Hi, I'm Eric (Gaffney, co-founder of Sebadoh, Independent Recording Artist, Recording & Performing since 1983) I'm in a bad predicament. Dentistry was something that was neglected back in the '70s, and '80s. We used Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap instead of actual toothpaste, and being from the Grape Nuts generation, the enamel on my teeth started wearing down too early. and no thanks to sugary sodas.

From like 1967 to 1985 I had been to a dentist maybe 4 times! Once in 1973 when I bit thru the nurse's finger when she said 'Bite Down' then in By 1978 I was one of those kids who had the red candy 'Plaque Detection Tablets' - Results= = all over my teeth showing plaque, tartar, decay... (see the Certificate* scanned) then a playground accident in 1978 when i had my bottom 4 lower teeth smashed/broken. (ouch, yes) It may have been 1984 when 'we' went to a dentist for a 'check-up' & mercury fillings.

I wasn't able to 'afford' dental care until 1994 (after my day in Sebadoh) which was short-lived and sporadic... w.out actual steady income. I had a nerve from my mouth dangled in front of me in 1997 in New York City @ the dental school. (nightmare central) Not keeping a regular dentist is a really bad idea. By 2001-2005 I would go to a Sutter Street office w. a gold door (San Francisco) but never twice a year.

I have been going to a dental group regularly since 2009, (w.a 5-year gap when i would go to the Dreaded Center Street 'Arch Dental' (Yikes) Sometimes it feels like I have spent half my life in the dentist's chair. In the past 2 years, every dentist I have seems to decide to split, and now my wonderful hygienist decided to have a baby. I had a tooth extracted last year and two the year before. (Ouch) I am turning 58 next month. I brush my teeth daily, floss, and use a water-pick. I have stopped eating sugary snacks.

I was at the hygienist's 5 weeks ago, and she didn't mention anything at all. So today, I had my first periodontics visit. The unfortunate news for me is that I have deep pockets in my gums related to five specific teeth. I need immediate treatment, including a round of two kinds of antibiotics followed by a second consultation, and then specific scaling and root planing of the five teeth, over two visits. This is an absolute nightmare!! I can't lose another five teeth. I wouldn't be able to speak properly or sing! This sucks.

The only good news is I landed a part-time job cleaning a medical center to afford 1/2 my rent. With a pound of good luck charms and the here-and-there gig, I might be okay. It just seems I have no idea how to go out and get money from the world. It all seems so ridiculous.

The immediate need is to raise the $799 for the five-part treatment plan at the periodontics center. All of which sucks, but it will help me keep my teeth! I may need gum flap or graft surgery & in addition, i would also hope to get three implants (or just two), which cost $5,295.00 each. (Ouch)