Lawhorn

"I go through a dental clinic, which is kind of cheap, and that's one reason why he don't have nobody filling in for him," Lawhorn says.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

Sidney Lawhorn and his wife sit on a bed in the emergency department.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

Shannon Lawhorn, left, rests on her husband, Sidney Lawhorn, at 3: 30 a.m.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

Lawhorn says his only complaint about the hospital is the long wait.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

When it comes to changing the nation's health care system, Lawhorn says he hopes lawmakers find a way to provide health insurance coverage to everyone.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

Lawhorn says he doesn't have dental insurance or health insurance.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

Sidney Lawhorn, a farmhand, says he expects to pay about $300 for the emergency room visit — the end result of a financial screening process the hospital conducts to determine how much patients can afford to pay.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

He turned to ask his wife, Shannon Lawhorn, 29, whether their dentist is the only one near their home in Nelson County.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

I had a tooth pulled about 10 days ago and, yesterday, it got to hurting real bad, Lawhorn, 26, says, his speech slightly slurred by Novocain.

Dental problems common cause of ER visits 2009

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Lawhorn; Piepkorn; Strait.

USATODAY.com - Scores 2005