Missing Tooth: A Chance to Smile Proudly

Have I ever supported you in some way?

Have I ever encouraged you?

Have I ever made you laugh?

Have I ever made you smile?

If the answer is yes… I hope you’ll consider helping me do the same!

As some of you may know or have noticed…. I’m missing a tooth, riiiight in the front of my mouth. But I didn’t lose it! I actually never had it. I was born with a condition called hypodontia, so it simply never developed, and I’ve gone 27 years without it. While it’s not life-threatening… it’s also not cute and I’ll be very honest in saying that it’s affected my confidence/self-image over the years. It’s even led to some excessive orthodontic bills over about 10 years to fix some of the issues it’s indirectly caused. Now, I’ve reached the final step in fixing these issues which is to get that missing tooth, implanted.

Long story short though… I can’t afford it. I’ve found, no lie, the best doctors in the DMV to do the implant surgery/placement (shout out to Dr. Puterman and Dr. Tromblay). They’ve both been very patient with me as I bounced between theirs and the orthodontist’s (Dr. Shefferman… a king!) office completing every step necessary before surgery. They’ve also been patient with me as I’ve argued with and sent countless appeals to my insurance providers (that won’t cover a genetic condition) to try to secure financial assistance. But, despite this and the countless part-time job applications, it’s all led to a dead end.

So this is my last resort: the cost breakdown for all the procedures I’ll need (bone graft, gum graft, implant placement, etc.) totals up to $10,025. That’s NOT what I’m asking for today. I’ve paid a $2,000 deposit already and can opt not to be sedated which brings the total, and my current goal, down to about $6,000. I’m on a time crunch as my final opportunity to use my remaining FSA money (about $500) is July 31 since my current job will be terminated due to federal funding cuts. While I don’t have another job currently lined up, I can’t contribute the maximum FSA amount again once I do. I’ve barely been scraping by this year, already. So, I’m simply asking if you have anything you can spare— $1, $5, $10, $20— whatever it may be, please consider donating. Anything helps and all the money will go toward this procedure. If there’s any excess, that will go toward covering the sedation. If I ultimately can’t meet the goal, I will be sure to return everyone’s money.

Lastly, I’m not ignorant to the current state of the world. I know that a lot of people are having a tough time even finding their next meal. So, while I hope you’re in a position to assist, do know that I would never hold a grudge, if you cannot!

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Thank you,

Anthony/Tig