Hello friends. I'm not one to ask for help, but given my current circumstance, I have to put my pride aside and make this ask of you. Can you assist me in getting my dental issues resolved?

In May 2022, my dentist informed me that I needed 3 teeth removed on the upper right side of my mouth. I've always taken good care of my teeth and had regular dental visits, but my teeth are cavity-prone and my years of chewing on ice caused the teeth to crack. Given their location, the last three teeth in my upper bite, my dentist suggested that implants would be the best option.

Over the next few years, I discovered that the most affordable option for implants was through Stroger/Cook County Hospital. In October of 2024, I had the three teeth removed and began the process of getting the implants installed. In October of 2025, I was ready for the restorative work on these three teeth. This is where I hit financial roadblocks.

Every option I pursued for the restorative work (dental schools, community health centers, and my own dentist) all required that payment in full be made up front for the bridge/crowns that would go into this spot. This is due to the fact that they are made by a third-party supplier and not by the dentist themselves. The best pricing I could find was $5,000 for restoration of the three teeth.

In the meantime, I've had an additional tooth failure on the lower left side which will require a tooth to be surgically removed, and another bridge/crown to be installed there. This will cost an additional $5,000 up front as they will need to place crowns on the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth with a bridge over the missing tooth. I'm having this tooth extracted on April 8th, 2026. Once that is done, I will not have a complete set of molars on either side of my mouth, and will be unable to chew anything but soft foods until I can get the bridge/crowns installed.

As you may (or may not) know, I am on Social Security Disability, which means I have a fixed income each month. I walk dogs to supplement my income, which helps defray the rising costs of rent, groceries, and utilities - which social security cannot keep up with. Furthermore, Social Security only allows me to earn a certain amount over my monthly government disbursement. Anything beyond that, and they begin withholding my SSDI payments. But I am allowed to receive gifts and donations towards medical bills.

Over many months, I have managed to put aside $2,000 towards the initial set of crowns and bridges, but I've been unable to raise the balance of $8,000 to complete the work.

While I do have dental insurance, its benefits max out at $1,500 per year, which would barely cover the office visits for all of this work. That leaves me still in quite a bind.

So I come to you my friends, to ask for your help. Anything you can contribute towards helping me get this restorative work completed and to enable me to chew with both sides of my mouth again, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.