KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A local medical clinic is seeing more and more patients with dental problems. To help, Dr. Tom Kim and The Free Medical Clinic of America is now pulling dead, infected teeth, for free.

For about three weeks, Steve Burton has been suffering from an infected tooth. "It's hard for me to chew, and my gums are real sore."

Unfortunately, Steve hasn't been able to see a dentist. "I don't have that extra money to go to the dentist cause it costs a lot."

Fortunately, Dr. Tom Kim told him he could take the tooth out for free. "So many people in this area and all over the US can't go to a dentist because it's so high."

Dr. Kim says on average in our area, it costs about $150 to have a tooth removed. But he has worked for years to make health care available to those who need it, but can't afford it. "This is a Christian ministry. We do not have to preach it, we do not have to show, we do not have to pray together, just show our compassion and give it for free."

He says in recent months he's seen more and more patients with infected teeth. So he decided to help them. Especially since it can lead to bigger health problems.

"If you don't take care of this, it leads to heart disease, also, some people die from meningitis, especially children," says Dr. Kim.

While Steve is a little nervous about the procedure, in less than a minute, he'll be free of the pain that has plagued him for weeks.

"That little small thing help a lot of people smile," says Dr. Kim.

"Dr. Kim's a super doctor, he's real good, he'll help you any way he can," says Burton.

This service is for severe cases of infected teeth only. The clinic does not perform regular dental services. If you are having problems, call the clinic at 865-577-3733. You cannot have health insurance to qualify for the services. You must also be an American citizen, have a photo ID, and be working, or out of work since February 1st.

Dr. Kim is also looking for a dentist to volunteer more in depth dental services. If you're interested, call the clinic for more information.

You can learn more about the clinic by clicking on the link below.