HELP! Need advice about broken tooth/mercury filling

[avent]

I'm hoping someone (maybe a dental mama?) can give me some advice. I'm looking for a crunchy perspective, I guess.

I am currently 8 weeks pregnant. I am terrified of dental work. I screwed up all my courage and went to the dentist before becoming pregnant in order to make sure my teeth seemed okay in order to avoid dental work during my pregnancy. I had a cavity the filled and everything else was fine.

Well this morning I broke a molar eating lettuce (yes, lettuce!) The molar has a large mercury filling in it, right in the middle, so it looks like the tooth is in "quarters". One "quarter" fell off, going to the gumline. So now the amount of filling I can see is the bottom (which has always been visible) and the side of the filling where the tooth is gone. So there's more filling exposed. There's no pain, but the broken edges are very sharp.

I called my dentist's office. He's an excellent dentist who cares about taking care of mercury appropriately. Over the years he has replaced some of my fillings with Diamond Lite, which he arrived at through bio-compatibility testing. He also does chelation after dealing with mercury. His receptionist (and later hygenist) told me that they can see me Oct 9(!) and that everything is fine until then, even though I'm pregnant. They are completely booked, even the slots they leave for emergencies. I am on the cancellation list, though, and they felt there would be a cancellation the next couple of days.

Any ideas? I am wondering if I should go to a new and strange dentist for an immediate assessment. (I've gone only to my current dentist for 10 years.) My guess is I'm going to need a root canal. But the new dentist may or may not have the bio-compatible materials. Or maybe put one of those temporary fillings from the drugstore on it? I would be a lot less stressed if I was not pregnant. Does it seem okay to stay like this until Oct 9? Is that typical?

And once I get to repair, is there any sedation that's okay for pregnancy? (I'm thinking no way.) Is novacaine okay? I'm so terrified I usually get nitrous just for cleanings. The idea of a root canal or having the tooth pulled with no sedation is terrifying.

Any thoughts? Anyone BTDT? Thanks in advance.

[lindberg99]

I'm not sure what your concern about the filling is. Are you worried that it is leaching out more since it is broken? I don't know anything about that.

I also broke a tooth while pregnant (actually I broke a tooth during 2 of my 3 pregnancies, I wonder if the teeth get weaker when pregnant?). Anyway, for the one I needed a crown and for the other, I can't even remember but I think he just did something with filling material. They were both done with novacaine.

I wouldn't get nitrous when pregnant but I think novacaine is fine. Can you try to do some Bradley breathing/relaxation to help you calm down during the appointment? Or take along a friend or partner?

[avent]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. Yes, my concern is having more of the mercury filling exposed than before. The inside of the piece of tooth that came off is black-ish. I feel like a layer of the filling came off with the tooth and somehow there might be mercury floating around. I wouldn't be nearly as scared if I wasn't pregnant, esp. first trimester. And then on top of it I'm scared about the dental work itself.

Update: the dentist's office called while I was writing this post. When the receptionist explained the situation the dentist had her move appointments around and they can see me tomorrow morning. He is also worried. At least I feel somewhat vindicated after the way the receptionist seemed to think I was acting like a crazy pregnant woman.

Now if I can just get through the appointment. They may have to pull the tooth. Off to research Bradley method and to get some Rescue Remedy.

Anyway,thanks for responding. :

[lindberg99]

Good luck! Just think calming thoughts!!

Let us know how it goes.