just keep in mind we won't be able to do a whole lot more than maybe put you on some antibiotics to cool down that infection in your tooth, get you some pain medication, get you feeling a little better.

How much does it cost to fix a tooth without insurance?

The cost of a filling depends on the size of the cavity and the material used for the filling. Composite, or tooth-colored fillings, can cost $90-$250 to restore one surface and $150-$450 to restore three or more surfaces. Dental insurance usually pays 50-80% of the fee, and the average cost without insurance is $204.

What to do in a dental emergency with no money?

Public Dental Clinics

Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call.

What is the cheapest and fastest way to fix teeth?

Unlike dental treatments such as veneers, dental bonding does not require any preparation work or third party labs. Composite resin material can adequately be bonded to your tooth for an extended period, making it one of the most accessible and affordable dental treatments available.

Will urgent care pull a tooth?

Only a Dentist can Practice Dentistry

For example, dentists can only perform tooth extractions or any other restorative dental care. Urgent care doctors can provide temporary relief by prescribing painkillers or antibiotics in the grimmest cases. However, this only alleviates symptoms temporarily.

How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?

Community health clinics or dental schools sometimes provide low-cost or free services. Delaying treatment for a severe infection can lead to more serious health risks. Speak to a healthcare professional immediately if you're in pain.

Will a tooth stop hurting on its own?

Tooth pain can go away on its own in certain situations. For example, if you have irritated gums from biting into something hard, your discomfort will likely go away in a day or two. But a true toothache — pain that originates from the tooth itself — usually means you have an issue that needs treatment.

How do you get rid of a toothache asap?

However, people can try the following methods to relieve pain:
  1. Oral pain medication. ...
  2. Cold compress. ...
  3. Elevation. ...
  4. Medicated ointments. ...
  5. Salt or warm water rinse. ...
  6. Hydrogen peroxide rinse. ...
  7. Peppermint tea. ...
  8. Clove oil.

How long will a toothache last 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 I sleep with a toothache?

Elevate Your Head. Lying flat makes it easier for blood to travel to your head, which can increase pain and throbbing from a toothache. Try elevating your head with a couple of pillows to stay more comfortable.

What if I have a tooth infection but no money?

Consider a dental clinic

Many communities have dental clinics or programs for people who cannot afford dental care. Search online for a local dental society and ask about a clinic or program for free care.

How to go to the dentist without insurance?

Dental school clinics and community health centers can be good options for finding quality dental care at reduced prices. Dental savings plans and membership programs can offer major discounts on procedures such as exams, cleanings, and fillings. They charge an annual fee.

Is there a way to get dental insurance without a job?

ACA (Obama Care) dental insurance

Be aware that many Marketplace plans are focused on pediatric dental needs, so check plan details carefully. Being unemployed qualifies you to sign up for coverage within 60 days of losing your job-based health coverage. You don't have to wait for open enrollment.

What will emergency dentist do for broken tooth?

Treatments for a chipped, broken or cracked tooth include: gluing the fragment of tooth back on. a filling or a crown (a cap that completely covers the broken tooth) root canal treatment for a badly broken tooth where the nerves are exposed.

Is it okay to leave a broken tooth in the gum?

Key Takeaways. A broken tooth root left in the gums can lead to infection and further complications. Symptoms of a broken tooth root include pain, bleeding, swelling, and tooth discoloration. Treatment options may include putting the piece back, doing a root canal, or removing the tooth.

What to do if you need a tooth pulled but can t afford it?

If you're in a situation where you need dental care but have limited funds, here are several ways you can get the treatment you need:
  1. Low-cost dentistry. ...
  2. Government assistance programs. ...
  3. Dental schools. ...
  4. Community health centers. ...
  5. Dental Insurance. ...
  6. CareCredit. ...
  7. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) ...
  8. Payment plans.