Holistic dentist vs reg for removing amalgam fillings-$$'s

[es1967]

I'm in need of replacing one or more of my amalgam fillings.  I have seven in total and would love to have them all done.  My regular dentist is awesome and I absolutley love him but he is not holistic.  So a friend of mine just had 4 or 5 of her mercury fillings removed at her holistic dentist and it cost her $350  for each tooth!!  When I called they said $250-$425-I was shocked.  My friend said the process was so easy. She is very happy.   I'm going to the holistic one for a consultation which is costing $100.  I need to ask my dentist for my xrays but am so worried and am trying to come ip with a reason why I need them.  I;m having TMJ issues so I might say I need to see a TMJ Dental specialist.  I just feel bad b/c he is super nice and he does awesome cleanings himself.  Feel so guilty.  Anyways, for those who have had them removed what was the cost per filling at a holistic dentist?  Could it be safe to go to my regular dentist ? and ask him what precautions he would use?  or should I just bite the bullet and go to the Holistic dentist.  I heard he gives you a green drink and a carbon drink before.  Has anyone had 7 mercury fillings removed?  I think I would just do one side at a time if I did do it.  My other concern is I have sensitive teeth.  Would love to hear other's experiences with this.  Luckily my  4yr old  has not had issues w my mercury. Also, how long does it take to get the mercury out of your system after removal?  I know my regular dentist would give me an awesome deal but is it worth it??

[goldenwillow]

I worked for a holistic dentist prior to having my Son.  I know there is a difference, at least where I worked. 

His practice has a mercury removal filtration system in the office.  We gave patients charcoal tabs and rescue remedy prior to removal.  Most patients were given tinctures of FNG 1 and FNG 2 and others if necessary.  We wore respirators while removing the amalgam and the patient was administered air. 

It was taken very seriously. 

I worked for a few traditional docs prior to the holistic and I was just shocked that so many dental professionals are not on board with these procedures.  I also cannot believe I subjected myself in such toxic environments... I just didn't know back then .

I understand the guilt in requesting your xrays.  Maybe give your current dentist a call or an email explaining your position and see what they say.  They may change their ways and/or at least understand your concerns and maybe try to work with you.  Have the other office request them for you... lightens the blow if you are unable to chat with your current DDS before your appointment. 

I have known many patients to have multiple amalgams removed in one visit and honestly... that is what I would do.  Some folks get sick, ridding of all the toxins... kind of like a shock to the system.  A majority do just fine.  If it is a concern... do a quad at a time. 

It was amazing to me to talk with new patients on the phone.... super scatter brained, unable to make decisions, etc.  After all was removed it was like talking to a completely different person.  Amazing. 

[es1967]

Thanks Xantho for all your info.  I know the Holistic dentist has the extra filtration etc..  So I guess the $250-425 per tooth is worth it.  Maybe I can work a deal with them if I decide to do them all.   Do you know what the cost was at your office?  Have you heard of people needing crowns after removal?  I think they said that if the filling is too big you may need one and the cost is $1300!  It kind of scared me.

[goldenwillow]

That honestly sounds about right.  If the tooth is compromised too much (too much decay not leaving enough structure) yes a crown is the next step.  I am hoping that they do cerec crowns (porcelain). 

All prices sound right.  What state are you in, if you don't mind me asking. 

I think the idea of working a deal is a good idea, considering most offices are having trouble with the "economy". 

[es1967]

I'm in south florida. My xrays did not show any decay or anything but I'm having alot of sensitivity and it kinda hurts chewing on that side. I'm in the midst of dealing w TMJ which is radiating nerve pain on top of it.  So its unclear if the pain is due to the filling or the TMJ.

[goldenwillow]

Originally Posted by es1967 

I'm in south florida. My xrays did not show any decay or anything but I'm having alot of sensitivity and it kinda hurts chewing on that side. I'm in the midst of dealing w TMJ which is radiating nerve pain on top of it.  So its unclear if the pain is due to the filling or the TMJ.

