ChatGPT answers, unedited

• Williams Jr Lindsey A DDS - 15 Waller St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
• Manos De Cristo - 4911 Harmon Ave, Austin, TX 78751, United States
• Swish Dental Downtown - 201 W 5th St Ste 175, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Austin Emergency Dental - Austin Emergency Dental, 2500 W William Cannon Dr Ste 103 (Building #1, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Emergency Dentist of Austin - 1030 Norwood Park Blvd #324, Austin, TX 78753, United States
• BLVD Dentistry & Orthodontics of 5th Street - 1011 W 5th St #120, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Daylight Dental South Austin - 6501 S Congress Ave Ste 2-201, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Mi Casa Family Dentistry | Austin Family Dentistry - 7517 Cameron Rd #106, Austin, TX 78752, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Austin Institute of Dental Medicine - 1401 Philomena St Ste 200, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• Dr. Lorena Ray - 318 Chalmers Ave, Austin, TX 78702, United States
• Dental Smiles - 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd Ste 1435, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• CommUnityCare: Chalmers Courts Health Center - 314 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702, United States

If cost is the main issue, I’d start with CommUnityCare or Manos de Cristo, rather than a typical private emergency dentist.

• Closest low-cost option to downtown: Williams Jr Lindsey A DDS at CommUnityCare/RBJ Dental Clinic, 15 Waller St. CommUnityCare offers exams, fillings, extractions and emergency dental treatment, with sliding-fee options for qualifying patients. Trinitycenter Age of Central Texas

Call: 512-978-9895.

• Good low-income option: Manos De Cristo, 4911 Harmon Ave. It specifically provides low-cost dental care and emergency walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Its services include fillings and emergency care, and its fees are reported at about 30% of market value for eligible patients. Low Income Dental
• If you need a private dentist and can manage ~$49–$100 for the initial visit: Swish Dental Downtown is actually downtown at 201 W 5th St, and advertises emergency care plus payment plans/low-cost membership options. Swish Dental Another option, a little farther away, is Lady Bird Dental, which advertises a $49 emergency exam/X-ray. Lady Bird Dental Austin TX

For a lost filling, try not to chew on that side and avoid very hot/cold or sugary foods until you're seen. A lost filling can leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage. Lady Bird Dental Austin TX Snow Dental

My pick for you: call CommUnityCare/RBJ first and say, “I lost a filling and need emergency dental treatment. I don't have much money. Do you have a sliding-scale or self-pay emergency appointment available?”

If you tell me roughly how much you can afford ($0, $25, $50, $100, etc.) and whether you have Medicaid/insurance, I can narrow this down to the cheapest realistic option.

• CommUnityCare - 15 Waller St, Austin, TX 78702, United States
• Charlottesville Free Clinic Dental Clinic - 901 Preston Ave Ste 102, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
• Charlottesville Free Clinic - 1138 Rose Hill Dr, Ste 400, Charlottesville, VA 22903
• Dental Er - Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
• Schultz Robert Weir DDS - 1138 Rose Hill Dr #200, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
• Cville Dentist - 2375 Commonwealth Dr A, Charlottesville, VA 22901, United States
• Community Dental Center - 900 Gardens Blvd Ste 600, Charlottesville, VA 22901, United States
• Rivanna Dental Care - 1752 Timberwood Blvd, Charlottesville, VA 22911, United States
• Augusta Regional Dental Clinic - 342 Mule Academy Rd, Waynesboro, VA 22980
• Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic - 13296 James Madison Hwy, Orange, VA 22960, United States
• Greene County Dental Clinic - 40 Celt Rd, Stanardsville, VA 22973, United States

If you lost a filling and need to keep costs down in downtown Austin, I’d start with community dental clinics or sliding-scale providers rather than a typical emergency dentist. A lost filling is usually something they can evaluate and repair, but try not to wait too long if the tooth is sensitive or exposed.

