Dentist Appointment in two days - advice about amalgams please?

[BabyMae09]

So I was lucky enough to score an appointment with a new dentist this Thursday (someone must have canceled, lucky me) and I might finally be getting my amalgams out! This appointment is for a check-up of what's wrong, and x-rays. I want to know what I can do to protect myself from any fragments of filling (they are not a holistic dentist, and I cannot afford to see one). Also, should I refuse x-rays? I just got dental x-rays about 6 months ago, but I couldn't continue to see that dentist, as he was too expensive.

Also, anyone have advice on how to get the state dental plan to help pay for non-amalgam fillings? Thanks so much for all the help :)

[goldenwillow]

Good work on getting your amalgams removed! 

A dental dam (I know, bummer to wear) will help a bunch from any debris.  My boss (holistic dentist) prior to DS would use one while the assistant would use a larger suction.  They would administer charcoal tabs prior to the appointment to help with toxic off gassing as well.  They actually administered oxygen to the patient and would ware respirators as well.  Serious business.  Also would have the patient take some Rescue Remedy. 

As far as the x-rays go, they should not be necessary to take again.  I'd request them to be sent to the new, very easy with digital.  The only exception may be if they were taken incorrectly from the previous DDS's assistant.  Sometimes DDS's like to take their own (meaning the new office) because mistakes are easy to make, shadows, wrong placement, old equipment, etc. 

Good luck on your appointment!

Edited by goldenwillow - 11/8/11 at 10:58pm

[goldenwillow]

Originally Posted by BabyMae09 

Also, anyone have advice on how to get the state dental plan to help pay for non-amalgam fillings? Thanks so much for all the help :)

Sorry... forgot to reply on this.  BIG THING I FORGOT! 

In my state... amalgam removal is not necessary (lack of knowledge) and regarded composite is not a satisfactory replacement (due to how cheap it is for amalgam).  They think it is great. 

If the office accountant is hip... they can bill the amalgams as "the services rendered" and you pay the difference.... however... if they are audited... then they have to prove they didn't give you amalgams... KWIM?  Depends on the vibe of the office you are having treatment from.  This is what I did for patients in your position.  Talk to the treatment coordinator on the down low (maybe in the "treatment consultation room")  and see/feel the vibe. 

Edited to add... from my Husband (the TF professional cook )....

Cilantro is excellent for detoxifying heavy metals from the body.  It is especially good at binding the mercury from amalgam dental fillings and flushing out of the body. 

And also... my middle name is Mae!

Edited by goldenwillow - 11/8/11 at 11:19pm

[goldenwillow]

So.. how did it go? 

[BabyMae09]

Originally Posted by goldenwillow 

So.. how did it go? 

I was sick! I figured since I could barely breath without a dental dam in...

[Chloebelle]

I recently started getting my amalgam removed at a dental office that is not holistic, but they don't use mercury in their practice and are careful about how they remove the mercury. They showed me the mirror when they put the rubber dam in, and there was absolutely no chance that any fragments would touch any part of my mouth. They also use oxygen, but with my claustrophobia, I could not wear the mask :( I was already having anxiety issues with the dam on. They also use strong suction and lots of water. The great thing is, they don't charge any more than a regular dentist, except you pay $25 for the oxygen. I'm really going to try to use the oxygen at my next appointments. I have 2 more. I will also use the pp's advice and take charcoal tablets before my appointment. I worry that I may have had some exposure due to the fact that I didn't use the oxygen, but I'm just happy to get this crap out of my body. I will see my ND and go on a cleanse when it's all done.

I'm loving my new white fillings! The dentist was amazing, and I did not even feel any discomfort or sensitivity whatsoever with my teeth. I couldn't be happier!