I too have TMJ issues.  My hope is it is just your nerves having inflammation vs. decay.  When I drink coffee, it makes my nerves worse.  Not sure if you have a mouth guard.  If not, get yourself a inexpensive sports guard for night time and see if that helps a bit.  If it does, maybe consider having one fabricated for you in a dental setting.  They are expensive, so the sports guard first kinda is a "lets see if this works" before you drop too much coin. 

[es1967]

I went to my dentist twice and he found nothing wrong w my teeth.  I know it must be nerves b/c the pain moves around.  I was looking at the night guards and am going to try one from the drugstore -like you said-before I get the one at the dentist.  Going to get one today.

I know you had mentioned the difference in people after they have had the mercury fillings removed.  When I was reading the chelation thread it seems it takes a long

time to rid the body of the mercury though.  Is that b/c of what is existing in the body or due to the removal of the fillings.  The reason I am asking is b/c I would like to have another child if I can convince my DH.  I am 43 so time is of the essence here.  Not sure if I should wait on the removal of the fillings if I decide to have another. 

Edited by es1967 - 4/8/11 at 9:48am

[goldenwillow]

That would be an excellent question to ask the holistic dds.  I can't be too sure on that one.  I have read though that a BF'ing mama only passes trace amounts to their LO.  I wouldn't feel confident giving you advice on that one. 

Oh... wanted to mention.... when you buy your sports guard, I have found if you trim it a bit it doesn't seem so darn huge in your mouth. 

[Chloebelle]

You got me motivated, so I called a holistic dentist to check on prices. I found one that says they're less expensive. They said it's $130-$370 per tooth. I've got at least 12 :(

I made an appointment for Monday. I've been wanting to do this for over 15 years, so I'm eager to finally get it done!

[es1967]

Originally Posted by Chloebelle 

You got me motivated, so I called a holistic dentist to check on prices. I found one that says they're less expensive. They said it's $130-$370 per tooth. I've got at least 12 :(

I made an appointment for Monday. I've been wanting to do this for over 15 years, so I'm eager to finally get it done!

Wow, thats much cheaper than here!  My parents live in Canada too-London, Ont.  Everything seems to be less espensive there now. Please report back and tell me all the details since my consultation is not for another 2 weeks. Can't wait to hear about it.  Maybe I could wait and do it when I visit if its that much cheaper.

Xantho-thanks for the tip on the night guard.

[Chloebelle]

Originally Posted by es1967 

Wow, thats much cheaper than here!  My parents live in Canada too-London, Ont.  Everything seems to be less espensive there now. Please report back and tell me all the details since my consultation is not for another 2 weeks. Can't wait to hear about it.  Maybe I could wait and do it when I visit if its that much cheaper.

Xantho-thanks for the tip on the night guard.

Yes, that does seem reasonable! I had my ND look into it about 5 years ago with a holistic dentist that she recommends, and he was $400-500 a tooth! It was ridiculous, and I just gave up of the idea for the time being. I had also asked a regular dentist when I had a wisdom tooth pulled, and she claimed that the silver fillings are completely safe, BUT if I wanted them changed for cosmetic reasons, she quoted me $1000 total. It was tempting, but I knew she wouldn't put any extra care into how she dealt with the amalgam, and it just wasn't worth the risk.

I will keep you posted!

[es1967]

Well, I started reading the Chelating thread and I've gotten to pg 21.   This is making me wonder if its worth it.  Taking years to get rid of the mercury after the fillings are removed .  I guess if you are suffering from alot of mercury before then it is worth it.  I'm hoping that if I read on I will see the positive of all this.   Are these just extreme cases?  Probably need to read this Cutler's book to fully understand it all.  Do the holistic dentists explain the after effect?  Does everyone experience this?  I guess it depends on your individual mercury levels. Mine has got to be considerable but luckily I have not had too many problems. Been quite healthy most of my life.   I should go back and continue reading the read although it depresses me!!  Maybe its the 3 hrs sleep I had last night-DS got the flu from his friend.

P.S I have ones less filling than I thought but I still have 6 to remove.  See the mercury has even affected my ability to count- Hee hee.

