Help give me a healthy smile again

I will start by saying I’m incredibly embarrassed not only to be asking for help but to share something I’ve been trying my very best to hide for over a year. I was once the girl who always had a huge smile on my face; now I avoid talking to anyone. I do whatever I can to hide my teeth for fear of judgment and ridicule. I know people can be mean and will make assumptions, but I want to share a little bit about my situation.

The photo X-ray that you’re looking above is the remnants of a once healthy smile and teeth. I’ve seen multiple oral surgeons, dentists, students, community health clinics—you name it, I’ve tried it. It can only be speculated that possibly this was caused by my birth control DEPO shot I had received for over a year in combination with severe reflux and Hyperemesis Gravidarum. My teeth were frequently exposed to stomach acid and vomit, leading to tooth decay. We again can only speculate, but the medication I took during my recovery has also been linked to severe tooth decay, and there are several class action lawsuits in process that I’ve applied for. Unfortunately, the statute of limitations on these are years long, and these cases sometimes never see any resolution. Before these events took place, I had a beautiful smile. I took great care of my teeth; I’d only had one cavity in my entire life, so this was a huge shock. I did everything in my power to find a dentist that took my insurance, but as more time went by, I had a couple of teeth pulled—whatever I could afford at the time or wherever they could squeeze me in. I was placed on urgent/emergency waitlists. Even pregnant with my son, I still couldn’t be seen for anything other than an emergency exam and some antibiotics, which were only a bandaid for what was inevitable.

Fast forward to today, my teeth are rapidly breaking into pieces. I’ve had massive infections and still no help available from any dentist. At this point, the extractions are so complex they require an oral surgeon cutting a flap and stitching my gum back together, and will leave me with no teeth at all. I can’t even find anyone to do that much for me without another lengthy waitlist. In the meantime, I cry, I can’t eat, and I don’t even want to speak to anyone. I don’t smile anymore; my depression is at an all-time high.

I finally bit the bullet and drove an hour away to ClearChoice, where I was diagnosed with periodontal disease. I was also made aware that my recent abnormal EKGs and echo of my heart are very likely a result of my teeth. It’s also a proven fact that the same bacteria found in decaying teeth can also lead to Alzheimer’s disease. This doesn’t even take into account the several active infections of the pulp that could very well spread through my bloodstream. It was a terrifying experience; I cried the whole appointment. I’m only 29 years old. I am a mom, and my babies need a healthy mom. I want to live to see them grow up, and I don’t want to constantly worry about my health.

Aside from the scary news I received, I was given a shred of hope at this appointment, as you will see in the photo I shared. After the X-rays and consultation, I was shown what I would look like with a healthy smile again. I have completely forgotten what it is like to smile or to even be able to eat dinner or go a day without sore, bleeding gums or taking a handful of ibuprofen just to go to sleep at night. I was a bit discouraged when I was told the price of the screw-in veneers. The prosthodontist suggested an overdenture, which was $10,000, or screw-in veneers, as I am young and have good bone structure, and she didn’t want my face to change shape over time. I knew I didn’t have $10,000 for an overdenture and certainly didn’t have $50,000 for screw-in veneers. The only other option was a top and bottom denture. I have posted a photo of my appointment prognosis and the price. I would never even attempt to raise $50,000, but after feeling completely defeated and applying and being denied for all third-party lenders, I had to make a last-ditch effort and put myself out there completely vulnerable in a desperate attempt to save my teeth and my health. The last thing I want to do is ask complete strangers or even friends and family to help with this, but I’m all out of options. I truly wish I could have kept all this to myself and just kept hiding it, but it’s reached the point where something awful could happen, and the thought of not being there to watch my kids grow up is terrifying.

Having veneers or even a simple denture and getting these teeth pulled will give back my health, ability to eat, smile, and confidence, and most importantly, be able to be the best version of myself for my boys. If I am able to raise at least $6000, this will cover the removal of problematic teeth and then I will have the new teeth/denture top and bottom put in the teeth will be removed under anesthesia the day I come in for my procedure when I wake up I will start the process to brand new teeth! As embarrassing as it sounds, I would rather have false teeth than unhealthy broken teeth. I know with anything there can be a level of skepticism, so I’m glad to share any proof needed. I’m embarrassed to show my teeth, and I hate all of this honestly, but I need a miracle to help me. Anything helps; my rate is locked in for 14 days, and the sooner I’m able to get these teeth pulled and on the road to recovery, the better. I truly appreciate anyone and everyone taking the time to read or help. I again have been so hesitant to ask for help at all. I have considered this so many times, but it’s pretty bad now. I can’t wait any longer. I’ve reached out to the little support system I have, and sometimes it takes a village. We all need a little help sometimes. Thank you again for reading and considering.