Whether it be a broken heart, being let go from a job, the death of a loved one… or something as unimaginable like…losing your two front teeth, life constantly supplies us with situations where we are forced to make a choice on how to respond to an unwanted and unplanned circumstance. We go through stages, our mind can’t resist chatting with our ego, our emotions and our overall attitude. For me, I typically start with the WHY ME, followed by the WHAT COULD I HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY and eventually embracing the… WHAT NEXT. Embracing what life has thrown my way IS my way of life. I’ve talked about my MS Diagnosis, the death of best friends, job changes, etc, but THIS accident, hit a whole new level.
Lessons Learned… from Losing my Teeth.
5) Freak Accidents Happen.
I think back to the day.
Could I have done anything differently?
Did I have any warning signs?
No. I casually hopped on my bike to head to the Denver Broncos Football Game. Only 3 miles away, the beautiful October afternoon provided the perfect backdrop for what was to be… a happy day. You see, life had been really tough the weeks prior and I was very excited about a Sunday Funday. Only, my bike had a different agenda.
First, it started to make a loud annoying noise. Within minutes, my frame and front wheel locked, catapulting me over my handlebars in airplane pose (Yogis – you know this visual), causing me to face plant the pavement at 10 MPH, hitting so hard that my glasses land 15 yards away, followed by my legs coming over my back (Scorpion-ing – Snowboarders – you know this visual) so that when I finally stopped, I was looking straight up, feet pointing in the direction I was biking. I had no idea what had happened. Completely panicked having witnessed my fall, my boyfriend rushed to me, fearing the worst, that I broke my neck. Luckily, I was in so much shock I couldn’t feel the pain as I sat up to attempt to talk to him. Unluckily, I felt a huge hole between my completely shredded lips and then felt my shattered lost teeth embedded into the roof of my mouth.
As I slowly laid back on the street, surrendering both my mind and my body to what was happening, all I could do was stare into the cloudless blue sky… then reality sunk in. I heard the ambulance sirens. Was I going to be OK? Why, why of all days did this happen to me? I knew I wasn’t making it to the football game. I had eaten a light lunch, saving room for stadium food. There would be no nachos for me that day. In fact, not for a while. As they say, “it is what it is”. Accidents Happen.
within 10 days, my face healed fast
4) Love Heals
With a brace secured around my neck, laying in the ER for the results of my brain and spine scans, the last thing I thought to do was “check myself in” on Facebook, announcing my arrival to the hospital. However, being very concerned and believing in the power of positive thoughts and prayer, my Mom’s reaction was different; she posted a picture on Facebook of the two of us smiling, sharing the news of my accident and questionable condition with our friends and family.
At first, I was very angry. My blood pressure soared. My privacy felt violated. I didn’t want to draw attention to my injuries. Or make people worry and feel obligated to reach out. But, almost instantly, my phone was blowing up! Calls from concerned friends around the country wishing me well. Text messages sending me support. FB posts, some from people I didn’t know, letting me know that I was beautiful no matter what. Friends, some I hadn’t heard from in years, reminding me of my strength and perseverance, having no doubt I would overcome this new obstacle. I was overwhelmed with the response, the love I could feel being shared with me by way of words, flowers, cards, homemade soup — even a letter from the Tooth Fairy with $2 included! It took a few days for the silver lining to sink in, but no longer was I angry with my Mom’s post… in fact, I appreciated it.
Letting people know I needed extra TLC resulted in an outpouring of love I’m convinced helped me heal. Within the first few days, with so many friends wanting updates on my condition, I decided to step out of my comfort zone one step further. I went “public” with photos of myself, some pretty graphic with a broken nose and busted up face. I wanted everyone to know their LOVE was working- Â my face seemed to be healing, much faster than I expected. The days I felt so bad I didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror, my loved ones reminded me that no one could steal my smile, it came from my inside out. They checked in on me so I never felt alone in the process of discovering my new normal, without teeth. The love I’ve been gifted over the past 7 months has been nothing short of medicine for my soul. I firmly believe my body healed faster from the outpouring of awesomeness I generously received from my friends and family.
‘Tis the Season… to Smile!
3) SMILE… Even if you Don’t Have Teeth
My accident happened two weeks before Halloween. While laying in the ER, my initial response was to start listing the various costume ideas to take advantage of my new smile. A Hockey Player? A Jack-O-Lantern? A Hillbilly? Even the idea of a Meth Head came up in conversation! I thought all of these were brilliant; until the idea of wearing a Christmas Onesie and going as “All I Want For Christmas is my Two Front Teeth” popped into my mind. I couldn’t wait to dress up. I put my hair in pig tails and rocked my Boston Red Sox slippers. And the best part: people believed I had makeup on my teeth- never thinking I’d actually lost them! I LOVED their reaction to the realization that I… had no teeth. Of course, I was limited on my candy consumption, stealing all the Reece’s Cups from the bowl.
Having a blast embracing my toothless grin on Halloween, I decided to ’tis the season, too. I invited a friend to go to the Mall to visit Santa and have some Christmas fun! I wore my hair in pig tails, eager to ask him for my “two front teeth”. I don’t know what made me laugh more, sitting on Santa’s lap for the first time (I’m Jewish) or seeing the reaction of all the parents (many my age) in line with their little ones. From day one, my attitude has been to make the most of my crooked smile. No way was the loss of two teeth going to get the best of me… if anything, it has forced me to stop sweating the small stuff, bringing out the best in me, by way of my silly smile.
2) Don’t Assume Anything About Anyone.
The day after my accident was by far the worst. I’ll never forget the first time I looked in the mirror, my face so swollen I literally didn’t recognize myself. With a broken nose, lips destroyed from the street and a face sore with scabs, I began to sob, a hard cry, that came from a scared place in my soul. My flowing tears had to create their own pathway down my scratched up cheeks. Would I ever look like my old self? I felt defeated. SO, what did I do? I picked my head up as high as I could and insisted on going to the grocery store to pick out the soup I would need to eat through a straw for the next few weeks. Arm in arm with my boyfriend (who I convinced to support my crazy decision to go out in public) I quickly realized I should have worn a T-Shirt with an arrow pointing to him that said “I Swear He Didn’t Do It”. We got glances. I got stares. For the first time I felt what it was like to be someone that didn’t choose my looks but appeared ugly and deformed, someone that people talked about. I stepped into the role of what it might feel like to want to hide your face. And, it felt awful. I’ll say that there were other people upfront with me, asking me what happened. For these folks I was more than happy to ease their curiosity. I’d rather someone know the truth than assume anything. Over the next few months, I got more comfortable with my new normal and announcing the loss of my teeth took a back seat to just… being me. For example, after my face had healed, I was in a personal essay writing class for 8 weeks, sharing stories, building friendships. To celebrate our final class, we all went out for food and drinks. This was the first time I’d taken out my teeth. To see their reaction, the “Oh my god, I would never have known” when I popped my teeth out, was the same I got from most who were surprised by my party trick. Of course they didn’t know, why would someone think a pretty girl with a bright smile would be toothless? Many, if not most, of us, have gone through something in life that has changed us, making us who we are today. We often don’t wear our uniqueness on our sleeve. Fortunately, I have not taken anyone’s assumptions, or lack of, personally. If anything, I’ve been happy to create the awareness that what you see isn’t always what you get. That saying “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” couldn’t be more true. Be mindful that everyone is fighting their own battles, whether you can see them or not.
