It’s embarrassing. As long as I can remember, I’ve hated the dentist. I have a deep anxiety sitting in the chair with the sounds of the drilling and suction; it makes my skin crawl. But it’s caused my teeth to rot and fall out. I have several broken teeth and missing teeth. I’m scared that I could die from getting an infection in my mouth. My mom would kill me if that happened. I feel like I let her down. I’m embarrassed to spend time with my kids. I can’t look for work, I can’t laugh or meet people, or even date if I wanted. I feel myself slowly disappearing from the world. This is my last hope to get my life back, to smile again, to find work, and maybe love. I’m willing to go to Mexico and find an affordable dentist for implants. Fingers crossed.