Good low-cost options:

• CommUnityCare: Southeast Health and Wellness Center & Convenient Care — Ask for a dental emergency visit. They offer dental exams, fillings, and emergency treatment, and may use a sliding-fee scale based on income and household size. Trinity Center Austin CommunityCare

• Closest downtown-area option: CommUnityCare (near East Downtown). Trinity Center Austin
• Phone: 512-978-9895 Austin PCC
• Manos de Cristo — A nonprofit dental clinic that serves people who cannot afford private dental care. They provide fillings and emergency dental care; emergency walk-ins are available during designated hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Low Income Dental

• Address: 4911 Harmon Ave, Austin, TX 78751
• Phone: 512-477-2319 Low Income Dental
• People’s Community Clinic — Offers dental services and a sliding-fee scale for eligible patients, including uninsured patients. Austin PCC Austin PCC

• Phone: 512-478-4939 Austin PCC

A few things you can do until you’re seen:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water.
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Keep the area clean with normal brushing.
• If the hole is catching food or is very sensitive, a pharmacy temporary filling material can sometimes protect it short-term (follow the package directions).

Seek urgent care sooner if you have facial swelling, fever, spreading pain, pus/bad taste, trouble swallowing, or trouble opening your mouth.

If you tell me whether you’re uninsured, have Medicaid/MAP, or just need the cheapest cash option, I can narrow this down to the best first call.

If you mean downtown Austin, Texas, I’d start with a community clinic rather than a typical private emergency dentist.

Best low-cost options

1. CommUnityCare dental clinics — probably my first choice if money is very tight. They offer exams, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and emergency treatment, with sliding-fee options for eligible patients. Their downtown-ish RBJ Dental Clinic is at 15 Waller St., and you can call 512-978-9895 to ask about an urgent appointment. www.centralhealth.netwww.austinpcc.org

2. Manos de Cristo — at 4911 Harmon Ave., north of downtown. They specifically take emergency walk-ins, and offer reduced/sliding-fee care for people without private insurance or Medicaid. They treat fillings and other restorative problems. Call 512-477-2319. www.centralhealth.netwww.austinpcc.org

3. People's Community Clinic — 1101 Camino La Costa. They offer fillings, X-rays, extractions, and other dental treatment, with a sliding fee based on income and household size; uninsured patients can qualify for reduced costs. Call 512-478-4939. www.austinpcc.org

4. Texas 2-1-1 — if the above can't see you quickly, Texas DSHS recommends calling 2-1-1 for local free/low-cost dental programs. It's available 24/7. www.dshs.texas.gov

For a lost filling specifically: tell the clinic, “I lost a filling and need an emergency evaluation. I don't have much money—do you have a sliding-fee or self-pay rate, and can you see me urgently?” Ask for the total price before agreeing to X-rays or treatment.

Until you're seen, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. If you develop significant facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a dental appointment.

If you want, I can also find the 3 cheapest options within walking distance of downtown Austin and give you their current hours/phone numbers.

If you’re in downtown Austin and a filling just came out, I’d start with these lower-cost options rather than a typical private emergency dentist:

1. CommUnityCare – RBJ Dental Clinic — 15 Waller St.
   • Very close to downtown/East Austin.
   • CommUnityCare offers fillings and emergency dental treatment, and uninsured patients may qualify for an income-based sliding fee. www.centralhealth.net
   • Dental phone: 512-978-9895.
   • Call first and say: “I lost a filling and need an urgent appointment. I’m uninsured/can’t afford private dental prices. Do you have a sliding-fee or emergency slot?”

2. Manos de Cristo Dental Center — 4911 Harmon Ave.
   • This is probably your best bet if you need genuinely low-cost self-pay care.
   • It specifically serves lower-income patients and offers emergency care on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis during designated emergency hours. Services include fillings. www.lowincomedental.org
   • Phone: 512-477-2319.
   • Their published information says services are priced at about 30% of market value; payment is due at service and they don't offer payment plans. www.lowincomedental.org
   • Emergency walk-ins are generally in the morning, so call before going to confirm that day's emergency hours.

3. MAP / Central Health
   • If you're an uninsured Travis County resident with low income, MAP or MAP Basic can cover dental services including fillings and extractions. www.centralhealth.net
   • Call 512-978-8130, option 1 to ask about eligibility.

If the filling came out but you don't have major pain or swelling, it's usually reasonable to protect the tooth temporarily while arranging care. Avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. A pharmacy dental-cement product can be used temporarily, but it isn't a substitute for having the tooth examined.

