I’m sorry for how this dental care issue has affected your life. Having a nice smile, in our society is much needed for social interaction and cultural norms to belong in our lives.

I would suggest seeking out a licensed professional counselor, one that treats post traumatic stress disorder. Needing to have your upper teeth removed is both a health functioning issue, for healthy eating and chewing, as well as for mental health and well-being.

I had a friend that had a similar experience. He paid for the dental implants, but could not tolerate them. He simply went without, and it affected his facial structure, his speaking, and eating.

I also suggest trying to learn ways to manage coping skills for self care and loving yourself. Self-compassion, loving your inner child, which plays out far into adulthood, our entire life. There are great books on Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach, or Self-Compassion, by Kristin Neff. Check out their YouTube channel for free videos and buy their books, or check them out from the library.

One last suggestion: I attend a weekly or daily Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families, support group. It’s an anonymous format in-person, or online. Google those keywords together, for their website.

Good luck to you.
AzDesertgirl