While I'd prefer to replace the rail entirely that just isn't a possibility right now. I plan to clean up the area to see the full extent of the damage and hopefully find a decent mechanic to do the work.

Speaking of which, since I'm currently at college I won't be able to take the car to my normal mechanic (who apparently looked at it before and said it was nothing). What kind of mechanic/body shop should I look for to do the work?