A man with a severe phobia of dentists has found that most of his teeth have “fallen out” and the bones in his face have begun to degenerate.
Lajos Csendes, a florist originally from Hungary who now lives in Hackney, east London, has suffered from weak teeth since his teenage years, often breaking them from biting into bread.
The 31-year-old has been told that the process of restoring his teeth and facial structure will take around two and a half years.
Dentists believe that more frequent visits could have prevented Mr Csendes from losing his teeth, but genetics also play a role as his sister has the same problem.
Mr Csendes explained that he stopped going to the dentist because he felt the NHS did not take his phobia seriously.
“When I said I had this phobia, they thought I was joking,” he said. “It gives me nightmares. I want people to realise it really affects me and is a serious problem.”
In 2024, Mr Csendes thought he was having a heart attack, only to discover the infection on his tooth had entered his bloodstream and spread to his heart.
This prompted him to visit a specialist clinic in Hungary that helps people with dental phobias.
Mr Csendes hopes to have restorative surgery in Hungary, which will cost between £20,000 and £25,000. He is fundraising to cover the cost.
“They plan to remove my tooth roots, then open up my face above my mouth and screw metal bolts into my upper and lower jaws to bring my jawline forward,” Mr Csendes explained.
“They will then put ceramic teeth in.”
He initially considered having the surgery done through the NHS, but found the idea of going to a traditional dentist too overwhelming.
He said dental checks had become almost impossible over the years because every time he wanted to go for an appointment, he felt he couldn’t step foot into the building.
According to NHS England, the level of anxiety an individual experiences around dental treatment can vary from person to person and depending on the treatment being carried out.
The report states that the term ‘dentophobia’ specifically refers to an anxiety disorder where the sufferer has an excessive or irrational fear of a particular, distinct and specific condition, leading to a situation that needs to be ‘avoided whenever possible’.
Mr Kendes believes his life will be ‘changed’ once the treatment is complete.
He said: ‘I will be able to go back to normal without having to worry about my smile.’
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