Go to an ER urgently if you develop significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing/swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or fever with rapidly worsening swelling.

If you tell me whether you have insurance/MAP and roughly how much you can afford (e.g. $20, $50, $100), I can narrow this down to the cheapest realistic option and check which places are open/available right now.

Yes. For a lost filling when money is tight, I’d prioritize these Austin options:

1. CommUnityCare: Chalmers Courts Health Center — 314 Chicon St, East Austin

This is one of the closest low-cost community options to downtown. CommUnityCare offers fillings and emergency dental treatment, and uninsured patients may qualify for a sliding fee based on income. Dental line: 512-978-9640. www.centralhealth.net

2. Manos de Cristo Dental Center — 4911 Harmon Ave

Probably my best recommendation if you need inexpensive emergency care. They specifically accept low-income patients, offer reduced-cost services, and have emergency walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Their published pricing says services are about 30% of market value. Call 512-477-2319 before going to confirm today's emergency walk-in window. www.lowincomedental.org

3. CommUnityCare South Austin Health Center — 2529 S 1st St

They provide fillings and emergency treatment and have a sliding-fee option for qualifying patients. www.centralhealth.net

If you need help paying

If you're an uninsured Travis County resident, check MAP/MAP Basic. It can cover dental services including fillings and extractions, with eligibility based partly on income. Central Health's number is 512-978-8130. www.centralhealth.net

For a lost filling specifically: don't put aspirin directly on the tooth. Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and avoid very hot/cold or sugary foods until you're seen.

If you have facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing/breathing, or rapidly worsening swelling, that's more urgent than a routine lost filling and warrants emergency medical care.

If you tell me roughly where downtown you are (e.g. Capitol, 6th & Congress, UT, East 6th) and whether you have insurance/Medicaid or no insurance, I can narrow this to the 2 cheapest/closest places for you.

If you lost a filling and cost is the main concern, I’d start with community clinics rather than a typical downtown private dentist.

Best low-cost options near downtown Austin

1. Williams Jr Lindsey A DDS / CommUnityCare RBJ Dental Clinic
   • 15 Waller St., East Austin
   • CommUnityCare clinics provide fillings and emergency dental treatment, and uninsured patients may qualify for reduced-cost care based on income. www.centralhealth.net
   • Call: 512-978-9895
   • When you call, say: “I lost a filling and need an urgent appointment. I’m uninsured/low income and need to know the lowest-cost option.”

2. CommUnityCare: Chalmers Courts Health Center
   • 314 Chicon St.
   • Community health center with dental services, including fillings and emergency treatment. www.trinitycenteraustin.org
   • Call: 512-978-8650

3. Manos De Cristo
   • 4911 Harmon Ave.
   • One of the better options if you're specifically looking for reduced-fee dental care. It offers fillings, extractions, crowns and other treatment, and local resource listings report emergency walk-ins. www.austinpcc.org
   • Call: 512-477-2319
   • It's farther from downtown, but potentially worth the trip if price is your priority.

4. People’s Community Clinic
   • Their dental program provides fillings and restorative care and has expanded eligibility to adults/adolescents with critical dental needs. They offer sliding-scale assistance and services to qualifying uninsured patients. www.austinpcc.org
   • Call: 512-478-4939.

If you need to be seen today

Call 2-1-1 and ask specifically for low-cost emergency dental services in Travis County. Texas DSHS recommends 2-1-1 for finding local dental programs; it's available 24/7. www.centralhealth.netwww.austinpcc.orgwww.dshs.texas.gov

A lost filling isn't usually a medical emergency, but go to an ER urgently if you develop major facial/neck swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

For now, avoid chewing on that tooth, keep it clean, and don't put aspirin directly on the tooth/gum.

If you tell me whether you're uninsured and roughly what you can afford (e.g. $20, $50, $100), I can narrow this down to the cheapest realistic option and which one is closest to downtown.

