A London florist who has been crippled by a severe dental phobia his entire life is now hoping for extensive treatment in Europe, after his teeth “crumbled away” due to years of avoiding dentists.
Lajos Csendes (31) originally from Hungary, has battled with his teeth since adolescence, and told The Independent that his deep-seated fear has led to prolonged periods without dental care, including one seven-year stretch, leaving him with only his front and wisdom teeth.
While dental professionals believe regular check-ups could have mitigated the damage, genetics may also be a factor, as his sister experiences similar dental issues.
The situation reached a crisis point in 2024 when a severe tooth infection entered his bloodstream and spread towards his heart.
This prompted him to seek help at a specialist clinic in Hungary equipped to handle patients with dental phobias, but he now faces a £20 000-£25 000 procedure to reconstruct both his teeth and facial bones.
He said he felt the NHS had not adequately addressed his phobia.
“They thought I was joking when I said I have this fear. It gives me nightmares… but it really affects me and is a serious issue.”
Csendes has been terrified of the dentist since he was a child, and said over the years, check-ups became almost impossible – every time he tried to attend an appointment, he found himself unable to step into the building.
“I struggle with the smell, the noises, the clean white rooms. I feel sick, I shake and it’s just so scary for me.”
According to NHS England, the level of anxiety an individual experiences regarding dental treatment may vary from person to person, and according to the treatment performed.
At the specialist clinic in Hungary for patients with a dental phobia, he finally sat through an appointment, he said, but an X-ray revealed that the bones in his face had begun to deteriorate, and restoring his teeth and facial structure would take around two-and-a-half years.
“The dentists plan to take out the roots, then open up part of my face above my mouth and screw in metal bolts into my upper and lower jaw to bring my jaw line forward. They’d then fit ceramic teeth.”
He believes that after the complete, his life will be “transformed”.
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