Hello friends and family,

I am writing to ask for help. As many of you know, I have had many dental struggles over the years, but the full extent was not something I shared widely. Unfortunately, my teeth have always been problematic for me. I had many fillings in my baby teeth and even an abscessed tooth. My permanent teeth were worse, growing in with pits and thinned enamel. My mom and dentists did everything they could to keep my teeth functioning for as long as possible. This year is where that ended.

Last winter, my dentist informed me that not only did I need two more extractions urgently, but none of my remaining teeth could be saved. I had too much dental work already, and it was failing. I was referred to a dental surgeon, and we began a treatment plan. My dentist's office did a mold of my teeth to create a temporary denture for when the big surgery occurred.

The treatment plan includes removal of all teeth, using temporary dentures during the healing time for the jaw; two “sinus lift” procedures, which involve placing bone grafts in the back portions of my upper jaw on both sides; and placement of 4-6 anchors or implants each in the upper and lower jaw. There would also be a permanent set of teeth created to anchor to the implants.

At the end of January, I had dental surgery to remove all my remaining teeth. The recovery has been long, and I had two smaller surgeries to address infection and a healing issue. My temporary dentures were supposed to go in immediately following the first surgery, but the surgical team couldn’t even fit them in my mouth. What followed was three half-day-long visits to the dentist to try making the dentures work. Unfortunately, this was not possible. The dentist referred me to a prosthodontist to have new temporary dentures made that would not only be used while my bones heal post-extraction but also to be used as the first teeth screwed into implants once they are able to be placed.

The problem is the cost. I was able to cover the cost of the initial temps with my FSA, and they only cost about $1,500.00. While I am attempting to set up a meeting with the dentist to discuss refund or reimbursement options, nothing has been offered thus far. The prosthodontist-made dentures are much more costly, must be paid upfront, and are not in-network with any dental insurance. I also maxed out my dental insurance for the year.

As I have yet to turn 40, all providers have emphasized how important it is to have implants placed quickly, as dentures or lack of teeth can reduce lifespan and greatly affect health.

I have attached the quotes I received from the prosthodontist as well as the statements and quotes from my dentist and oral surgeon. For the prosthodontist, there is a discount for payment made quickly by cash, check, or credit card, but the cost for the teeth is around $10,000.00. There is financing available, but I am not likely to qualify on my own. While I have massively improved my credit for nearly two years after leaving my husband, I am still working to repay debts and have a long way to go. I wish I could take care of this on my own, but with an in-process divorce, current living expenses, and trying to pay off debt, I have not been able to save what would be needed.

Financial assistance can go through my GoFundMe, Venmo, PayPal, or be paid directly to the prosthodontist or oral surgeon. If you are able and willing to assist with obtaining a loan, please contact me directly. The first stage, removal of the teeth, has already been completed and paid. Please view the attached chart and quotes for detailed assistance requirements.

I appreciate any help you may be able to provide but understand if that is not feasible. I appreciate you taking the time to read this far.

Much Love,

Erin Lancaster (deKoevend)

TLDR - My teeth failed due to congenital issues, the initial temp dentures did not fit, the dentist sent me to a prosthodontist because I am a difficult case and it will cost 10k, the implant process will cost another 15k or more. I'm not yet 40 and getting implants is critical to my health. I need help.