Hungarian man faces severe dental and health issues

Lajos Csendes, a 31-year-old florist from Hungary, faces serious dental issues due to his intense fear of dentists. Living in Hackney, London, he has allowed most of his teeth to deteriorate. Doctors informed him that the bones in his face are also breaking down because of his dental condition. Mr. Csendes has struggled with weak teeth since his teenage years. He has experienced painful breaks just from biting bread. Dentists suggest that his situation could have been avoided with regular check-ups, but genetics may also be a factor, as his sister has similar problems. He stopped visiting the dentist because he felt that his fear was not taken seriously by the NHS. "They thought I was joking when I said I have this fear," he expressed. This fear has caused him significant anxiety and affected his mental health. In 2024, Mr. Csendes experienced a serious health scare when an infection from his teeth spread to his bloodstream. This incident motivated him to seek help at a clinic in Hungary specializing in treating dental phobia. He aims to undergo extensive dental restoration there, which is expected to cost between £20,000 and £25,000. The planned procedure involves removing the roots of his teeth and using metal screws to reshape his jaw. He hopes to restore his smile and feel "normal" again. Due to his phobia, visits to traditional dentists have been extremely challenging for him over the years. NHS England states that dental anxiety varies greatly among individuals. For some, it can lead to avoidance of dental care altogether. Mr. Csendes believes that after his treatment, he will finally be able to smile confidently.