1) Smile Flippers are Flipping Awesome
I couldn’t eat with my fake teeth. Drinking a wine or coffee tastes different with a plastic retainer in, too. Every day, I take my teeth out in public. And, the surprise reaction of a 36 year old gal missing her two front teeth, well, to me, is priceless. I’ve heard from many friends and strangers to friends I’ve met since loosing my teeth. Majority applaud my attitude, saying if it were them, they wouldn’t want anyone to know. They’d be embarrassed and to look different. This wasn’t something I chose. This was something that happened. And it was up to me how to handle it. I could never imagine hiding my smile… it is something I am proud to wear every single day! Brene Brown is famous for saying, “Vulnerability is the New Black” and I couldn’t agree more. Owning our path while choosing confidence and optimism is much more sexy and appealing than attaching to shame, guilt or embarrassment. It takes more energy to intentionally hide my smile than flash my tooth hole for the world to see. If I want to chew gum, I’m gonna pop my teeth out! If I want to eat hot wings, even if it means getting a little messy, I’m gonna pop my teeth out. If I conformed to society and adopted the idea that because I looked different, somehow I was not as worthy of enjoying these things, then I would be living against all I believe in, for everyone on the planet. Make peace with your situation. It could be worse. Feel grateful you are alive with a smile to share.
Life is too short to hide your shine.
“Smile… even if you don’t have teeth” – Carlyn
In addition to what I learned from within, I also gained knowledge on a process completely foreign to me before my accident. Replacing teeth is ridiculously expensive (an entirely different blog post of how unfair it is that teeth are considered cosmetic) and I’m beyond grateful for the support from my Mom. And, it’s a long process to get permanent implants… up to A YEAR! I’m 7 months into my recovery. In 2 weeks my Dentist will replace my smile flipper with a bridge, glued in to reshape my gum line. 3 months from then, the bridge will be replaced with my porcelain implants and I’ll only be required to visit with my Oral Surgeon for friendly follow ups. As crazy as it sounds, I’m actually going to miss “Rocking Out with me Teeth Out” aka, feeling proud of my One-of-a-Kind smile. It’s created a unique awareness of the food I eat. I brush my teeth… and my retainer. I fall asleep with my teeth out and put them back when I wake in the morning. I’m completely comfortable with my new normal and anyone that knows me will agree that I’ve had fun with my loss. Missing teeth is a catalyst for all kinds of conversations. It’s helped me befriending a toothless homeless vet, a gal at a sandwich shop in Boston who also wore a “smile flipper” and of course, the countless waitstaff that I’ve surprised with my spaced smile when they return to fill my water glass. I even scored a free dessert from my lack of chompers! But, the people that presented themselves on my path that I will inevitably remember and appreciate most, are my Dentist and Oral Surgeon, my favorite Strangers To Friends of this experience, true Silver Linings. Both of them showed up serendipitously, amazing men who have made a painful experience, as painless as possible.
My question to you is, what are YOUR two front teeth? What have you been forced to accept?? How has your perceived setback actually been a stepping stone? What have you learned about yourself? Of others? Any fears overcome? My intention for writing this is to bring awareness to our choices, our attitude option and our ability to find the good in the bad, whether in the moment or months later. I encourage you to please share this post with anyone that needs help embracing their own “setback” in hopes my story inspires them to want smile from their inside out, too.
Scroll down to leave comments or share your story. I look forward to hearing from you!
“Make peace with your situation. It usually could be worse. Feel grateful you are alive with a smile to share. Life is too short to hide your shine.” Love this, great words to live by!
Thanks, Jen! Having gone through a lot this year, it took a while for me to get my “shine” back…. but now that it’s back, it is here to stay. Shine ON!
reading this today just put everything into a total new perspective!! I myself lost 3 of my front teeth in a car accident when I was 17, I was always ashamed and embarrassed about what had happened to me. Reading this blog today really just gave me a whole new outlook on the situation and how I should really be looking at it. Considering 8 people lost their lives in the accident I was lucky to only have lost what I did. Thank you so much Carlyn you seriously will never know just how much of a blessing this was for me to stumble upon today!
I absolutely LOVE you and am so grateful that while our paths were parallel for many years – we have now finally crossed! You are an amazing woman and the vision you behold is one of many lessons and grace. xoxo 🙂
Ah. You. I feel very humbled. I guess I need to go back to my corner and reconsider the “severity” of my situation. Because its really not severe at all. Its kind of a petty anxiety, actually. You, toothless eye opener. Love!
Wow…thank you so much for this wonderful post. I’m sorry to hear about your accident, but I am so inspired by your courage with how you have handled it…amazing! I lost my left front tooth back in 2008 (age 34 at the time) and went through this same experience (minus the painful accident part…mind was the result of a frozen strawberry and a baseball that hit my face back in 1992). I didn’t show anyone (except my wife) what I looked like without my tooth in (I didn’t get a flipper, but had the actual crown of my tooth glued in while the implant process went on). It did fall out once at an airport and that was quite an interesting experience. Anyway, it was traumatic and also a blessing on many levels. Losing my hair has also been quite painful, but also such a growth inducing experience. As a 40 year old man, I’m still working on embracing myself physically…I have better days than others. I think we focus too much on the external in our culture in so many ways and we miss the deeper issue…it’s about loving, accepting, and making peace with who we are, how we look, the things that happen and change in our lives, how we age, and more. I honor you for your courage and vulnerability!
reading this truly brings tears to my eyes. thank you so much for sharing with me that I made a difference in your day, I really hoped that by writing my story that others would get something out of it. Cindy, I can not imagine what you have gone through, but you are a brave woman and truly blessed to be able to rock your beautiful smile. It really is a new world with a new perspective! Proud of you.
THANK YOU!!!! You and I are a perfect example that all is right on time… XOXO
No matter how “sever” a situation is, it is YOUR situation, and you are entitled to feel strongly for it. But, if you can find a new perspective, in that YOU are not your story, it is merely a small part of you… well, your problem will inevitably get even smaller 🙂 Love YOU!
Mike, WOW, hats off to you for stepping out and sharing this with me & all who take the time to read it. It’s funny… the aging process. Society tries to convince us that “growing older” is a bad thing… or our genes aren’t good enough… and we can pop a pill, or nip/tuck, etc… and we will feel more acceptable. Sure, there are ways to stay younger looking– eating healthy, protecting skin from the sun, regular exercise and a healthy attitude, but at the end of the day, we are BLESSED to grow old! So many people die far too young and would give anything to have a wrinkle or grey hair. Plus, our parents made us. We are DNA. Everyone’s is different. It’s a shame society puts so much emphasis on being “the same” when really we should celebrate our uniqueness– ha, it’s way more fun and far less stressful… 🙂 THANK YOU for your feedback, it is a confidence booster for me. And yea, it’s OK that you were embarrassed about your tooth, it’s tough, I get it. It’s all about living and learning 🙂 Cheers to our Journey!!!!!
Very inspiring and well said!
thank YOU very much!!
Go Carlyn. I can vicariously commiserate. Its been quite the ride…
Thank you for this page. My two front teeth are being replaced by implants, which will take 5 months. I was in a car accident when I was 16, and my teeth had root canals. I am now 37 and I injured my tooth, so now the best choice is to get them both pulled and have dental implants placed. It is truly scary, and it brings up all of the fears and feelings that have taken me 21 years to forget. I was also scarred in my accident, which i felt so lucky to still have my teeth. Now I don’t. I know I can make it through this as I made it through the last, but it doesn’t make it easy. I appreciate learning from other’s experiences, and you give me hope that it can be OK either way. Life is making the best of your situation, which can change at any minute. Thanks again 🙂
Lori, I am SO SORRY it has taken me over a month to respond to you! First of all, we are the same age 🙂 Second of all, by you taking control of your health and your teeth, you are helping yourself heal from the trauma you have carried with you for 21 years. I can only imagine how scary that was; lucky for me I do not remember being thrown off my bike as it happened so fast!
But, I would like to remind you that even though this time may be difficult
for right now, I now that you have the strength and resolve to make it
through this. The voice in our head can keep us small… or empower us to stand tall and face our “fears”. Please keep me posted! Feel free to send me a photo of your new smile. I will try my best to help you have fun with your tooth hole, too. XOXO [email protected]
Hi:
I am now a senior. But back when I was 8 years old and had just grown my two front teeth I went over the handle bars of my bike and broke the center out of my two new teeth. I lost one tooth that winter. Lost the second tooth the following winter. I was shamed and ridicule by my peers at school to the point where I would rather not go out in public than go without my denture. At ten years of age I was fitted with my first denture. I have worn a denture ever since with the exception of a few years when I had a bridge made. That collapsed and then I lost a third front tooth. Ity is just one more of my many losses in life which I am healing. I am currently launching a healing service for others to heal their losses. So it had a purpose as it was an indicator for my life even though I did not realize it at the time. Ruth
This blog post made me feel a bit better. I lost my two front teeth on New Years Eve and have been feeling a little down since then. Good to see you were able to have a lot of fun with it. Luckily you already had a boyfriend. What girl is gonna be okay with a dude that has a toothless grin??
What a great post! I am a “recovering dentist,” so I was particularly interested in it, and I have to say the part where you thanked your dentist and oral surgeon gave me warm fuzzies! Losing your teeth like this creates such a huge sense of loss. You handled this so well, and have such a great attitude. I love that you don’t try to hide it. There is nothing to hide, and you see that your friends probably respect you more for being real. Isn’t it amazing how when you open yourself up and be real and be yourself, many people will come out of the woodwork to let you know they care about you? It’s one of the beautiful things about people. Anyway, I saw your link to your blog on Nextdoor, and I had to come check it out. I love it!
Thank you for sharing and making me smile! I’m dealing with the same issue right now and needed to hear your sweet words! I was depressed and insecure for years about my missing tooth and flipper. It has been my little secret for 3 years, since the tooth has been gone, only my husband knows I wear a flipper. 😉 today I feel a bit more secure, thank you!
Hello! I am Veronica from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Me sirvio mucho leer tu articulo! Thank you, you are very strong-
Hi Veronica! Thank you 🙂 Did you lose your teeth? If you did, I hope you are still smiling.
My take is a bit different. I think the upbeat attitude is only as good as the hope to fix the problem and replace the teeth. If you know you can afford implants, the only real solution, then of course you will know this horror will eventually be in your past. However, many many people can never even dream of a permanent solution to their tooth loss. It is not so easy to maintain an upbeat attitude about a disfiguring loss which also impedes the ability to eat properly when one knows it will be forever.
Hi Aaron, I can’t say that i don’t agree with you. I wanted, and still want to be, an advocate for dental work and fight for those that need teeth! It is NOT fair that they are “cosmetic”. I sat with a homeless vet missing the SAME teeth and we talked about this very thing. Yes, knowing there was light at the end of the tunnel helped me process the loss. But,I did not know this light in the first few weeks.I really had no idea what the outcome would be. And in that first week, being disfigured and not easy on the eyes, I still went out and held my head high and smiled as best I could. And that helped me to feel more confident. I actually had to get used to having teeth again. They felt very claustrophobic for the first few weeks. I was used to not having them. It was so weird. At the end of the day, everything is a choice. We might not have the best “options” but we do have choices. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me 🙂 Cheers to the journey, friend.
Oh, how I love this post! My “two front teeth” is my trichotillomania (look it up if you haven’t heard of it – 1 in 50 people have this secret disorder, usually women!) Most people have no idea that I wear a wig, and one of my favorite things is the once-in-a-while occasion where I let a stranger in on my secret after they’ve just complimented my “hair.” Their reaction when I tell them its a wig is priceless! <3
Girl… that cup of coffee this morning was good fuel for writing… I love this and it is so aligned with my current challenges. Way to embrace the journey… its definitely inspiration to embrace mine. The outcome is never good if we try to fight what life dishes up. Surrender and make lemonade out of lemons. Can’t wait to hear about your trip when you return!
Tricky– Receiving stories like yours, make my day! Love that you own your stylish self and laugh with life! Thank you for being you!
I broke my front crown just before Christmas and an opportunity to meet new people. I consider myself put together, stylish and attractive. I couldn’t keep my mouth shut the whole time. I could wear a surgical mask and say I was avoiding the flu but in the end I decided I am more than a gap in my mouth. I laughed out loud and everyone laughed. Was it how witchy I looked or was I endearing and brave. I like the latter. Now I am singing All I want for Christmas is my crown. tee hee
Hi from Buenos Aires!
I am Verónica, I am 46 and a translator from Argentina. I would like to tell you that 7 years ago I fainted at night and I fell down in my patio, And… my mouth hit the floor and many teeth were fractured and gone!! 🙁 I lost two molars, a front tooth and a lateral one, on the left part of my mouth and one on the right side, too. I also broke the joint of my jawbone ( the condilo of the maxilar). At first I felt destroyed, so miserable, and I did not know how I would get over that! How to continue my life. I tell you that due to the high cost of implants I still have my two molars missing, and I ´ve had what is called in Spanish ” perno corona”, post-crown. The problem is that I still can not get over my accident and I suffer a lot, I can not believe what happened to me. The thing is that whenever I brush my teeth my gums bleed and are inflamed, so this is a constant reminder of the accident! I can not leave it at the back of my mind, in the Past where it belongs. I feel so bad I ve even talked about this with my psychologist in more than one session, yes. I know that bacteria deposit in the gap between the crown and the gums and that creates a bad odour, puaj!! =(
I have read that I have to make “buches” with warm water and oxigenated water three times a day because it is an effective antiseptic.
The worst thing of all is that I have always been quite a perfectionist so I can not tolerate to have my mouth like this at all!!! I feel ugly, old and untidy. I have always thought that teeth fell out only when people grow very old, naturally… But my accident has sped this process… As you can see I´m totally hopeless and depressed ( And bear in mind that this unfortunate event happened SEVEN YEARS AGO!!!!!!!!!) It has been totally traumatic. What can you suggest I can do? Please write to me , I feel I will immediately feel better. Thanks beforehand. And sorry for my imperfect English! 🙂 Vero from B.A.
Hi! I am 15 years old,a dnI recently had to have my front tooth removed because of a messed up root canal 6 years ago. Your blog really inspired me, because being 15, I care what people think of me. Your post really changed my perspective. Thank you for sharing!
I would get a dental implant, but we have to wait until I am at least 17, so I have a flipper now, and I really don’t like taking it out in front of people! XD
Carlyn, Thank you for your sharing your story. I did not have the proper dental treatment as a child. I lost two of my teeth # 6 and 10 at age 18. The dentist made a permanent bridge did root canal work on my two front teeth and off I went. I was young and did not understand I thought “things” where fixed. As I got older I began to fully comprehend the magnitude of this problem. Yes we can compare tooth loss to other losses; people lose legs, arms, etc. However, that does not make losing your front teeth less physically and emotionally painful. I think we must first acknowledge the loss. We need to over come the shame, guilt and embarrassment. That is an on going journey because our face is what we notice immediately. I want to be a whole person not broken I want the teeth that I was meant to have. I am now in the process of getting another implant for tooth #8 which had to be removed because of a bad root canal. Once again I get the same feelings of loss and shame. I know this is a process and this too will pass but the journey is not easy and only those people who have had the loss fully understand. Thank you for all your comments because I think the support is the healing journey that helps us to arrive a place called peace.
Teri, I’m so happy my words spoke to you. I posted this video 3 years ago and I’m still amazed when someone finds it and shares their story with me. I love being a catalyst for self acceptance and peace. I also had a root canal on my right front tooth that is now dying. Plus my gums are really grey, I guess from blood loss, but the discoloring is hard for me to ignore, same with the white scar on my upper lip that gets whiter with the sun or the cold. But, this is just a part of us, not all of us. Some days I actually miss the ability to take out my teeth <3 sending you lots of love! If you want additional support during this time in life -- this is the work I do now, it is my purpose. I'm offering a end of year special for 2017 and start for 2018 -- and launching group programs to connect us all to build confidence and connection rather than hiding and shame...and would be happy to share the info with you!
Thank you Carly for the support. I believe after I found your sight I started feeling better about loosing #8. I already had a post on tooth #7 and I suggested to the Dentist to connect tooth #7 & 8 with a Porcelain temporary. It looks great, I had to pay extra but to feel normal for the next 4 months was important to me. I did not want to wear the flipper. Another thing that helped was getting the anesthesia for the removal of the tooth. The removal and implant were done at one time. So in by the end of April I can get the final tooth in place. At that time the doctor will separate 7 & 8. I am fortunate that I can afford these procedures. It is not fair that tooth replacement is considered cosmetic to the insurance company. Yes, I am looking forward to your programs. Your humor and loving caring makes all the difference. Keep up the good work and I wish you all the best with your on going dental issues. I would go to a periodontist to check out the the grey color, doesn’t seem right. You are a wonderful young lady, thank you for caring about all of us. Happy Holidays!
Thank you for this. I recently got into a rugby accident; a high tackle (which is a huge penalty), a forehead to my mouth. I wearing a mouth guard. After the hit, my mouth guard fell out, and when I closed my mouth- I couldn’t, I realized my teeth were not where they should be but pushed backwards. It turns out the forehead to my mouth fractured my plate above my mouth knocking my two front teeth backwards. I was submitted into emergency and thankfully had my teeth pushed back somewhat into place. Dentists are saying I will most likely still lose my front teeth due to trauma. It has been a month, I just started biting down on food again, and my teeth are being monitored. I personally would rather have them pulled out right now- so I can stop this worrying and go back to playing the sport I love(it sounds crazy, I know.). If my teeth end up surviving I will most likely not go back to playing anytime soon…in fear that this will happen all over again. I have been very emotional, I would not want this happening to anyone; losing something you love to do and something taken from your appearance. I googled “what losing your two front teeth is like” and came across your post. I bawled my eyes out but here I am smiling in the end. I may have not lost my teeth yet but it is expected to come. Thank you for your strength and wisdom. I hope that I still have a killer smile like you do when I lose my teeth my teeth.
I’m so glad I came across this. I’m going to lose an eye tooth soon due to a bad root canal and I’m mortified it’s very visible but I know there people who have so many worse things in life. But losing a tooth or teeth does affect ones self confidence. I love that you said smile even if you don’t have teeth. It’s such a great outlook on life. I like that you are bringing us all together. Thanks Carly!
Hi, I read this post three years ago when i was looking for someone going through the same thing as me. At that time I was 16 and had just lost four of my frontal teeth in a bus accident, I felt awful and your post really helped me to feel like someone understood me and made me try to find the positive side of my situation, I dont know why I didn’t commented back then but just now i’ve been told im gonna finally get my implants surgery (after two years of brackets to get my other teeth ready for the implants) in a few months and I started to look at some posts about it and found this one again.
P.S: sorry if my english is wrong, im actually from Chile.
HI there! Congrats on your new implants!!! When do you receive them? Getting new teeth, healing from an accident, it’s a journey. It took me over a year to get my implants after my bike accident, too! Thank you for sharing the update and I’m so happy I made you SMILE 🙂
I’m so glad you found this when you did!!! I assume you already had the tooth removed? How is your smile these days? PS- I have a bad root canal on ANOTHER front tooth (result of the accident) and might need to go through my process of being toothless all over again!
Hi- I am dealing with a very similar situation. I was recently hit by a car and lost my three front teeth. I’m having a really hard time coping, given that I went through years of braces and surgery to get my perfect smile and now it’s gone. Just like that’.
Hi Lilly! I am so so sorry to learn of such an awful accident that caused you to lose your teeth, but… thank goodness you are alive to share it with me. Are you still struggling? I understand. I went through years of braces, too. I’ve had my implants for 4 years now but still have lingering gum issues so again, I understand. Would you like to schedule a connection call with you? You can email me directly at [email protected]. You do not need to feel alone. My services are 30 or 60 min phone calls. This journey is taking you somewhere. I can help you…. Love, Carlyn
I am so glad I came across this site. I had been looking for a group of people and support group that has experienced the same trauma that I have been battling. I was a healthy 52 year old woman with no experience with root canals and crowns before I had the electric scooter accident in LA just this past August. I lunged to the pavement and one of my front tooth #8 was knocked out. So many regrets and why the heck did I get on that thing at my age. The tooth that got knocked out was still in one piece and my husband, about an hour after the accident, googled and saw that the tooth could still possibly be saved. I inserted it back in the socket and went to the emergency dentist who bonded my 6 front teeth. Nothing has felt the same since then. The bonding was on for 6 weeks, the bone fused to the root of the tooth so it did reattach and it feels probably like an implant, solid, just not natural. I’ve had a root canal on the tooth and the other (#7) one next to it. I ended up getting crowns on these two teeth because I didn’t place the reattached tooth the right way and the other tooth got pushed in so they were both causing me misery by not being in the right positions. Another tooth (#9) is now struggling to survive and also does not feel the same. It’s been really hard the last 4 months, depression, anxieties, fear, lack of sleep. My dr says this is all from the concussion. I just feel terrible, nothing feels the same with my teeth, the way they feel, eating is different, bite is different, it’s all been creating havoc with my nerves. All of this has affected my health negatively and sometimes I don’t know how to overcome this. Maybe it would have been better that all of these damaged teeth were out so that I don’t feel everything that’s going on with them now. How do you get through this?
I’m so glad I found this, I’m 27, and having my left front tooth removed in 3 days after having 2 surgeries over the last 4 years in the area to remove cysts and try to save the tooth. I’m DEVASTATED, been crying about the thought of having my smile destroyed, the thought of talking weird with a flipper while waiting to see if the bone can heal enough to support an implant – I’m grateful I have a choice in my treatment, not going through this due to trauma, and trying to keep perspective that it could be so much worse – but hearing your story has made it much easier for me to get ready for this, and reminded me that it really will only be as big of a deal or as upsetting as I make it. So thank you.
Hi my experience I have to say has been really traumatic. I had a cap on my front tooth after my boyfriend punched me we split after. Years later the part of the tooth left had to be removed and I wore a denture. It hurt I couldn’t eat but the worse thing is it’s a constant reminder of that relationship and that time. When my fake tooth was put in it was the time as my marriage breaking up which dented my confidence even more. Three years in I am extremely depressed about it I look young but feel old. I am a single mum I haven’t a relationship for three years beachside of the worry about kissing and being intimate with someone. I am saving now for a bridge and hope this period of my life comes to an end and I can live confidently again.
Marnie, though I wish these stories were not a part of your life, I know, deep down, you truly are a strong and confident woman. Being in a relationship does not define your worth. And the right man for you will not judge you for a past but be grateful to have you be your true self in the present. Depression is hard, I struggle with it myself at times. I remind myself to “just keep swimming” and whatever we are going through we are meant to go through in order to learn and move forward to become our best selves. Glad you found my blog. Sending you love!
Nikki! How did your surgeries go? Are you smiling? I am so happy my story helped you feel easier about your own story… at the end of the day, what happens to us is only as devastating as we allow it to be. You’ve got this!
Omg just found out I am going g to lose my 2 front teeth devestated !!!
So glad I found this. I have root absorption from and accident. I have to have 4 teeth removed from the front tomorrow with implants. I am terrified of the surgery and what I will look like after.
I just recently had to lose my front tooth, thanks to an accident I was in 16 years ago. I applaud your bravery and your zest for life in the situation, because I am barely getting by. I was bullied for years for the ways the dentists tried to make my front tooth look better, I was called “blue tooth” and “messed up mouth” and an entire plethora of things that my mind will never forget. I hope that God will instill in me the hope and love he has in you, because at this point I’ve stooped to self loathing and wanting to disappear. I got laid off about two months ago, and every guy I’ve seen a future with is always gone in a flash, so picturing me going into an interview like this or a first date is literally giving me nightmares. You are an inspiration to all of us and especially me because you have owned your situation and made the best of it. I can only dream I will get there someday and not feel so ashamed of myself (thanks to the 8 year old me who was trying to make her step brother laugh and got knocked out by a plastic swing). You’re story is inspiring and I’m really grateful to read stories like these because it reminds me I’m not alone in this.
Accidents do happen and good thing you are alive. Losing a part of you may be hard to at first but accepting what happened to you can make it easier to carry. What is important is how you move forward.
Hi. My daughter was out with friends 2 days ago from today was just walking to their Uber when she tripped on the sidewalk and landed flat on her face. Scrapes , tooth popped out from front when paramedics came they put her tooth back in the socket .In the ER the a splint was applied across her 6 front teeth. She too is in tears, starts her internship in less than 2 weeks but your story was so inspiring I’m trying to have her read it . I’m so glad I found you and your article to help my daughter cope with this accident. Thank you you’re awesome
Reading these stories has helped me feel like my anxiety and stress are normal. My daughter (8yrs old) fell 6 months ago and broke off her two front teeth. She now has to get a root canal on her left one as they are trying to preserve it for as long as possible, hopefully until she’s 18. I am so sad about her teeth and it has caused me loss of sleep, stress and worry of what will happen in the future. They built her up teeth for now but they don’t look great. A couple of kids at school called her chipmunk teeth. I’m so scared for her. I want her to have a nice smile. I feel like I can’t take the stress of this situation and it’s awful to see her in pain. The nerves just died and she missed school for a week because it was so painful and her teeth are still loose. I saw an endodontist today and she said it’s possible the teeth won’t tighten back up. My daughter wants to run and play and I’m constantly having to say “be careful” “don’t do that” and so on. She cries and says “why? Because of my teeth?”. It’s awful. Thank you for making a place for us to share our stories.
Hi Autumn!
I’m thrilled you found my story and it’s brought you so much comfort. You ARE normal!!! There is no right or wrong way to respond to life 🙂 But, you must breath and trust! Your daughter will feel your anxiety and since she is doing the best she can, Momma, so should you. The more you worry about her teeth — the more you will both feel stressed 🙁 I know you want to protect her from everything but I think letting her run and play and be normal is the best thing you can do! Teeth are just teeth. Sure we need them, we want a perfect smile… but she has her health! She CAN run! There is so much to be grateful for… and you must believe she will be OK and you can handle whatever comes of her teeth situation. As long as you have a good dentist and oral surgeon, you are in good hands. And… from first hand experience. I was diagnosed with MS age 19. My Mom would often say “don’t do that, what if your MS kicks in?” There is no quicker way for a daughter to get angry with her Mother than the mother try to use FEAR as love. It’s not love. And it causes resentment. Just a little bit awareness I want to pass on. You are doing a GREAT job as her Mother! You did not fail her because she busted her teeth. Just know that. Be kind to you and love yourself, too! Since I am a Self Empowerment Coach I can’t help but add my two cents so I hope you can receive my words with love!!! You’ve got this, Autumn…. xx
Hi Patricia!
How is your daughter doing? Did she read my article? I have a video on YouTube she can watch, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFxd90bM0iY — Rebuilding our teeth is a journey. But what’s crazy… writing this article made me realize A LOT of people experience this process but no one talks about it! Make sure she knows she is not alone 🙂 I hope you are both healing from this experience!
Yes, thank you so much for your awareness of the journey! We can’t control what happened to us but we can control how we respond to it.
I was born without both of my lateral incisors, I’m currently 21 and have been wearing a plastic retainers for over 5 years. Because of my age i haven’t been able to do implants or anything different. Wearing the retainers for so long have now started to cause my two front teeth to decay. It’s honestly starting to get in my head because I’ve been keeping this secret from my friends for so long. Seeing how confident you were in this situation is truly an inspiration and brings tears to my eyes. I hope that one day, I’ll be able to become happy with who I am just like you
Thank you.
I feel better after reading ur story =)
Going to extract 3 of my front teeth soon due to infection. Am emotionaly affected, has been crying for the past 3 weeks. Keep thking on how could i continue my life normally after losing 3 front tooth at age 30?
Dentist say wil work somethg out for me, probably bridge…
I hope, everythg will be better soon =)
I bumped about this post while looking for natural ways to heal my broken clavicle. But yeaaaars ago, I lost my 3 front teeth from a high school accident. It made me the most silent person in the class.The last one to finish meal in every dine. And this has been the Greatest incident that contributed to what I am up til now. I’ve been bullied from it also. It made me depressed for years now. and if not the only reason, surely it contributed t my black presonality today.It’s been a taboo, people who ask about it are people I turn about. All those years I kept on looking for ways to get permanent implants and it cost a fortune. But this post somewhat talks to me. You are brilliant. Thanks for the positivity!
Hi, I loved your story. I’m a 40 year old mother of 3 children and a great husband.I have lost many teeth and wear uncomfortable denture. I was in a bad relationship in my early 20 and I got kicked many times in the face. Within a short time I suffered a lots of problems and had to end up getting teeth removed. I also suffer with facial pain. I have a beautiful family and a lovely home and I am truly blessed but sometime I can get so down about it and self conscious. I love your amazing outlook and thanks you for sharing you experience .
Hello beautiful! I’m so happy you found my story and it spoke to you and your journey! We all go through multiple ups and downs. My teeth story is only one of my stories. I’ve lost 4 best friends to sudden death in car accidents, I was also diagnosed with MS when I was 19 (but have self healed). I truly believe life doesn’t “happen to us” but it happens for us, it’s just so hard to understand while we are going through the painful parts. But we come out loving ourselves more than we knew possible because we are stronger for what we’ve over come. It sounds like that’s what’s transpired for you too! I am sorry to learn you had such a toxic relationship in your 20s but it obviously helped you learn not only what you want in a healthy relationship… but what you deserve! I love knowing you have a beautiful family now. You can connect with me on Facebook or Instagram if you are on either! @thecarlynshaw or @strangerstofriends – thank you for sharing your story with me, too!
I always say — none of us wish to have the story of losing our teeth, but I am blessed to “bump into” so many amazing people brave enough to share their story with me, too. So, thank you! YOU are SO MUCH MORE than… your teeth!!! DO you know how special you are? Do you realize you have so much to contribute to the world? You do. With or without teeth. I’m sorry for all the years you have suffered. But know, you can share your story to help others being bullied. You can look a bully in the eyes and not let them break you. Anytime someone makes fun of someone else it is because THEY lack self confidence and need to feel “bigger” than someone else. It is not personal to you. Even though it is so hard. Have you tried volunteering to help someone less fortunate? It is my favorite way to connect with others and know I am making a difference. I bet you’d find joy in it too. Keep me posted and thanks for sharing. You can connect with me on FB or Instagram, too. @thecarlynshaw @strangerstofriends
How are you feeling now? Did you get a bridge? I bet you look BEAUTIFUL! Honestly, I know it’s hard… but you are more than your teeth. you know this!!! Maybe you can share your story and help someone else, too? You did not cause your infection. You are not being punished. You can turn this into a reason to smile again. I believe in you. you can connect with me on FB or Instagram if you want @thecarlynshaw @strangerstofriends
Now time my situation is like above girl she injured in face by accident.. I also injured in my face and also losing front of two teeth… Like that girl….
What an inspiring story. You may have lost your teeth but that doesn’t make you less of who you are. Smile and be thankful that you are still alive and a lot of people care for you.
Carlyn,
YOU bring so many smiles into this world. I just met you a few months ago and my jaw drops of all your gifts, writing your life’s experiences, connections with strangers (to friends), your adventures, expressing your feelings and, and, and. You are living your life fully and being the messenger that is yours to deliver. Thank you for being such a authentic, entertaining and inspiring human being in the world.
Carlyn, Thank you so much for writing this post. I did not lost my front teeth, but I have a ton of dental issues from being an undiagnosed bruxer. Had an implant placed on a lower molar and now possibly going to lose a the first molar and pre-molar which would definitely affect my smile. Multiple dental visits and issues the past two years. I wonder what is the benefit of going through pain and discomfort, but I guess its’ about connection and being authentic.
My dental issues have been holding me back in terms of dreaming big and about moving forward in my life. I say I can’t do such and such because my teeth are not healthy. It has also affected my self-esteem and identify. I think we all want to be perfect in a sense so that we can be loved. But there is no perfection in life (or we have an illusion of perfection) and it’s about knowing who we are and not the “things” that we think we are.
My therapist told me, something can be imperfect, but work just fine. I’m still working on this theme and making a point to remember than I am more than my teeth.
I guess my main concern is about what other people think and being looked down on. Or having someone feel “good” that I am going through something so horrific. Yes their are angry and sad people I work with who think like this.
Anyhow, again your blog was inspirational. Please keep up the great work. You are a shining light in this crazy world. Thank you again!!!
What an inspiring post, I’m 40 and when I was 20 I was knocked off my pushbike by a car and went face first into a lampost, smashing my four front teeth, my two front teeth completely broke off and the teeth either side broke at a diagonal angle, I had recently had my braces removed after wearing them for three years and had perfect straight teeth, I was gutted and struggled socially for years, I have had them repaired but the repair doesn’t last long, I was offered extractions and a denture for my front four but I declined, I’ve just learned to live with broken front teeth, my teeth in general are in good health, no cavities. As I’ve got older I’ve firmly decided to leave them as they are, I can smile and laugh with a confidence, I couldn’t do in my twenties, so it doesn’t bother me anymore, I’m missing my front teeth through an accident not neglect. Also my surrounding teeth are perfectly straight and look so make up for my front four! It’s hasn’t been the end of the world I first thought it was!
I had a seizure last week that caused me to fall face first on my kitchen floor. The result, in addition to a few bumps and bruises, was the loss of my 2 front teeth. My mom found your article online and sent it to me. I feel so encouraged. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. As I begin mine, I feel hopeful to know I’m not alone. God bless you.
Your story is so inspiring! 🙂 I am experiencing something similar. What dental replacements did you eventually end up getting if you don’tmind sharing?
When I was a 14 y o I watched a movie and I loved the smile of the actress, I know my parents could afford braces for my crooked teeth , but instead my mom was scammed into drilling my 3 front teeth to chikclets and extracting a health canine all r healthy , I went on a good and fluid strike , tried to “die” and slowly the shock faded , still can’t smile , had bridges 6 times ended up with drilled gums from an Egyptian dentist whom I presume is fake , in as middle eastern country , I was smiling at 15 when my grandma died my pictures were stolen by her evil sister who circulated my photos with the 4 crown “permanent “ fake bridge , I swear it hurts like hell , but I’m sure that this fake dentist will get his Karma since there’s no litigation in some mid eastern countries back then especially for a person like me a no one , but I swear I would have preferred to die in a car accident than to lose one single tooth ,my then boyfriend mocked me as well a lot of people do mock me and that’s why I don’t even talk about it , they r a permanent bridge , but last year I had a better dental work they r still fake , so , that’s life
Hi Sara! Happy you feel inspired from my story, that was my intention to share it 🙂 For my situation, I decided on implants but looking back I would have done a bridge initially because the color of my other teeth have changed a bit. SO, I had an artificial bone graph for 3 months, then they drilled in implant, then 3 months later I had maryland bridge for 6 months to rebuild gum line — and THEN the impants!!! It was a process for sure 🙂 I hope this helps! Feel free to write back 🙂
Oh Akiran, I am so sorry for your accident, I know how scary it is!!! But yes, you are not alone. I shared this with another gal so I will tell you my process to getting my teeth: For my situation, I decided on implants but looking back I would have done a bridge for much longer because the color of my other teeth have changed a bit. SO, I had an artificial bone graph for 3 months, then they drilled in implant, then 3 months later I had maryland bridge for 6 months to rebuild gum line — and THEN the impants!!! It was a process for sure I hope this helps! Feel free to write back
I live in India and I am a male and I am in the same situation in which you were before, and I should tell you everyone makes fun of my teeth now , I try to hide it everyday but whenever someone sees them they laugh at me. I feel like a freak now, I never think I will find someone who will love me like this. I am too afraid of any cosmetic procedures because my teeth roots were infected and were never properly cured , ihad to undergo multiple surgeries ,now I have been ok for three years but still that fear haunts me . I was a very confident, cheerful and friendly guy but this just broke me. I have non supportive parents because I always wanted to do something different but now I cannot even talk to someone without this constant fear of hiding something.
Wow I can’t believe this was written in 2014 and as the years go on more people join. Usually you see dead post but this is still so relevant, thank you. Like many of the others I just lost my two front teeth from falling down cement stairs. I know that I will eventually have the implants but I’m so nervous about the upkeep and how this will effect my smile / teeth over time. I have so many questions, for example, how will my gums react? And what if my teeth move as I age, I’ve worked so hard throughout the years to get them straight. You also mentioned color change, which I didn’t even think about, but I’m glad you did! Since it has been some years now is there anything you think is valuable information to someone starting the beginning process / journey for implants? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you for writing this, and honestly thank you to all the other commenters for telling their stories. It feels good to know that when this happens we’re not alone.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU. Im a pretty confident guy (in general). And while I know you were using your missing front tooth as a metaphor for me, its not. I lost one of my front teeth last week and, for whatever reason, it hit me like nothing else really has. I broke down and lost it and all my confidence. At first he oral surgeon thought he would be able to do a extract and implant the same day, meaning I only had to hide for less then a week.
But a week later – for “Reasons” it wouldnt work. So i got the extract of what was left of the tooth and was giving a invislign with a temp tooth to hide it. But i have to take that out whenever i want to eat, AND, because its just a lose fake tooth sitting in there, its hard to do that in public because the tooth wants to fly out and im worried about losing it. I was told it would be another week before i can have a flipper tooth!
I was crushed, broken, and lost all my confidence. I actually googled “embarrassed about losing a tooth” when i found this post.
I read it and it really hit me. I dont know why it moved me so much, but it did. (Just like I dont know why i broke down about losing it). I read this 2 or 3 times and have decided you are 100% right (and if you knew me, that is not something I say very often! LOL). I am going to OWN this. I wont have a permanent tooth until Dec. The missing tooth is the same tooth Ed Norton was missing in the hangover. So now im just telling people i look like a movie star.
Anyway – No other major point on this. Just wanted to let you know….Thanks. This post really helped me.
Wow,, thanks you’re such an inspiration..
This post has given me some light during this dark time. 2 years ago I had a root canal that failed, it was a front tooth and the tooth was extracted. I had to wear a denture for a couple of months (I was 36 at the time and felt like an old lady). I then got a titanium implant, I had to wear a temp crown for 3 months while they tried to push back my gum before they could give me a permanent crown, I was at the dentist every week to build on the temp crowm. My implabt started failing, lots off pain and puss…. Was put on many courses of antibiotics and then oral surgeon did an exploration where he cut open my gum and cleaned out around the implant. While this was healing I was back wearing my denture for another 3 months. Started gum work again with the temp crown which was a year after I got the implant and then after all was fine I started have burning pain at implant, tingling in my cheek, joint pain and extreme fatique. My oral surgeon still wanted to try snd save it and just said I must stick it out for a few months so it can settle. I felt like it was killing me so I got another oral surgeon to remove it. We still don’t know the exact cause but I think it was either metal allergy as I am sensitive to metals, or my body rejecting the fake bone or just rejecting a foreign object in my body. So now this site in the front has a big indent from all the surgery. When I had the implant removed I also had my other two root treated teeth extracted as I have heard too many scary things about root canal treatments. So now I was sitting with 3 missing teeth. I have just had a ceramic bridge placed on the front tooth. I’m still wearing a plastic denture on one of the back teeth that is visible when I smile and the other missing tooth is just open as it’s not visable. I am so scared about this bridge incase one of the shaved down teeth also get infected as they are so hard to clean under the crown. I really don’t want to lose more teeth. I don’t want to have another bridge for the other missing tooth as I don’t want to risk more healthy teeth so might try a zirconium implant. I just wonder how all of this went so wrong, it gets me so down and causes me so much anxiety, I feel so broken. It also all costs so much money. I feel like I’ve been trapped in a nightmare for the last 2 years and it doesnt want to end, it’s one thing after the other and I’m at the dentist all the time, I’ve had so many xrays and so many anaesthetics and so many antibiotics. So now this week my dentist looked on one of my xrays that I had taken in May and noticed a black spot under my bottom front tooth and said I have an infection there…. He says I need root canal which he knows I’m against but says there is nothing else we can do. The tooth is still vital and I have no pain so I just don’t understand, I do have a metal orthodontic bracket behind those lower front teeth which I’ve had for 25 years and I’ve been asking my dentist to take it off but he keeps talking me into leaving it there as my teeth will move if we take it off, I’ve had a feeling that it’s impossible to clean there and now this. I’m so angry that he didn’t pick this up earlier and I’m so angry that I might lose my 4th tooth when I’m still in the process of fixing the other gaps. I spend about an hour a day with my teeth cleaning, oil pulling, water floss, normal floss and I’ve been seeing the oral hygienist every 3 months for the past 2 years. I literally feel like I don’t want to live anymore, I have 3 small kids and I’m 38 years old, I’m so so tired of this and my mouth feels horrible with plastic dentures, gaps and bridge and now possibility of another extraction, I just don’t know how this has happened after I’ve been under such close dentist watch a and strict hygiene
I’m happy to have found this article and all the comments. I have to have my four front bottom teeth removed due to bone loss. Needless to say, I’m quite upset and shocked at the enormous expense of implants and fake teeth. Glad I read everyone’s stories. Good luck everyone.
Hi Todd,
I was browsing my comments and realized I never replied to you! I apologize but hope this timing still helps a little. I mean, it is DECEMBER! Did you get your tooth? How did your journey go with self acceptance and OWNING it? I love that you said I am “right” — cause, you are right, I am right 😉
I am honored my story could serve as a chance to reflect and help know you are NOT alone in any of this. And for the record, I am actually still dealing with my teeth. My right front tooth root canal has turned grey — and I’ve resisted fixing as I don’t know if I should get a cap or try to make all my front teeth match — or in fact, remove the implant and start over with holistic dental care- which I’ve been reading up about. I say that because I have occasional gum bleeding under my implant/fake teeth. I am not that worried but I know it can’t be great…
That being said. I am starting a movement to help people OWN their smile! I dream is one day to have a non profit to help people who can’t afford to fix their teeth from an accident. check out http://www.SmilesFirstWins.com — It’s not a “finished” site but it is a start!
I look forward to hearing back if you got your tooth!
Cheers,
Carlyn
It is SO expensive! I wish I had gone to another country to get it done! That being said, how are your teeth now? were you able to get them fixed? I am starting a movement to get people smiling more – http://www.smilesfirstwins.com — hope to hear back from you!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m 43 and lost my two front teeth and crack two others running from a bad guy on a morning run. People keep saying I’m lucky everyone is wearing masks and I think, I’m lucky? I’ve had two flipping bone grafts and tons of medical issues as a result! Do you maybe feel lucky you don’t have to see my face and pity me? I hated my smile already and now, just hate it more. I’m trying to keep my head up through this nearly year long process but there are days I cry and grieve. The only thing I took back for myself was running.
Two years ago i decided to fix the gap between my upper and down teeth with bonding, i thaught it is the best way to close a gap because the dentist dont need to drill the tooth. So i went to a dentist outside my country and he said he Will fix the problem without touching my teeth under. When we decided to do it and i was there he started to drill my teeth out of nowhere, the pain was so big and i was shocked, i was wanting to go but i dont know why i didnt, i Just did nothing and was shocked, he bonded 5 teeth UP and 4 down, he took away the enamel and bonded them. The result turns very nice but im dealing with sensitivity, soore teeth, my whole mouth feel different, my bite, my life, everything. I hate myself for not doing anything at the moment, the moment i understood he was doing something wrong. 2 years ago and im still as depressed as i was.
Love from France.
Excellently written and very entertaining Carlyn! You are such a bright writer. I know a mom who lost teeth when a volleyball came flying at her during her daughter’s tournament. She said it was such a bummer and so expensive! Sounds like you have found so many warm positives to outweigh the negative…I LOVE THAT. You’re awesome!
My question to you is, what are YOUR two front teeth? What have you been forced to accept?? How has your perceived setback actually been a stepping stone? What have you learned about yourself? Of others? Any fears overcome?
It happened when I was twelve years old. I was riding my (sister’s) adult bicycle in a residential area. Residential areas have speed breakers here. And I liked the thrill of traveling fast, so I travelled fast and fell down. My face hit the road and my front two teeths were broken partially. I visited the dentist and my dental surgeon did root canal treatment and placed a ceramic crown. It lasted for 14 years and now I’m visiting the dentist again. Now he is removing the old crown and going to replace the ceramic crown with zirconia crown. I don’t know how many years it would last. But I hope the process goes through successful. I feel scared about going through the process again even at this age of 24,
Well, if you ask me what my front teeth are to me.
I don’t know how to say it but I miss them very much.
Even though I have a crown but I know it isn’t my original teeth. Sometimes it’s suffocating. I feel like I’m hiding my true self. Most of the times I don’t feel it cause I can’t tell the difference.
I sometimes wonder if my dentist hadn’t placed a crown but removed the front teeth. Would that have made me feel like myself? But I know I don’t want to hide about myself. I don’t mind even if they remove my teeth. And I don’t have a crown.
What am I forced to accept?
Truth. Somethings are out of my control.
Whatever what happened, happened. Whatever may happen will happen. There is no changing it, since it’s out of my control.
I also learned to accept other people and not to look down on others. I know all people have their own difficulties and issues.
Also, learned life is short (not even 100 years) and I should try my best to stay healthy both in mind and body. And I should protect myself and those who love me and support me.
How has my setback been my stepping stone?
I’m not sure. But this incident reduce a lot of arrogance. Made me realize what life is at a young age. I would not concentrate on studies I thought I would never graduate but I put effort and graduated.
What I learned about myself?
I was arrogant cause I was little handsome and sometimes even now I get arrogant. But now I slowly remove that arrogance whenever it appears.
I was ignorant. I never used to know or tried to know what others are going through, And tried to get what I want in the past. Now, I don’t ignore what others are going through. I try to be understanding.
I stopped being trying or wanting to be a superhero.
It was when I was 12 years. Used to watch lots of superhero movies and tried to do stunts like them.
Well, I realized I couldn’t be like that. I was an idiot. I should do what my body is capable of doing and not try to overwork it.
I’m was selfish. I’m still selfish but now I do sacrifice my time for the people who love. And try to do my best. (Lol, most of the times I lose my cool)
And few more little things.
What I learned of others?
They are selfish. They are good. They are bad. Well, some try to help and some try to put me down. In the end there are good people and bad people based on time and situation.
What I fear?
One thing I somewhat regret is that I never made a gf. Even though opportunities presented themselves to me, I was embarrassed about my condition(losing teeth) and didn’t get into relationship till now. I fear they will withdraw their confession or reject me. Or might accept me out of pity.
Hi Carlyn, I broke my front tooth too and have been feeling very anxious ever since. For others, it feels like a small problem, but it has blown up a bit in my own mind. Have been having a hundred questions about getting implants. How have your implants been treating you?
HI there! You are not alone for it feeling like a big deal. I’ve connected with many people struggling to accept the fact they need an implant. You can scroll through the comments and read you are not alone! But… since so many are asking lately, I am inspired to start making videos and answering questions. Are you on Instagram? You can message me there! @connectwithcarlyn
I have same situation. I had to crown my front tooth years ago because it was discolored and in stage of dying. I had root canal and apioectomy, & after dissatisfaction with porcelain fused to metal crown, decided on all porcelain. Years later it still felt sensitive, so recently had the root canal redone, but the crown broke, lol
Also, have a fractured bicuspid which I think happened from biting into a crab leg with my teeth. The endodontist saud it needs to come out and can’t be saved, so he removed the nerve.
The back of the tooth came off, so now I’m between dental appointments with a front tooth (crown) about 2/3 broken off, and a partial bicuspid and hole in my mouth.
I’ve decided to get implants as I have dental insurance, but still costly.
I’m just glad that nowadays they can replace teeth with artificial ones, and often they look even better than your original teeth, lol !!!
Nothing stays the same, and life and aging will change our bodies over time.
you’ve had quite the tooth journey, too. It’s wild how much so many of us have going on just to keep our mouth happy! I had 3 cavities filled last week and need another crown and filling. Nothing to do with losing my teeth but it’s always something! It’s fortunate you’ve been able to take care of yourself. Many people reach out to me who can’t. Curious, how did you find my blog? Thanks for sharing your story with all of us. The more we do, the more others won’t feel alone in theirs, too. Btw, you need to get this shirt!!! http://www.SmilesFirstWins.com then take a pic and send it. Sheri, help me change the world one smile at a time! We are that powerful 🙂