So ashamed of teeth

[FlowersAndRainyDays]

Over the years I’ve seriously neglected my teeth in many ways. I’m now 37 and it’s all coming back to bite me and I am so, so ashamed

A tooth fell out last week, no prior warning just fell out as I was eating. I haven’t see a dentist in 4 years due to the feeling of shame. Made an appointment (private dentist, not a single NHS dentist is taking in a 20 mile radius). After a few scans and a lot of crying, I need 4 teeth removed. I had 2 removed yesterday (awful experience, cost £500 due to the complexity of removing them) and need at least 2 more. The dentist has discussed implants, at £2500 a pop, I need 4. I do not have that kind of money at all. I have noticed today one of my front teeth is slightly chipped, I’m assuming this happened yesterday when my other tooth was being removed (it was quite a hard removal). It’s luckily only noticeable if you’re looking really close. I have a bit of decay on other teeth.

I am so ashamed. To the point it is making me feel physically ill. I am embarrassed and it makes me feel dirty and like everyone is judging me.

not sure what I want from this, I just feel I can’t talk to anyone about this with such a stigma.

No one seems to have their original
teeth these days Op. It’s all turkey teeth and bonding.
You are young - I would say it’s absolutely worth the investment.

You are far too young to have missing teeth or dentures. Work every minute of the day to save up for the implants, or to pay back the loan. You just can’t go around with gaps especially at only 37.. it’s a case of getting the money however you can.

One of my parents had a tooth taken out and they couldn’t do the implant for over a year (I think the gum had to settle down) so you may have some time to raise the money.

I know I’m too young, this is where a lot of the shame comes from. So, so embarrassing but luckily from looking in the mirror it’s not noticeable but obviously as my teeth shift this may change. The other 2 teeth than need pulling are currently not causing me any pain or discomfort, my bite is fine etc. The bottoms one is from work from a filling 10 years ago that wasn’t optimal (my current dentist said this and the dentist from 3 years ago also said the same thing). He has offered a root canal on the bottom tooth but said this is very highly likely to fail and he wouldn’t recommend it. Aghhh it’s just awful, absolutely mortifying.

thank you everyone for your kind words, I think I’m going to seek a second opinion on the 2 teeth that may also need to come out and go from there

Are you sure they are really as bad as you think , have you asked your friends . If they really are bad then you need to do something to build your confidence. Unfortunately people consider teeth important and will judge if they are really decayed / missing particularly at a young age .

I’d definitely be looking at more affordable options than implants like bridges, etc and finding a good dentist abroad for that amount of work

I've had 3 root canals that were highly likely to fail. One is 20 years old, the second 12 years old and the third 3 years old. All still in and functional.