S
s0rela
Junior member
- Joined
- May 29, 2023
- Messages
- 1
- Location
- US
Sorry this is gonna be long
Throughout my life, I've battled a severe fear of dentists, which has taken a toll on my dental health. To counter this anxiety, I became obsessed with maintaining extreme dental hygiene during my younger years. Surprisingly, my devotion became excessive, and dentists even advised me to dial it back as I was eroding the enamel on my teeth
As life took a dark turn, I found myself entangled in drug addiction during my late teens and early 20s. Neglecting my oral care became the norm, as I hardly bothered to brush my teeth, let alone maintain a routine. By the time I started on the path to recovery, the damage had been done, and my teeth were in a sorry state. It was clear that taking action was necessary for both my dental health and my journey toward recovery.
Summoning every ounce of courage, I visited a dentist, a monumental challenge in itself. The consequences of my neglect became apparent during that grueling appointment. I faced the extraction of eight teeth and had cavities that required filling in nearly every tooth, primarily along the gum line. The entire process was traumatizing, intensified by my already overwhelming dentophobia. Despite the distress, I knew it was a crucial step forward
However, just two days later, I made a troubling discovery. The cavities on my bottom teeth had been thoroughly cleaned out but left unfilled, leaving gaping holes along my gum lines. In a panic, I contacted the dentist, only to be informed that the next available appointment was nearly four weeks away. To make matters worse, a scheduling mishap caused me to arrive one hour late for the rescheduled appointment. Despite acknowledging their mistake, the dentist insisted on a $50 missed appointment fee before they would reschedule, an amount I couldn't afford even if I searched every nook and cranny for spare change. Trapped by my insurance limitations, I had no alternative but to endure the deteriorating condition of my teeth.
Now, at the age of 34, I face the harsh reality that my only viable option might be full extraction and dentures. The mere thought of it terrifies me, not only due to the complications of my dentophobia but also the potential bone loss in my jaw that full extractions cause
So here I am, years since that disastrous dental visit, desperately needing to return to the dentist. Over time, my teeth have deteriorated to the point where decay has claimed every single one.
Over the years I have applied for smile makeover contests, never winning (obviously). I desperately want All on 4 dentures, to combat all the problems that surround regular ones, but my insurance doesn't cover it and my financial situation remains bleak. The aftermath of my addiction continues to haunt me, leaving me financially destitute with no credit to secure financing.
As I stand at this crossroads, the daunting reality that I'll never have a smile I'm proud of again looms before me. I need to just get it over with and schedule a full extraction, with all the drawbacks that accompany such a decision. I just can't bring myself to do it. I keep thinking I'll magically be able to afford the $40k it would cost to get a full mouth of All on 4s, but it's never gonna happen for me. Even if I were to do like a gofundme, I'd have to explain why I need them, and no one will donate to a recovering addict for something they did to themselves even if shitty dentistry is partially to blame too. I need you face reality, but it's already difficult to go to the dentist, just the thought of someone looking at my teeth now nearly throws me into an anxiety attack
Sigh. This vent of mine turned out to be quite lengthy, and for that, I apologize. But it felt good to release my frustrations.
Throughout my life, I've battled a severe fear of dentists, which has taken a toll on my dental health. To counter this anxiety, I became obsessed with maintaining extreme dental hygiene during my younger years. Surprisingly, my devotion became excessive, and dentists even advised me to dial it back as I was eroding the enamel on my teeth
As life took a dark turn, I found myself entangled in drug addiction during my late teens and early 20s. Neglecting my oral care became the norm, as I hardly bothered to brush my teeth, let alone maintain a routine. By the time I started on the path to recovery, the damage had been done, and my teeth were in a sorry state. It was clear that taking action was necessary for both my dental health and my journey toward recovery.
Summoning every ounce of courage, I visited a dentist, a monumental challenge in itself. The consequences of my neglect became apparent during that grueling appointment. I faced the extraction of eight teeth and had cavities that required filling in nearly every tooth, primarily along the gum line. The entire process was traumatizing, intensified by my already overwhelming dentophobia. Despite the distress, I knew it was a crucial step forward
However, just two days later, I made a troubling discovery. The cavities on my bottom teeth had been thoroughly cleaned out but left unfilled, leaving gaping holes along my gum lines. In a panic, I contacted the dentist, only to be informed that the next available appointment was nearly four weeks away. To make matters worse, a scheduling mishap caused me to arrive one hour late for the rescheduled appointment. Despite acknowledging their mistake, the dentist insisted on a $50 missed appointment fee before they would reschedule, an amount I couldn't afford even if I searched every nook and cranny for spare change. Trapped by my insurance limitations, I had no alternative but to endure the deteriorating condition of my teeth.
Now, at the age of 34, I face the harsh reality that my only viable option might be full extraction and dentures. The mere thought of it terrifies me, not only due to the complications of my dentophobia but also the potential bone loss in my jaw that full extractions cause
So here I am, years since that disastrous dental visit, desperately needing to return to the dentist. Over time, my teeth have deteriorated to the point where decay has claimed every single one.
Over the years I have applied for smile makeover contests, never winning (obviously). I desperately want All on 4 dentures, to combat all the problems that surround regular ones, but my insurance doesn't cover it and my financial situation remains bleak. The aftermath of my addiction continues to haunt me, leaving me financially destitute with no credit to secure financing.
As I stand at this crossroads, the daunting reality that I'll never have a smile I'm proud of again looms before me. I need to just get it over with and schedule a full extraction, with all the drawbacks that accompany such a decision. I just can't bring myself to do it. I keep thinking I'll magically be able to afford the $40k it would cost to get a full mouth of All on 4s, but it's never gonna happen for me. Even if I were to do like a gofundme, I'd have to explain why I need them, and no one will donate to a recovering addict for something they did to themselves even if shitty dentistry is partially to blame too. I need you face reality, but it's already difficult to go to the dentist, just the thought of someone looking at my teeth now nearly throws me into an anxiety attack
Sigh. This vent of mine turned out to be quite lengthy, and for that, I apologize. But it felt good to release my frustrations.
to DFC, You are in the right place.. with alot of people who identify with your story and struggles, You are not alone for sure.. I hope you see the courage you have stepping out and writing this and even coming on here and thinking about starting the process is huge.. Its hard... after all you've been through. I so get it and others do too. Also it sounds like you have come out of addiction and recovering. that is sooo huge and takes a strong person! 
