Save Rich’s Smile!
Donation protected
Hi friends,
My name is Rich and this isn’t easy for me to admit. For the last 5 years I’ve been struggling with severe dental issues. I had a hard upbringing which led to trouble when I was younger, and with that I contracted a disease that has resulted in bleeding gums, progressive tooth decay, and tooth loss.
Until recently it was manageable, but now my condition is rapidly worsening.
I’m 29 years old and I’m at risk of losing all of my teeth. If left untreated, there could be more infections which I cannot financially handle. It’s not easy for me to admit that I’m in over my head and need help. I’m deeply ashamed of the condition of my teeth. It’s been a struggle saving up to pay for dental work while keeping the underlying conditions at bay.
On 2/28/24 I visited my dentist and was given bad news. I was told in order to halt the spread of gum disease I’d need surgical cleaning of my gums, which is $1500 per quadrant of my mouth, in addition to two root canals, two crowns, and a bone graft/implant. The cleaning, bone grafts and implants are not covered by insurance, and the root canals may or may not be covered. These procedures are on top of other cavity filling procedures that I’m already doing.
This is absolutely a time sensitive and critical treatment plan that needs to happen ASAP. I’ve been trying so desperately to stay hopeful, but as each day passes and new problems develop, it’s becoming clearer that I need to do something soon or else.
For the last two years I’ve really only been able to eat soft foods. The whole bottom row of teeth on the left side of my face is gone from previous extractions and I can only chew on the right side. I don’t feel confident smiling because I’m missing so many teeth. My mouth is sensitive to cold or hot temperatures. I just want a chance at a normal life again.
If you’re able to help at all, it would mean the world to me. It’s been a real struggle trying to hold it together. I’ve had many setbacks in life and for the last 7 years have been trying to catch up to my mistakes.
Thank you for all of your help— it means everything to me!
My name is Rich and this isn’t easy for me to admit. For the last 5 years I’ve been struggling with severe dental issues. I had a hard upbringing which led to trouble when I was younger, and with that I contracted a disease that has resulted in bleeding gums, progressive tooth decay, and tooth loss.
Until recently it was manageable, but now my condition is rapidly worsening.
I’m 29 years old and I’m at risk of losing all of my teeth. If left untreated, there could be more infections which I cannot financially handle. It’s not easy for me to admit that I’m in over my head and need help. I’m deeply ashamed of the condition of my teeth. It’s been a struggle saving up to pay for dental work while keeping the underlying conditions at bay.
On 2/28/24 I visited my dentist and was given bad news. I was told in order to halt the spread of gum disease I’d need surgical cleaning of my gums, which is $1500 per quadrant of my mouth, in addition to two root canals, two crowns, and a bone graft/implant. The cleaning, bone grafts and implants are not covered by insurance, and the root canals may or may not be covered. These procedures are on top of other cavity filling procedures that I’m already doing.
This is absolutely a time sensitive and critical treatment plan that needs to happen ASAP. I’ve been trying so desperately to stay hopeful, but as each day passes and new problems develop, it’s becoming clearer that I need to do something soon or else.
For the last two years I’ve really only been able to eat soft foods. The whole bottom row of teeth on the left side of my face is gone from previous extractions and I can only chew on the right side. I don’t feel confident smiling because I’m missing so many teeth. My mouth is sensitive to cold or hot temperatures. I just want a chance at a normal life again.
If you’re able to help at all, it would mean the world to me. It’s been a real struggle trying to hold it together. I’ve had many setbacks in life and for the last 7 years have been trying to catch up to my mistakes.
Thank you for all of your help— it means everything to me!
Organizer
Mae Rum
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY