This is our lovely patient Jade, and below is her story. We know that you will be as honored as we were to be a part of her testimony and to play a role in showing her the love of Christ.
“Imagine eating soup at 21 years old and *crunch*... ‘what is that?’ My first tooth broke as I ate tortilla soup. I was shocked and embarrassed! How could I have broken a tooth on soup at such a young age? Instead of running to the dentist, that I dreaded, I decided to live with it.
“A few years later more of my teeth started to crack and chip. I remember around 26 having my first infection. The whole side of my face was swollen, but I did not have health insurance, so I didn’t go to the dentist.
“After that my teeth got progressively worse. Many more infections that would put me through weeks of unbearable pain. I would be up all night crying, drinking tons of cold water, and popping ibuprofen like it was candy. Around 32, I went into a dentist to figure out my options. The first dentist cleaned my teeth, but in the process made my bottom front teeth separate, and one tooth went crooked. It made me feel like why go, if they are just going to make it worse. Then he sent me somewhere else to talk about extraction.
“When I got there, they made me feel worthless. It was like why should they care about me since I haven’t cared enough about myself enough to take care of my mouth. While I understood to some degree, it also made me feel really bad. I ran out of that office crying.
“When I got there, they made me feel worthless.”
“At that point, I didn’t want to go to a dentist again. So I told myself that I would just wait until implants were cheaper, or I was old enough to actually accept dentures. The problem with that mentality and the failing teeth I had, was that my mouth was making the rest of my teeth worse. I was so ashamed of my lack of self care.
“I finally broke one of my incisors during the beginning of the pandemic. Lucky for me we all were wearing masks. But as we all started to take of our masks off I really started to feel embarrassed. At my daughter’s sports games, I found myself scared to cheer, embarrassed to talk with other moms, even embarrassed for my daughter, whose mother looks like that. I stopped smiling with my teeth. Every photo of me on social media these days is with my mouth closed. I long to be able to smile with a full mouth, to speak to people without feeling judgement.
“Now at 37 and pregnant, it is time to take care of myself and my unborn child! I came across Cura Smiles, while calling around to see what dental surgeons accept MediCal. I was shocked by how many didn’t. The one place that did, said they had a wait list a mile long and that I would need to see a different dentist to get fitted for dentures. Thankfully the wonderful staff at Dr. Hummeldorf’s office sent me over to Cura Smiles.
“I long to be able to smile with a full mouth, to speak to people without feeling judgement.”
“I am so so grateful for Cura Smiles! Janet has taken amazing care of me, with such compassion and understanding. Her kind heart has been such a blessing to me on this journey. She has helped me gain the courage to take care of something that I have neglected for way too long. It also has been enjoyable to learn about the process, as she taught other students in the office.
“When I came in for my first extraction Janet and Darlene greeted me with happy faces, it made me feel right at home. As the time got closer and Dr. Luczynski came in I found myself a little nervous, Dr. Luczynski put me right at ease with his understanding rather than judgement. Monalisa was so kind in helping me to understand the aftercare that I would need.
“The next time I came in Dr. Hummeldorf and Darlene got right to work. With such efficiency they got me in the chair and had the rest of my teeth that need to be pulled out. It was so fast, and I was so impressed with the confidence, that I had very little worry about the process.
“Her kind heart has been such a blessing to me on this journey.”
“The following visit I felt so lucky to get my teeth cleaned by Kathrine. She gave me helpful tips to keep up with my self-care. I felt very fortunate to get rid of all that built up plaque. Then Darlene fitted me for dentures like a pro. She is such an awesome woman.
“This team at Cura Smiles is a blessing! I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel for everyone in this office. I also want to express my appreciation for everyone else that make this possible, from the donors to the people who make the dentures. I may not have met you, but I know you all play your part in making this place a safe haven for people like me. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! I am so lucky to have a healthier mouth and a healthier child because of you all!”
God bless you,
Jade
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