Yes. If you’re in downtown Austin and cost is the main concern, I’d start with these:

1. Manos De Cristo — probably your best first call for low-cost care. Their dental clinic is at 4911 Harmon Ave, and they specifically serve people without private insurance or Medicaid. They offer fillings, extractions, exams/X-rays, and emergency walk-ins. www.trinitycenteraustin.orgwww.centralhealth.net

(512) 477-7454

2. CommUnityCare – RBJ Dental Clinic — 15 Waller St, relatively close to downtown. CommUnityCare provides fillings, extractions and emergency dental treatment, with income-based options for eligible patients. www.trinitycenteraustin.orgwww.centralhealth.net

(512) 978-9895

3. People’s Community Clinic — not downtown, but worth calling if you’re uninsured/low-income. Their dental program includes fillings and restorative care, and they offer sliding-scale assistance. (512) 478-4939. www.austinpcc.org

4. Texas 2-1-1 — if the above can't see you quickly, call 211 and ask specifically for a low-cost emergency dentist for a lost filling in Austin/Travis County. Texas DSHS recommends 211 as a first step for finding free/low-cost dental programs. www.dshs.texas.gov

For a lost filling: if you aren't having severe pain, swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing/breathing, this usually isn't an ER situation. Try to get a dentist to replace/temporarily repair it soon, and avoid chewing on that side.

If you have facial swelling, fever, rapidly worsening pain, or trouble breathing/swallowing, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a low-cost dental appointment.

If you tell me how much you can afford (e.g. $0, $25, $50, $100) and whether you have insurance, I can narrow this down to the best option for you today.

For a lost filling when money is tight, I’d start with a sliding-scale/community clinic rather than a typical emergency dentist. A lost filling usually needs a dentist to check whether it can be replaced or whether the tooth needs more work, and you may be able to avoid a big bill by getting seen early. www.snowdentalaustin.com

Good low-cost options near downtown Austin:

1. CommUnityCare – RBJ Dental Clinic
   • 15 Waller St, Austin, TX 78702 (East of downtown)
   • Phone: (512) 978-9895
   • Offers fillings, exams, extractions, and emergency dental treatment; CommUnityCare uses income-based/sliding-scale options for eligible patients. www.trinitycenteraustin.org
   • This is probably the first place I’d call if cost is your main concern.

2. Manos de Cristo Dental Center
   • 4911 Harmon Ave, Austin, TX 78751
   • Phone: (512) 477-2319
   • Nonprofit clinic serving people without private insurance or Medicaid; services include fillings and emergency dental visits. www.trinitycenteraustin.org

3. CommUnityCare: Southeast Health and Wellness Center & Convenient Care
   • 2901 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741
   • Phone: (512) 978-9901
   • Has dental services including fillings and emergency treatment, with sliding-fee options for qualifying patients. www.lowincomedental.org

If you need downtown convenience and can pay a little more, BLVD Dentistry & Orthodontics of 5th Street is near downtown and lists emergency dental care, but it may not be as low-cost as the nonprofit clinics.

Until you’re seen:

• Don’t chew on that side.
• Avoid very hot/cold/sugary foods if the tooth is sensitive. www.snowdentalaustin.com
• Don’t put aspirin directly on the tooth or gum.
• If you have face swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing, seek urgent medical care.

When you call, say: “I lost a filling and I’m looking for the lowest-cost emergency appointment. Do you have a sliding scale or cash price?” That usually gets you routed correctly.

If you mean downtown Austin near 6th Street/Capitol, I’d call RBJ first. www.trinitycenteraustin.org

Yes. If you’re around downtown Austin and money is tight, I’d start with Manos de Cristo or CommUnityCare rather than a typical private emergency dentist.

Best low-cost options

1. Manos de Cristo — my first choice
   • 4911 Harmon Ave., Austin
   • 512-477-2319
   • Specifically serves people who can’t afford private dental care.
   • Offers fillings and emergency dental care, including walk-ins during designated emergency hours. Their 2024 report confirms they continue to provide emergency and restorative care to uninsured and underinsured patients. www.lowincomedental.org
   • This is probably your best bet if you need the filling dealt with without getting hit with a large private-dentist bill.

2. CommUnityCare: Chalmers Courts Health Center
   • 314 Chicon St., East Austin
   • CommUnityCare provides dental care including fillings and emergency treatment, and has a sliding-fee program based on income and family size. www.centralhealth.net
   • Call 512-978-9015 for appointment/navigation help.

