dare to believe

Welcome to something hard for me to share! 

I have been praying for God to give me a way to get my teeth fixed and its finally happening!!

Early this summer, I called the UMKC School of Dentistry and I was put on a waiting list to be a patient. In August, I finally got the chance for an appointment. Usually it takes another 3-4 weeks to be matched up with a student dentist even after your first appointment. But within 20 minutes of being there I was matched up with Stefanie, my student dentist and I just knew that my life would never be the same! She has cheered me on and patiently taught me everything I have been waiting for years to understand. It was like I was going to school alongside her. 

Stefanie, my student dentist at UMKC.

The first few procedures were mainly for the pain I was currently in but ultimately I wanted to solve the problem of the gaps in my mouth. Unfortunately the school decided my teeth had more needs than Stefanie had time in school, but we both knew the ball was rolling and I should press on.  She referred me to an amazing private dentist who she worked with as a dental assistant before coming to UMKC. I was determined to not give up!

In 2007 I had surgeries to take out many teeth that had rotted.

I made an appointment and Stefanie personally took my Xrays to the office for me. When I met Dr. Sarina I instantly felt comfortable with her. She is my age and I felt like she put herself in my shoes. I was excited to finally get a couple plans that I could pray through in order to decide what I should do to fix my teeth. I should mention now that back in August, on my birthday, I received a check in the mail that would cover the first few procedures for my teeth. This was just the confirmation that I needed to dare to believe God would provide the rest!

Dr. Sarina and her family

After visiting Dr. Sarina I had two plans that I prayed through for a couple weeks.  I spent my prayer times seeking God about which path I should take. I called Dr. Sarina and Stefanie both to ask lots of questions and did research on the internet. I prayed. I prayed. I prayed and finally I decided! I was so scared though to actually take the step and start the process. I knew if I did step one of one of the plans that there was no going back! So I took a deep breath and called Dr. Sarina. 

This gap now has two screws in it, soon there will be teeth there! 

She told me right away that there had been a cancelation and I could come in the morning to get one of the major procedures done: two implants. WOW it kind of took me off guard, but I instantly said Yes! So last Thursday morning she placed two implant screws in my mouth. It will take about 4 months to heal and in the meantime I can get a few other procedures done. After the healing, I will have teeth attached and then the other big work, a bridge, will happen on the other side. 

Xray from the dental school. I finally understand some things about my mouth.

I wish I could take the time to tell you my story. I would tell you about how sick I was as a child which triggered the rotting teeth, the two adult teeth that never grew in, and the braces my family could never afford. But mostly I want to testify of the goodness of God! He is GOOD and His Mercy Endures Forever! Can you tell I am excited?

Thank you for letting me share my raw and very personal story! It is meant to be shared and I know it will be a story I will never forget!  Thank you for being a part of it! Love you Michelle