Tooth Ache

There is nothing worse as far as I'm concerned, then a tooth ache. I'd rather have a migraine. But I'm not having a choice in the matter b/c for a week now I've had a rotten tooth ache. I went to the dentist Monday and we couldn't really figure out where the pain was. He thought maybe i bruised it or have a factor on the tooth. X-rays showed nothing. Here i am almost a week later feeling no better. But it's weird. I can chew on it sometimes with no problems. I can touch it and no problems and now my entire mouth hurts. I began to wonder if it was my sinuses b/c I've had that in the past where i get such a tooth ache only to find out my sinuses dip down to my teeth. So today I called back and they told me I'm going to need a cap on the tooth. OK how much i asked? @ $850!!!!!!!!! Holy crap batman. I asked if i could try a course of antibiotics first. They said that was fine. But I'm afraid it's not going to help. I don't know what to do. I mean i have to get it fixed, but where do i get that kind of money??? Any ideas? For that amount i could probably have all my teeth pulled and get dentures! Just kidding of course. But really WHY is it so expensive? I'll be there at what one hr?? come back 2 weeks later for 30 min!? and it's going to cost that much. I thought/wondered if i should go to a dental school and have students work on it. But will that save me that much and after all, we're talking my teeth here. I had a friend say when i suggested that 'I do that with my hair' I about choked on my water and said 'hmmm..hair, that grows back if you don't like the cut or teeth that if done wrong, cause life time of misery (and money, pain, craziness you name it).......there is quite a difference there!!' What do you all think? Any dentists out there or any of you have friends that our dentists? If so forward on this blog to them. I'm pleading for help (again) I'm hoping I'm feeling well enough b/c today the kids and I are heading to the lakes here in Iowa. My parents have a membership at this campground/lodging place. They are there this weekend and my sister, niece and us, are going to meet up and stay the night. Wish me well!