3. CommUnityCare North Central Dental
   • 1210 W. Braker Ln.
   • 512-978-9880
   • Dental clinic offers fillings and emergency treatment; Saturday dental hours are listed as 8 a.m.–noon. www.lowincomedental.orgwww.centralhealth.netcommunitycaretx.org

If you need help today (Saturday)

Manos de Cristo is the one I'd call first because it specifically handles emergency dental walk-ins. Call 512-477-2319 before heading over to confirm today's emergency intake hours.

If you have facial swelling, fever, rapidly worsening pain, difficulty swallowing/breathing, or swelling spreading toward your eye/neck, don't wait for a low-cost dental appointment—those can indicate a serious infection and warrant urgent medical attention.

Also, if you're uninsured and live in Travis County, Central Health's MAP/MAP Basic can provide access to dental services for qualifying low-income residents. You can call 512-978-8130, option 1 to check eligibility. www.centralhealth.net

Central Health dental and MAP information

If you tell me whether you're trying to be seen today or Monday, I can narrow this down to the cheapest option that's actually open and accessible from downtown.

If you’re in downtown Austin and money is tight, I’d start with these options:

1. CommUnityCare RBJ Dental Clinic — 15 Waller St. This is one of the closest low-cost options to downtown. CommUnityCare provides fillings and emergency dental treatment, and qualifying patients can receive sliding-scale care. Call 512-978-9895. www.trinitycenteraustin.org

2. Manos de Cristo Dental Clinic — 4911 Harmon Ave. They specifically accommodate people without private insurance or Medicaid, offer reduced/sliding fees, and take emergency walk-ins on a first-come basis. Call 512-477-2319 before heading over. www.trinitycenteraustin.org

3. People’s Community Clinic — 1101 Camino La Costa. They provide fillings, extractions, X-rays and other restorative care, with services aimed at people who have difficulty accessing regular dental care. Call 512-478-4939; a referral may be needed. www.trinitycenteraustin.orgwww.austinpcc.orgwww.centralhealth.net

If you have essentially no money

If you live in Travis County and are uninsured, check MAP/MAP Basic through Central Health. It can provide access to dental care, including fillings, with eligibility based partly on income. You can call 512-978-8130, option 1. www.centralhealth.net

Texas DSHS also recommends calling 211 to find free or low-cost dental programs in your area. www.dshs.texas.gov

For a lost filling specifically: when you call, say “I lost a filling and need an emergency dental exam. I’m uninsured/self-pay and need the lowest-cost option.” Ask for the cash price for the exam and possible filling before agreeing to treatment.

If you have facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing/breathing, or rapidly worsening pain, don't wait for a routine appointment—seek urgent medical/dental care.

If you want, I can also find the cheapest option that's open today (Saturday) near downtown Austin.

If you’re in downtown Austin and money is tight, I’d start with CommUnityCare or Manos de Cristo, rather than a typical private emergency dentist.

Best low-cost options

• CommUnityCare: Chalmers Courts Health Center — 314 Chicon St., about a short trip east of downtown. It has a dental clinic, and uninsured patients who meet income guidelines can receive emergency dental services. Dental: 512-978-9640. Hours are Mon–Fri, 7am–4pm. communitycaretx.orgwww.lowincomedental.orgcommunitycaretx.org

This would be my first call if you want income-based pricing.

• Manos De Cristo — 4911 Harmon Ave. This is specifically a nonprofit low-cost dental center. They handle fillings, crowns, extractions, X-rays and emergency dental problems. Their services are listed at roughly 30% of market prices, although payment is due at the visit and they don't offer payment plans. Emergency walk-ins are first-come, first-served during designated hours. 512-477-2319. www.lowincomedental.org

Important: today is Saturday, and the current listing shows the dental center closed Saturdays, so I'd call before going.

• CommUnityCare's other dental clinics — They offer fillings and emergency treatment and have a sliding-fee option for uninsured patients who meet income requirements. communitycaretx.org

If you need help today (Saturday)

The low-cost safety-net clinics may not be available today. A private emergency dentist may cost more, but Austin Emergency Dental is open Saturday 8am–8pm and specifically treats lost fillings. They advertise financing options; call 737-747-4646 and ask “What is the lowest cash price for an exam and temporary filling?” before agreeing to treatment. emergencydentalaustin.com

If the lost filling isn't painful or swollen, you can usually protect the tooth temporarily and get to a low-cost clinic Monday. If you have facial swelling, fever, pus, severe worsening pain, difficulty swallowing/breathing, or significant bleeding, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting.

