My name is Marissa and I’m a disabled artist raising funds for a root canal and crown installment procedures. Since I’m older than 24, my insurance will not cover the procedures, and it costs more than my monthly rent and bills combined. I have no income and am waiting on a decision on my SSDI application, which will takes months. $1,800 will cover the root canal at the cheapest clinic near me, the crown installed by my dentist, and about $75 worth of aftercare (meds, soft/liquid foods, etc.)

Details:

I need a root canal on tooth #2, or my very back top right molar. The cheaper option is an extraction without an implant, but that is very likely to lead to more dental issues. Since I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, I face the challenge of early onset osteoporosis, or weakened bone density, which means my teeth shift very easily and my jaw bone is far more likely to decay faster without an implant. Implants have a higher success rate than root canals & crowns, but are far more expensive, so they’re inaccessible to me at this time.

I unluckily lost the lottery on dental genetics. My parents both have many missing or rotting teeth, and one of my grandfathers died of sepsis from an infection in a tooth. On top of the EDS weakening my teeth, I have GERD (acid reflux) that even while managed with diet changes and medication, causes acid exposure to my teeth which is slowly eroding my enamel. I use prescription-strength fluoridated toothpaste and am as on-top of my dental hygiene as I can be. Unfortunately, issues like this are inevitable for me.

I currently have no income. I sell art when I can, but that has become far less requent due to worsening pain and issues with my spine. My first SSDI application is pending, and it will be months before I get an approval or denial. Denial is likely, and an appeal will take another handful of months. My partner works hard to keep a roof over our heads, and as I’m sure you can imagine, two people living on one income in the current state of the economy leaves little to no money left over after covering necessities.

Anything helps, even the smallest amounts of money you can spare. Thank you in advance — I am eternally grateful for any financial assistance you can provide.