Since she was 2-years-old, Michelle Pruden, 24, has been dealing with her teeth.

That’s when she had her first root canal and now the 2009 Sequim High grad is facing a debt-load from her dentist and doctors.

She’s seeking support through an online fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/michellepruden to help with her medical bills and to prevent her from losing a front tooth by having it crowned.

Pruden said she’s spent upwards of $15,000 on her adult teeth and she’s had six root canals in her front six teeth.

Her most recent incident occurred in 2012 while serving with the Montana Conservation Corps. She needed a root canal but the dentist perforated the root and injected sodium hypochlorite into her face, causing permanent nerve damage. She was hospitalized afterwards with a swollen face and intense pain.

Pruden said she hired a lawyer but he retired and she found herself halfway through without support.

She’s been a volunteer with AmeriCorps since 2010 and recently moved back to Sequim after doing trail work for the agency in California because her insurance isn’t covered there.

“I’m trying to raise money to crown this tooth so it will help me get out of pain and protect the tooth,” she said. “I’m also trying to raise money for other dental work needed and to help pay for the hospital bill from this injury.”

Again, the link to help Pruden is www.gofundme.com/michellepruden.