Bryanna ... A Q. when you may have time
 

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.

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 ~'.'~

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!

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

Thank you so, so much! :):hug:

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

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.

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

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 :D.

At the same, they're casting my mouth.

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!

Hi Bobbi,

Anytime you think I may be of some help in decreasing your worry list, please just let me know!

I'm not sure what you mean by casting for a "slider". I assume you mean an impression for the fabrication of a flipper or partial denture to replace newly extracted teeth and/or other missing teeth? With that assumption.... my answer would be..... the position of the "fake" tooth on the removable appliance will depend on the size and shape of the space it is going to fill in. If you have a tooth that has moved out of it's original position due to periodontal disease, the loss of bone from the disease will affect the size of the space which may alter the size/shape of what the replacement tooth will look like. The esthetic result is meant to look as natural as possible. The end result may be different than your "original" appearance but it should look esthetically pleasing.

If your tooth is crooked or mishapen, then the replacement tooth will be made to look more inline with your smile. If your tooth has an "elongated" appearance from gum recession and/or periodontal disease, then the replacement tooth may look similar to what it currently looks like because the new tooth has to be inline with your other teeth along the biting surface as well as snug along the gumline. To achieve that result, the tooth would need to be long enough to fit into the space properly.

I would recommend that you speak with your dentist about this issue. Let him know what your expectations are and ask him what he thinks he can achieve. It is important for him to understand what you have in mind, but at the same time it is equally important for you to understand what the limitations may be.

I hope that information helped a bit...... let me know if I need to clarify anything or if you have other things you'd like to talk about :-)

Bryanna

Your response is very clear, Bryanna. You gave excellent info! Fortunately, now, I'll be able to ask the dentist and make more sense. Because you're at a disadvantage - can see the "visual" that accompanies my question(s) - you're also replying to a less than stellar line of questions. :D.


Last night (Saturday - on my time-line and weird sleeping hours - still) one of the teeth scheduled for extraction cracked. Now that that's happened that tooth will probably be the priority. It was set to come out under sedation, as well. But... I think everything will depend on what the doc says tomorrow.

And, as long as the removed tooth, I'm most concerned about appears as aesthetically pleasing or "blends' as much as possible, I'm good with that.

Everything was "normal" in appearance and in relation to the rest of my teeth, until it loosened and dropped. That's the tooth that worries me. I don't think it does so much now that I've read what you have most kindly noted, Bryanna.

((( Huge Thank YOU!! :hug:

Hi Bobbi,

It's true, I am at a bit of a disadvantage here since there is no clinical or radiographic view of the problem. However, questions about dental concerns and procedures are something that I have been dealing with daily for so many years that I'm usually able to decifer what someone is saying. I think asking questions does help us to become better informed and I try to answer in a way that hopefully doesn't cause more confusion. So if at any time you (or anyone else) feels confused or uncertain about anything I have written here...please ask me to clarify myself...I am only too happy to do that ~'.'~

With regard to the tooth that just broke....if there is no pain or swelling, it may or may not become the priority. So try not to worry about that right now. Please let us know what your dentist has to say tomorrow!

I usually check in here at least once a day if you have more questions :-)

Bryanna

Well, I asked the dentist the question I pretty much asked here (about the one being casted) and he said: It will be done so that it is aesthetically pleasing. Whew! I think, that's a go, since his approach seems to match up with what you relayed, Bryanna. And, seeing all that you have so generously noted: It sure takes the fear out!


With the cracked tooth, it was the cuspid (?) that broke off. It was just hanging in there, and he said he was surprised that I didn't choke on it.

Right now, as he says, we're "putting out fires." No way, no how do I want to revisit where I was a few weeks ago with some nerves exposed. Numbing wouldn't take effect and ... I'm relieved to have, finally, found a "dentist." :D

Hi Bobbi,

Glad to hear that you are feeling confident about moving forward!
Keep in touch as you travel along this journey...... remember you are never alone :)

Bryanna

Thank you so much, Bryanna. I just ddin't/don't want to impose when I know that you're plenty busy, and that there are people with conditions much worse than I face - at times.

But... it is good, really good to know you are here! We got ourselves a keeper!

:hug:

Hi Bobbi,

You are very welcome :-))
I do have a crazy schedule but that's nothing new for me! I want to help people however I can so please never hesitate to post a question or concern to me here. This is also a good place to discuss your situation with others!

Take good care of yourself..... keep in touch ~'.'~

Bryanna