[Bobbi]

Just wondering about something I heard at my dentist's office last week. I was told that metal fillings tend to expand - with time and due to constantly being in a moist "setting." As an effect of that expansion, teeth may crack.

So... maybe true, possibly myth?

If it is true, I want the metal out. I've alread had two teeth that have cracked.

Part of me thinks, my tooth-crackage could also be attributed to bone loss. But ... both happened like out of the blue; no symptoms or possible "warning" signs.

To go through the same redundantly when it may be preventable? I'd rather opt for replacing the fillings.

I really appreciate your info. and your insights.

[Bryanna]

Hi Bobbi,

Yes, it's true! Metal fillings also called amalgam or mercury fillings do expand and contract with varying temperatures. The filling eventually separates from the actual tooth and bacteria seeps in underneath the filling.... referred to as recurrent decay. The metal also corrodes just like it would in any other moist setting which also contributes to the separation.

Yes, the metal fillings do contribute to cracking of the tooth. One reason is that when they start to wear down or break down, the unfilled part of the tooth becomes vulnerable and takes quite a beating when chewing. Another reason is that metal fillings are generally placed within the biting surface of the tooth and during the expansion/contraction process they act as a wedge against the natural tooth structure causing undue pressure on these areas when we chew.

Another thing that happens is when any type filling wears out, the occlusion (bite) changes and this causes an unnatural wear pattern on all of the teeth
in the biting pattern. This too will cause teeth to crack.

Although most people may not be aware of this, it is a good idea to have fillings replaced periodically as they start to break down or wear out as a means of preventing other teeth/fillings from wearing down or breaking.

I want to caution you here if you are going to remove your metal fillings.... the mercury is continually coming off of these fillings but it is the most toxic when these fillings are being placed because it is being handled and manipulated and when they are removed because they are being hit with the drill. There is a protection protocol that must be followed to help eliminate as much of the toxicity as possible during the removal. Unfortunately, some dentists are not following this protocol and they are placing themselves, their staff and their patients at unnecessary and unhealthy risks. It is not something to shrug off or take for granted........ please at least read up about it before you have it done. A good sight to go to would be IAOMT.org.

Let me know if you want me to post more info on this protocol

Bryanna ~'.'~

Originally Posted by Bobbi

Just wondering about something I heard at my dentist's office last week. I was told that metal fillings tend to expand - with time and due to constantly being in a moist "setting." As an effect of that expansion, teeth may crack.

So... maybe true, possibly myth?

If it is true, I want the metal out. I've alread had two teeth that have cracked.

Part of me thinks, my tooth-crackage could also be attributed to bone loss. But ... both happened like out of the blue; no symptoms or possible "warning" signs.

To go through the same redundantly when it may be preventable? I'd rather opt for replacing the fillings.

I really appreciate your info. and your insights.

[Bobbi]

I'd definitely and very much appeciate more info. respective of the removal protocol, only I hesitate to impose more on your time.

Only and if and when you may feel up to posting more, I would like that.

I did ask my dentist today about what I was told, as well. He was not nearly as in-depth as your elaboration yet he did pretty much share (an abbreviated version) mirroring yours.

He said, during removal, there is a mist / dust that releases, too.

I'm in the "early" stages of lotsa dental work ahead, but did tell him I want those fillings replaced. It will be great to make sure that the protocol is followed... so that I know what it entails and can, then, ask how it's done from the dentist before I "sign off."

Again: Thank you!

[Bryanna]

Hi Bobbi,

You are not imposing at all... don't be silly! I'm here to help in any way I possibly can

I will get the removal protocol info together and post it on a separate thread. Might not be today, but in the next couple of days for sure.

One very important thing I can tell you is that there is definitely more than a "mist or dust" that releases from the mercury fillings during removal. Dentists that say that basically have not yet acknowledged the toxicity of mercury and tend not to follow any strict protocol when removing it.

I'll gather the info and reference site...... and post it very soon.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Bobbi

I'd definitely and very much appeciate more info. respective of the removal protocol, only I hesitate to impose more on your time.

