HELP! I need fillings in my teeth!

[RadiantMama]

I was diagnosed with three new cavities about 9 months ago.

My dd is almost 1 year, and I have been holding off, because we're still exclusively breastfeeding.

I also have about 12 mercury amalgam fillings already in my mouth from over 10 years ago.

I've been searching the dental archives, but haven't found anything specific to say: "Don't Do It." However, my sense is that I shouldn't.

BUT, the cavities are starting to hurt...should I consider extraction, white fillings, root canals or what?

HELP!

[stafl]

honestly, if it were my teeth, I'd have them filled, and the sooner the better.

[CallMeIshmael]

Hey radiant.

I've got a mouthful of metal too, and one of my fillings has a hole in it and needs to be replaced -- which is NOT going to happen while I'm breastfeeding.

As you've probably read, maximum mercury exposure comes when fillings are placed and when they're removed. And yes, that mercury will make its way into your breastmilk. Nasty.

But the cavities need to be taken care of -- they could easily bore through the enamel and necessitate a root canal, and there's the risk of an abcess as well. So please get them fixed!

You could either get non-merc (white) fillings or temporary fillings while you're breastfeeding. Your dentist should be able to discuss the options with you -- and if he or she tries to convince you that merc is the way to go, then find another dentist!

Best of luck.

[apcanadianmamma]

Our dentist only does the white fillings...there is no other option.

The only thing I would like to caution you about is if any of the cavities are around existing silver fillings - you should advise your dentist you don't want him touching the silver.

About three weeks ago I had to go to the dentist because I broke off part of my tooth...he filled it....and while he was at it he drilled out and replaced the silver filling that was beside it!!!!!! (and I'm still BFing DS) Obviously he didn't tell me he was doing this until it was already done!

So just as a caution, yes you should get it looked after but it's probably best to advise the dr exactly where you stand with the mercury fillings being touched (rather than being like me and just assuming)

[3for3hb]

I'm new here so I hope this reply works. I know what you mean. I need a filling and need to get my mercury OUT and have been putting it off until my ds is more dependant on solid foods than my milk. I got pregnant unexpectedly (well, you know) and before I was able to do all that. I strongly recommend you check out www.iaomt.org. They have lots of information about mercury and dentistry and I think they even have a list of environmental/biological mercury-free dentists. Hope this helps.

[Quinn'sMommy]

Was a dental assistent now a SAHM. Get those teeth fixed! If you can afford the composit fillings (white) get them. I had all my silver replace with these. I was working in a dental office at the time and got them for free, but still. Composits have come a long way. They are just as strong as silver if not more so.

[beanma]

did you see this thread in the dental archives -- http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ead.php?t=3691 ? specifically campo-mamma's post about halfway down that gives a procedure to follow when getting amalgams replaced? i had mine done when my dd1 was just about 1. i researched it, but went with a lot of what was in campo's post. dd1 is just fine and so is dd2. i still have one amalgam that will be replaced one day, but that's down from about 10 or 12 i'd guess. i had a ton! you can read my account here -- http://www.mothering.com/discussions...1491#post51491

hth

[SaveTheWild]

Composite fillings

I struggle with this issue so much. I had a lot of mercury fillings, and over time I have had most of them replaced with white composite fillings. While I am relatively confident that they are safer than mercury, I still have my serious doubts. Almost all composite fillings are made with polycarbonate plastic. That's the "bad" plastic used in nalgene bottles and other plastic containers and products. Studies (on rats) have shown that polycarbonate related chemicals can leach out of the plastics and have serious effects on developing fetuses, especially realted to their rproductive systems. Now I am all freaked out about my white fillings. I think the only "Safe" filling materials are gold (expensive and ugly) and porcelain (can break and usually only for crowns rather than fillings). It sucks because there really doesn't seem to be a good alternative.

[DoctorMark]

Tooth Restorations and Health

I came upon this site during one of my midnight surfs. It is a wonderful spot where people are helping other people. Please allow me to lend a little help here, as this is my duty in life.
I have not yet seen any adverse bodily reactions to composite materials (other than a RARE localized allergy) documented in any acceptable scientific study as of this writing. It is not a 'natural' substance but I do not believe that all chemistry products are bad. Certainly preferred to the obselete amalgam.
I do not see gold as being ugly, although some do not prefer it. Its' cost is the same as a porcelain restoration...and it is the most durable tooth replacement material. Gold restorations are about 35% of my lab made production. Porcelain requires a bit more tooth structure removal but can also be done anywhere in the mouth and like gold, for any size restoration.
Fix your teeth. And give yourself a beautiful smile. There is no medicine like confidence, and your smile is the door to your heart.