Replace almagam fillings - safely
Added: January 22, 2006 - 10:13 PM
By: kimmccutcheon@comcast.net, San Ramon, CA
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Filling
Crown
Teeth: 1,2,3,4,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,29,30,31,32
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: Last Year
Last Cleaning: 6 months ago maybe?
Case Description
I'd like to have my almagam fillings replaced as soon as possible. I have many fillings from when I was a young child. I've had a lot of medical problems over the years and feel that this might be the solution. I'd like someone who specializes in this type of procedure and knows how to do it safely, without exposing me to mercury (more than I am already). Any references would be helpful. I do have dental insurance and I have good credit.
Thank you! Kim
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Reply: Replace almagam fillings - safely
added: January 23, 2006 - 7:34 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
I would be happy to do this for you. The main factors in doing this safely are to protect you with a rubber dam, to provide you with a nasal oxygen mask, and to use excellent suction. I am registered with the organization known for Mercury Free Dentistry. Looking forward to meeting you soon. Sincerely, Josh Bernstein, DDS
Reply: Replace almagam fillings - safely
added: January 23, 2006 - 10:33 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
My advice to you is to seriously consider what you are requesting. The success of the silver fillings in your mouth is reflected in your own words, "I have many fillings from when I was a young child." There does not exist any non-metallic filling material which lasts as long as silver / mercury alloys. Additionally, each time a dentist cuts on a tooth to do a filling, the tooth is damaged. You have teeth with fillings which are not hurting you. Consider that there is a chance that one or more of these teeth could require more extensive and expensive therapy merely as a result of the needless treatment you are requesting. And consider the expense: Do not expect your insurance to pick up the tab unless fraud is committed by you and by the dentist. This is never a covered procedure. It is not covered for a very good reason. Removing silver fillings to improve health has not ever been shown to be clinically valid. In other words, it is a lie. Dentists lose their licenses for advising patients to follow this course of action. Many lose in malpractice suits when things go wrong with previously asymptomatic teeth. It is wrong. And there are some unethical dentists who take advantage of people like you, who sadly, are blindly grasping at any chance for better health. This is a cruelty that has to stop. At least consult a physician before proceeding with having your fillings removed. -Darrell Pruitt DDS
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Dear Kim, (That's my daughter's name ") )I'm so sorry to hear of all the medical problems you've been experiencing. There are times when removing the amalgam fillings will make a difference for the patient, and we would like to be part of the solution.If you have not found a dentist to do this by now we would love to hear from you! The first visit we will do a consultation with your fulll mouth xrays, as well as recommend a treatment plan, and do our best to predict what your insurance may pay. Thanks, Kim for writing us, and may we hear from you soon. Sincerely, Cookie Valadez, Office Manager for Dr. Eischeid.
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
I agree with the second response. Proceed with caution. Everytime you get a procedure done on a tooth, the pulp must "survive" the trauma of the event. Otherwise the tooth may also need a root canal. That is why we only recommend replacement when there is an actual benefit to getting it done, ie there is new decay or the old filling is broken, etc. You must realize that all medical and dental treatment have some degree of risk. The risk is taken when the benefit of treatment outweighs the risk of treatment.You touched on a VERY sensitive and debated issue in regards to whether the mercury in the silver fillings cause systemic problems or not. There is no absolute resolution on this subject matter. Both sides have their own arguments. You can search the web for arguments on either side. I personally, take the stand of the American Dental Association, who do not advocate the unnecessary removal of amalgam fillings. If you do undergo all this replacement so that your general medical problems get better, I hope you the best. If it does work and your health is improved, you should let someone report these findings so that the results can be published in an academic journal so that others can also benefit.Much luck to you.
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
>30 yrs of research from universities, the National Institute of Health, and the Center of Disease Control have shown that Amalgam poses no risk to the general population and no credible study has ever demonstrated amalgam has adversely caused any medical condition. that's why, the use of ag is not banned. any dentist who disputes this data is not following evidence based dentistrywhile the material contains mercury which is a hazardous material known to directly cause birth defects and other ailments, the quantity, length of exposure, and age of a person's development determines the actual effect. A person is exposed to all types of toxic materials every day, for example the additives and preservatives in the food you eat are dangerous in large quantities. also, the alternative, tooth colored fillings are also made with many toxic chemicals. you should be wary that the amalgam in your mouth or the mercury in the fillings are inert and pose no threat to you, unless you have a metal allergy, however exposure is greatest to you during removal or placement. while my office almost only places tooth colored fillings, it is my choice of practice mainly for cosmetic and artistic reasons not because the amalgam is a poor material. you can choose to replace your fillings for cosmetic purposes, but if the fillings are in proper function there is no medical need unless you have a referral from a treating physician who recommends so. be wary with the dentist u choose good luck
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