You can also call 2-1-1 for Austin-area low-cost dental resources; Texas DSHS specifically recommends it for finding free/low-cost dental services. www.dshs.texas.gov

If you tell me whether you need care today or can wait until Monday, I can narrow this down to the cheapest realistic option and give you the phone/address to call first.

Since this depends on where you are, I need your location first. Please share your city/area (for example, “downtown Austin, TX”) so I can find low-cost emergency dental clinics and options such as dental schools or community health centers.

genui{"ask_user_location_v2":{"suggested_cities":["Austin, TX","Downtown Austin, TX","Round Rock, TX","Pflugerville, TX"]}}

If you’re in downtown Austin and the main issue is a lost filling, I’d start with these lower-cost options:

1. Manos de Cristo — best bet for very low cost
   • 4911 Harmon Ave., Austin
   • 512-477-2319
   • Nonprofit low-cost dental clinic; services are generally priced around 30% of market value.
   • They specifically take emergency walk-ins for dental pain on a first-come, first-served basis. www.lowincomedental.orgwww.trinitycenteraustin.org
   • Call before going to confirm today's emergency hours and eligibility.

2. CommUnityCare – RBJ Dental Clinic — closest low-cost community option
   • 15 Waller St., Austin 78702
   • 512-978-9895
   • CommUnityCare offers fillings and emergency dental treatment, with sliding-scale fees for qualifying low-income/self-pay patients. www.trinitycenteraustin.org
   • Ask specifically about an urgent appointment for a lost filling and their sliding-fee eligibility.

3. CommUnityCare South Austin Health Center
   • 2529 S. First St.
   • 512-978-9865 for dental
   • Also offers dental care through the community-clinic/sliding-scale system. www.centralhealth.net

If you need to be seen today and can't get into a low-cost clinic: a private emergency dentist may still be worth calling. For example, Austin Emergency Dental advertises a $49 exam/X-ray and specifically treats lost fillings, though the actual repair would cost extra. emergencydentalaustin.com

What I'd do

Call Manos de Cristo first, then CommUnityCare/RBJ. Tell them: “I lost a filling and need the tooth evaluated. I don't have much money—do you have an emergency/sliding-scale appointment, and what would I need to pay today?”

Until you're seen, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. If you develop facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing/breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a dental appointment.

If you tell me whether you're uninsured and roughly what you can afford (e.g. $20, $50, $100), I can narrow this down to the cheapest realistic option near downtown Austin.

If you’re in downtown Austin, I’d start with these low-cost options:

1. CommUnityCare - RBJ Health Center — This is one of the most convenient options near downtown. CommUnityCare dental clinics provide fillings, extractions, and emergency treatment, with sliding-fee options for qualifying patients. www.trinitycenteraustin.orgwww.centralhealth.net

2. Manos de Cristo Dental Clinic — Particularly worth calling if you have no dental insurance. They offer reduced/sliding fees and accept emergency walk-ins on a first-come basis. www.austinpcc.orgwww.austinpcc.org

3. People’s Community Clinic — Offers dental care to uninsured patients at reduced rates through a sliding fee scale based on income and household size. Their dental clinic is at 1101 Camino La Costa; 512-478-4939. www.austinpcc.orgwww.austinpcc.org

What I'd do today

Call CommUnityCare first and say: “I lost a filling and need an emergency dental appointment. I’m uninsured/low income and need the lowest-cost option available. Do you have a same-day appointment?”

If you qualify for MAP/MAP Basic, Central Health says dental services including fillings and extractions are covered at participating clinics. You can call 512-978-8130 to ask about eligibility. www.centralhealth.net

A lost filling isn't always an emergency, but severe pain, facial/gum swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing/breathing, or uncontrolled bleeding warrants urgent attention rather than waiting.

If you tell me whether you have insurance, roughly what you can afford ($0, $25, $50, etc.), and whether you're having pain, I can narrow this down to the best option near downtown Austin.