Helping one another

[Gems]

I’m currently experiencing painful infections that are making me very ill and will essentially now require me at the age of 43 losing my teeth and having to replace with implants. This is all due to a congenital defect (oligodontia) and lifelong dental interventions (which haven’t always gone well), trauma, embarrassment and sickness. I’ve already spent tens of thousands on loans etc throughout my 20s/30s to correct but now as a mum of two with other responsibilities I’m really at the end of any road and am withdrawing socially and mentally from everything. I’m terrified as to where to even begin. I’m therefore posting a go fund me here to seek the smallest bit of help from anyone who might be inclined to and I hope that’s ok. I’m too ashamed to share my before but my dream if I ever find a solution is to share the after on social media, reflect back on the journey and ultimately play it forward and fundraise for others in the same situation through no fault of their own - a UK Tooth Fairy if you will. More of my story can be found on my page here: https://gofund.me/6e55a64dc
Any kind words or tiny donation anyone could offer would provide even just a flint of hope in a very dark place right now. I truly believe that enough of us on here help each other in this way even just a small amount we can practically help each others journeys.

 

[Sweet Tooth]

I totally understand about having a congenital defect. I was born with a Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip. This has also cuased me to have a lifetime of dental treatment and trauma. In 2006 my father paid $30,000 for the treatment I needed. I'm in the long process of getting implants. I have had three recent surgeries. So far I've had 19 extractions. My last big surgery will be in two weeks. My four upper molars will be extracted and six implants will be placed on the top. Today I will have my third 3D Cone scan. Insurance only pays for a very, very small part of this, (the extractions). I sold my condo and moved somewhere less expensive so I could use the money for my current treatment. I'm hoping this will be a more permanent solution with the need for just routine work in the future.

I'm sorry to hear that you have infections that are making you ill. I had numerous long term infections but I was lucky, I had no symptoms.

For years I would go for my 6 month cleanings/exams and they would say, "Just keep doing what you're doing." because nobody would step up to take on my care because it was conplex.
I didn't know about my infected teeth.

Only my current dentist was upfront with me explaining all the problems that I have/had in my mouth.
This was helpful because it happened at the right time when I was going to sell my condo anyway.

I wish you the best and hope you can get the help you need.

 

[Gems]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and share your story. I hope your big surgery in a few weeks goes well and is a big step in getting your final, beautiful smile which it sounds like you deserve so much. I have an appointment scheduled tomorrow morning to see if anyone can have a plan as to how I actually start to address my issues and how much it’s likely to cost. I’m so afraid on every front - the pain, embarrassment, losing teeth and being left with nothing as I heal, holding my job down through it all and cost. Just getting in that Chair tomorrow will be huge I hope i can do it I feel sick with nerves right now as it feels no one will be able to help in a way I can ever afford.

 

[Sweet Tooth]

I hope the dentist or oral surgeon will be able to come up with a plan that will work for you.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Please let us know how you do