Capital Woes: Chloe’s Tooth Is About To Fall Out!

Hello! My name is Chloe. I am a 29 year-old trans woman from Austin, TX, whose front left tooth, because of intense trauma, is about to fall out of my face! Despite having insurance, it doesn’t cover almost any part of this procedure, whatsoever??? And so I am asking for your help to reach $7000, which is what I would have to pay out-of-pocket otherwise (and which I have no good way of doing).

A little bit of backstory: Eleven years ago, I had just moved to Austin and I got super sick with the flu and collapsed in my kitchen. I woke up pulling myself up to the bathroom mirror, where, to my horror, my front left tooth had busted in half! My root was exposed, and I was in a ton of pain. I saw a doctor, where I had a root canal and (eventually) had a crown placed over the shaved-down tooth, and I went on my merry way for ten and a half years.

CUT TO: Two weeks ago, having my own dental insurance, I finally see a dentist, and what does he tell me?? The cells around the bone of that tooth (behind the gum, above the tooth and below the root) had essentially betrayed me by destroying the bone, and there was nothing left in that spot; in essence, my crown and tiny tooth stub is no longer attached to anything, and it could literally fall out at any moment! He gave me the cost of a new tooth (roughly $1300), and then I went to Periodontal, where I learned that, to put an implant in, and to make sure they do a good job (since it’s very visible and we don’t want any problems!), it’s gonna be five grand. And then I had to pay for the appointment ($117), and then I’m gonna have meds to purchase, as well. 

Honestly, I hate the fact that our healthcare system in the US is so frustrating that this one tooth could straight-up bankrupt me?? I’m not about to let that happen! I have plans and dreams that I am NOT about to let wither because of this tiny (tho incredibly important) thing! 

And so please - if you are able, anything will help! The mental and emotional toll this has already taken on me has been great, and unfortunately I don’t think I can do this alone! Thank you for any kindness and generosity you have to give!