A cardiology patient who has been searching for an NHS dentist for years says the shortage makes him feel like a "second-class citizen."
An investigation by the BBC has revealed the West is one of the hardest places to find an NHS dentist.
Sam Tucker, 22, suffers with a heart condition and has been told oral health is vital to prevent infections.
"It isn't my fault that I can't access basic dental treatment," said Mr Tucker.
Mr Tucker, from Weston-super-Mare, currently needs several fillings, but decided against it after he was quoted £400 by a private dentist.
"I cannot afford to go private, it's so expensive," he said.
"Cardiologists tell me oral health is essential for preventing infections and other ailments in my heart, so I do what I can."
Researchers at the BBC phoned 104 dentists in the region and found only three accepting new adult patients .
The three practices are located in Bristol, BANES and South Gloucestershire.
Meanwhile, there aren't any practices accepting new adult patients in North Somerset.
The area was also the worst region for parents trying to get their children registered at NHS dentists - with just 5% of practices taking new patients.
Shiv Pabary, vice-chair of the British Dental Association says fundamental change is needed.
"I've worked in the NHS for 37 years and I've never seen it this bad," said Mr Pabary.
He describes Bristol as a 'dental desert', and says most dentists who recently qualified don't see a future in the NHS.
Samuel Labib, dentist at Hanham Dental says that dentists do not have the capacity to provide treatment,
Mr Labib said: "If I see a patient today for a check-up, it's an 8-10 week wait for them to have the requisite treatment.
Symptoms may develop or change while waiting for treatment, says Mr Labib.
Mr Tucker continues to experience mouth pain, and worries it may eventually become unbearable.
"I feel dehumanised by it and I feel left out the system," said Mr Tucker.
Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk
Full extent of NHS dentistry shortage revealed
Patients in pain amid struggle to find dental care
Concern as two NHS dentist surgeries turn private
Dental services pushed to 'crisis point'
Why Somerset avoids drought status in driest year since 1976
Pictures show police deal with man on rooftops in Weston Charlie Williams
'No plans' for hosepipe bans or water restrictions from Bristol Water - although many areas of the country are now in Drought
Bridgwater cases at magistrates' courts
Buses in the news : Now you could soon ride around Somerset's county town on a bus for as little as £1
Works carried out on ‘true British hero’ statue
Rushdie remains in surgery as stabbing suspect named
Man arrested after Salman Rushdie attacked on stage
Salman Rushdie: The writer who emerged from hiding
Why S Korea just pardoned the Samsung 'prince'
The mystery deaths of two Saudi sisters in Sydney
The librarian who defied the Taliban
Why Hong Kong is seeking solace in local pop
New Netflix dark comedy turns tables on wife beaters
Why Sir Ganga Ram's legacy lives on in India and Pakistan
'I'm a different person after having monkeypox'
Fear in the only EU country where abortion is illegal
High and low-tech ways to tackle India's water crisis
The best public pools around the world
Why open relationships are on the rise
The ejector seats that fire through the floor
© 2022 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.