Gosh, I hope so but it dosen't here in NJ. No dental.  I have needle nosed
pliers if that is any help? Between the morphine and the thoughts of the
bills, might be an option for you.

Hello Frank,
I don't know if State medical covers. Based on what Betsy posted, I would
think not.
If it doesn't, there's a clinic here
http://www.atsu.edu/asdoh/community/dental_clinic.htm
Looks like it's in Phoenix. There could be one closer to you, but in a
different State?
Looks like they charge approx 50% the going rate, but I don't know :
a) if they are open/"manned" through the summer months
2) Whether there's a waiting list.
If you go, make sure you tell them you want a written quote (approximation).
Take a list of all your medicines and medicine allergies.  They would
probably also want to know your then/current blood counts.
Here, where I liee, a checkup consists of a dental hygienist doing teeth
cleaning and noting any suspicious areas.
Then the dentist comes in, reads the chart, has a look, sometimes focusing
on one tooth or another, and decides if any x-rays are needed.
Then tells the patient what work needs to be done.  At this point, you could
pick the most urgent and do the rest as you are financially able.
You'd have to call and verify if that's how it works there and how much the
initial consult costs ( ask price of x-rays separate, in case they are not
required)
Keep your oncologist apprised of what's planned.
I hope it can get sorted for you.
Keep in touch and let us know, in case I or someone else thinks of another
way to get you help.
J

Happy to learn that you need less pain meds Frank, really good news.
Sorry can't help about dentists in the States.

isi

What state are you in? I'm in Minnesota and dental is covered here by MN
Medical Assistance. The only trouble is finding a dentist that will
accept MA.
Peter

Victibix can cause mouth sores, Frank. (and other problems)
Maybe start with oncologist looking in your mouth?
And/or ask if the magnesium/calcium can cause tooth pain?
So hard to know what's causing the pain.
J

http://cancer.unm.edu/drug_dictionary.aspx?id=38577
When should patients notify their physician?

Patients should inform their physician when they experience:

   * Rash or other skin or nail abnormality,
   * Fever,
   * Chills,
   * Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
   * Persistent or severe fatigue,
   * Abnormalities involving the eyes,
   * Mouth sores,
   * Extreme or persistent nausea and vomiting,
   * Persistent diarrhea, or
   * Acute onset or worsening pulmonary symptoms,

What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side
effects?

   * Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions and inform the
physician of any side effects.
   * Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
   * Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and try to minimize sun
exposure.
   * Drink plenty of fluids. (Patients should ask their physician about the
amount of liquid to consume during a day.)
   * If possible, avoid large crowds and people who are sick or not feeling
well because this drug may leave some patients susceptible to infection.
   * Eat small meals frequently to help alleviate nausea.
   * For mouth sores, patients should rinse their mouth three times a day
with a salt and soda solution (8 ounces of water mixed with ½ to 1 tsp
baking soda and/or ½ to 1 tsp salt) and brush their teeth with a soft
toothbrush to help prevent the development of mouth sores.

(package insert) http://wwwext.amgen.com/pdfs/products/vectibix_pi.pdf
Laboratory Tests: Electrolyte Monitoring Patients should be periodically
monitored for hypomagnesemia, and accompanying hypocalcemia, during and for
8 weeks after the completion of Vectibix™ therapy. Institute appropriate
treatment, eg, oral or IV electrolyte repletion, as needed (see WARNINGS:
Electrolyte Depletion)