Li’s 10 Plus Dentist Appointments

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by.

My name is Li (they/them) and I am asking for your help.

I have experience fundraising for organizations in my community like “RALLYTHON” benefiting the University of Vermont Children's Hospital but asking for help (for me) is a whole new territory. Thanks for helping me lean in.

It seems like the cost of everything is rising these days and my dental bills that are piling up are no exception. If any of you know me personally, you know that since my first cavity back in elementary school, going to the dentist for fillings, root canals, crowns, and of course, cleaning have been routine since.

The last year has been the most taxing though. Back in the fall, a cavity was discovered, treated, and didn’t heal quite right. At first, I was told the discomfort was to be expected and that “we are optimistic” that everything will settle into place.

We all know our own bodies (& mouths) best. Feeling dismissed and still in pain, I went back and had them take a peek. Nothing. A few months go by and in February 12-13, 2022 I had the worst toothache I’d ever had. Heating pad to face, cannot eat, medicine doesn’t help, kind of pain. Calling the emergency after hours number, I was told it was time for another (4th) root canal.

My emergency appointment was scheduled a month out. “That’s unfortunately the earliest we can see you,” they explained. My tooth went out kicking and screaming and the pain subsided after the nerves in the pulp chamber died a few days later. Root canal scheduled, I went on with my life waiting for my emergency appointment only to be met with, “you have an abscess (an infection).” Drop $700+.

Fourth root canal done and now it’s time for the crown (to protect the root canal). Drop $1,000+. Not more than 12 hours after my crown procedure part one of two, another SURPRISE. I had developed an abscess (an infection) on my gum line on the opposite side of my mouth. At this point, I’m still rocking one temporary crown and have to be careful about what I’m eating.

Back to the dentist again. “Yes, you have an infection. We will have to refer you to an endodontics specialist for retreatment. You have a failed root canal.” Another $1,600. A failed root canal is rare and happens about 5% of all root canals. Another two appointments. By this point we are in May.

At the specialist, it was discovered that the root canal while done well, filled in 3 roots/canals. Well, plot twist! I have 3 roots and 4 canals in that tooth which meant one canal was missed during the original procedure and I was left to pay the price. Emotionally, mentally, physically, and apparently financially… they undid the original root canal treatment and redid it. That left me with another, “don’t chew hard, crunchy, sticky, tacky, foods” order. Cool, cool, cool… I’ll use my front teeth now that both sides were out of commission.

Today, May 27, 2022, I have my insert procedure for my first of three necessary crowns. Temporary crown gets popped off and a permanent cemented in. After today, 2 crowns, 4 appointments, and $2,655 to go.

We have hit maximum insurance coverage even with high coverage dental. My mouth continues to be a mystery to dentists with good hygiene but a breeding ground for decay, infections, and a literal money pit.

Thanks for reading this far. I am collecting cans and bottles where I can to get some coins back and picking up a second job again. My hope is that for those who are able to COMFORTABLY, please consider helping me keep my head UP and SMILING :) along the way! Thank you.