Only and if and when you may feel up to posting more, I would like that.

I did ask my dentist today about what I was told, as well. He was not nearly as in-depth as your elaboration yet he did pretty much share (an abbreviated version) mirroring yours.

He said, during removal, there is a mist / dust that releases, too.

I'm in the "early" stages of lotsa dental work ahead, but did tell him I want those fillings replaced. It will be great to make sure that the protocol is followed... so that I know what it entails and can, then, ask how it's done from the dentist before I "sign off."

Again: Thank you!

[Bobbi]

Thank you so, so much!

[Bryanna]

Hi Bobbi,

Rather than "hand" write the safe amalgam removal protocol, I've given you a link to download yourself. Most conventional practicing dentists are not equipped to follow this protocol. However, it is imperative to follow it as much as possible. I believe this site offers a list of dentists who do follow it.... which may be helpful to you.

http://www.mercuryfreenow.com/freese...amalremov.html

Let me know what you think!
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Bobbi

Thank you so, so much!

[Bobbi]

I'll read and print the info on the link you cited, Bryanna, and then share my thoughts with you.

At my next dental appt., later this month, I'll have a day before my first sedation appt. to ask the dentist how he does the removal. It will be good to have the info. you located/cited to make a comparision. If it won't be done the right or correct way, then, I'll hold off until I locate a dentist who does do it as should be done.

[Bryanna]

Hi Bobbi,

Good idea to download the info and take it with you. You are correct in that it is important to follow this protocol as closely as possible..... please think twice before letting anyone convince you otherwise.

Just so you know....Many mainstream dentists are not fans of any website that has information relating to "mercury free" dentistry. One of the main reasons is because it would be a conflict of interest for those dentists who are generally members of the ADA... since the ADA promotes the use of mercury in dental fillings. The ADA is a very well established and wealthy organization that prefers their members to follow their literature only. So you may or may not get the positive feedback that you are hoping for from your dentist. Hopefully we'll be pleasantly surprised ;-)

You mentioned sedation dentistry..... is that how you have been having your dentistry done?

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Bobbi

I'll read and print the info on the link you cited, Bryanna, and then share my thoughts with you.

At my next dental appt., later this month, I'll have a day before my first sedation appt. to ask the dentist how he does the removal. It will be good to have the info. you located/cited to make a comparision. If it won't be done the right or correct way, then, I'll hold off until I locate a dentist who does do it as should be done.

[Bobbi]

Hmmm, maybe I really lucked out with this (new) dentist, Bryanna ; when I asked him about the fillings, he seemed receptive. He also encouraged me to look up (pre-medicating re: antibiotics for some patients) online - since newer guidelines have come out since the latest version (since outdate) I'd seen.

At my last appointment, I had told him I want the tooth-crackable fillings gone, but because my mouth is already slated for some "work," we stayed on-topic for the dates most pressing on the calendar. I believe he will give me an opportunity to ask more as the time may approach (for the removal). And, as we - you and I know - if what I hear from him doesn't mesh with the info. you located, I'll hold off until it can be done properly.


Most "normally," I've not been sedated; the last time was for 2 wisdom teeth. It was my first "major" dental work and I didn't like waking up in a different room tfrom where I went to "sleep." It doesn't frighten me any more, since having had spinal procedures with conscious sedation.

Since the thought of having the probe done (for gum measurements) was creating some anxiety, and because I've bilateral TMJ, etc., I decided on sedation - to make it easier on the dentist and the others working in my mouth. It will probably be a lot less stressful - for everyone .

At the same, they're casting my mouth.

[Bobbi]

May as well keep this within the same thread...

Bryanna, when casting is done for a slider or retainer, and it includes a tooth that has "slipped" and will be extracted, will the outcome of appearance be that the "tooth" is at the level where the tooth slipped or where it was prior to loosening? I'd prefer the tooth be where it was before the tooth had its probs.

I'm set for a consult before the dental work, and neglected to think and ask the question before. If it's something I needn't worry about, I can check it off my "worry" list .

Thank you, again... for the insights and help you've shared with so many here!