[goldenwillow]

I wanted to add this chart.  it is amazing to see where you have disturbances in the mouth and then able to corralote it a body part/organ that has disturbances as well. 

Check it out.

http://www.naturalworldhealing.com/Dentalinfo/toothorganchart.htm

[es1967]

Originally Posted by Xantho 

I wanted to add this chart.  it is amazing to see where you have disturbances in the mouth and then able to corralote it a body part/organ that has disturbances as well. 

Check it out.

http://www.naturalworldhealing.com/Dentalinfo/toothorganchart.htm

Yes, its amazing that my upper two teeth and the one lower left side that I was having the pain correspond on the chart to the ones that show TMJ.  Too bad that most dentists don't know this.

Thanks for sharing. 

[es1967]

Originally Posted by Chloebelle 

You got me motivated, so I called a holistic dentist to check on prices. I found one that says they're less expensive. They said it's $130-$370 per tooth. I've got at least 12 :(

I made an appointment for Monday. I've been wanting to do this for over 15 years, so I'm eager to finally get it done!

Cloebelle- Did you go for your appt?

[Chloebelle]

I did go and am going to check out a few more places. They charge the same fee set by the CDA for fillings, which is great, BUT they also charge 90+ to remove each amalgam filling. Something they failed to tell me over the phone.

So, I called around to some other holistic dental offices and they also follow the same fee guidelines but they don't charge to take out the existing fillings. The only difference is, they charge a fee to come in and get an estimate. Basically a regular dental check-up fee. There's one I will check out in May.

I asked as many questions as possible, but felt a bit rushed. I wasn't too happy with his bedside manner, actually. If you have any specific questions, let me now!

[es1967]

Thanks for the info Chloebelle.  When I called to get info the lady told me that crowns are around $1300 w/o me even asking.  I just thought it was odd to tell me without the Dr even looking at my teeth.  So how much did they say it would cost total per tooth?

I'm debating on delaying my appt b/c my DS was very sick last week and my TMJ has made my teeth so sensitive.  I can;t bear to have anyone even look at them.

[es1967]

Today I had my consultation re getting my mercury fillings replaced.  They quoted me $350 per tooth so to have all six replaced would be around $2100.  He suggested I do it in quadrants

b/c of my previous TMJ issues.  But I said I'm sure I would be fine doing 3 at a time since my TMJ has disappeared.   I have complete faith in the dentist since my friend has used him for years but he is getting up there in age. The dental assistant was kinda flighty and not really as knowlegeable as I hoped.  As he examined my teeth he said that one of the mercury filling is very large and he suggested a crown but said he could fill it.  Said that it would last a year or so-hmnnn.  Then there is another tooth w a white filling that is worn down and he said that would also need a crown eventually.  My regular dentist did not even mention that tooth needing a crown-just to have it redone.  My regular dentist is pretty young and this dentist is the opposite.  I would like the mercury gone but I am unsure of how I will benefit.  I'm wondering if I should use my old dentist to replace the white filling or stick to the holistic for all. I know the price will be less for sure.  Going to post in the Chelating forum to hopefully get more info.

Xantho-  I got the mouthguard from the drugstore plus went for Accupuncture 2 weeks ago.  My TMJ disappeared and so did the sensitive teeth.  After the accupuncture it just went away.    Maybe I was also grinding my teeth.  The dentist today looked at my jaw, did some tests/measurements and said everything seemed fine. 

[SleeplessMommy]

Just FYI, I had my amalgams removed by a "conventional" dentist. Dental dams were used for the procedures.  Cost was around $100 per tooth AND was covered by insurance.

[es1967]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy 

Just FYI, I had my amalgams removed by a "conventional" dentist. Dental dams were used for the procedures.  Cost was around $100 per tooth AND was covered by insurance.

How many did you have done and how long did it take?  I have an appt on the 17th for 3 and additional 3 a week later.  I'm wondering if I should only do 2 at a time.  Thats

great that it was covered by insurance.  It will cost me $350 per tooth-yikes.