Suggestions for wisdom teeth pull without insurance? (Mesa, Yuma: sales, buy)

[friggsdottir]

I am posting this for a friend that lives in PHX. He has a wisdom tooth which is halfway under the gum line and impacted and causes him terrible pain on a daily basis. He works full-time but doesn't have insurance and hasn't been able to find a dentist willing to work with him on payments. I was wondering if anyone knew of any dental schools or something along those lines that might be affordable. He has gotten to the point of considering going to Mexico to get it done, that is how desperate he has become.

[Ponderosa]

There's nothing "desperate" about going to Mexico. Good quality service at prices at least half of what they are in the US. Head for Los Algodones by Yuma.

[HarveytheRabbit]

I agree, Los Algodones is not a typical border town that you may be thinking of. It pretty much exists because of it's dentists. There are dozens and dozens of offices directly on the other side of the border, also with a lot of Americans and Canadians walking around.

To me the dentists here work on the same principle as the auto shops. They reel you in with a 100 dollar cleaning or tuneup only to then give you a high pressure sales pitch on why you need thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

The dentist there are well trained but they don't have to pay huge insurance bills so the price is cheaper for you.

[observer53]

I'm not normally an advocate of heading to Mexico for this sort of thing, and I'm glad I don't have to, but this is a procedure that is commonly done, the dentists in Los Algondones should be able to do it competently, and it needs to be done before he gets some systemic infection (including myocarditis,etc.). A trip to Yuma sounds like the way to go.

[AZgarden]

A neighbor of mine had a brother (adult) who had a tooth infection and let it go too long. He died. Sad sad story. Go to Algodones. Buy some jewelry and eat some tortillas. You will have a great time.

[slackjaw]

Hah I just rep'd every response in this thread, I agree 100% head South of the border. It isn't like you are going to go have spinal surgery, it is routine dental work.

Good luck, have fun.

[Captain Bill]

Here's a dental school in Mesa near Highley and highway 60

A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health - A.T. Still University

[LBTRS]

Wow, very surprised at all the recommendations to head south of the border. I had no idea this was a popular option.

Too many unknowns in Mexico, glad I don't have to go that route.

[Bummer]

With all due respect, I plan to challenge these South Of The Border recommendations.

I personally know two people who went through "living hell' after having dental work performed in Los Algodones. In both cases they ended up spending much more money and endured unnecessary pain due to poor dental procedures. Even the best dental work can lead to complications and having your dentist hours away is just not a wise choice.

Captain Bill's Dental School in Mesa makes more sense to me.

[AADAD]

Dude. abs total respect for your "friends" situation. Here is the deal. If you are in Mexico and there are complications and he has to get any extra treatment which costs pesos and cannot pay, he will not be able to leave the country.

I would suggest calling the local dentistry association in your county and discuss your buddies dilemma. Infection on an already existing bad tooth can be a REAL issue. good luck !!