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Teeth Whitening or Fillings First?

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I need to get a crown on a canine tooth. One of the things I want to deal with before I get the crown is the color of my teeth. I was told that I would not be able to whiten the crown after it is made. So, I’d like to take care of that before getting my crown. I also have quite a few composite fillings that I am guessing will not change color with teeth whitening either. Should I whiten my teeth and then change the fillings? Or should I try to guess the color I’ll end up with and go that way?

Pamela

Dear Pamela,

Tooth bleaching trays

Tooth bleaching trays

Your dentist is correct that the porcelain crown you get will not be impacted by teeth whitening. I am glad that he or she warned you about that. Too many people don’t learn that until it is too late and they go to get their teeth bleached. You are also correct that the teeth whitening will not do anything to the fillings.

It will be impossible for you to guess the final color for your bleaching efforts. This is because even after you stop whitening, your teeth continue to get a bit brighter for up to two weeks as oxidation continues. With all that in consideration, I would recommend you do all of the bleaching you want first and then get your dental fillings and the crown done. You are wise to get guidance on this.

There are two good options for you. The first is take-home whitening, where you wear the bleaching trays for the length of time you want each day until you achieve the whiteness you’re hoping for. A second option is to have Zoom Whitening done. This is an in-office procedure and will allow you to get your whitening done in one dental appointment. It is more expensive and some people experience a bit of sensitivity with it, but there are preventative measures for that issue.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Is a Holistic Dentist Necessary for Mercury Removal?

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I have a mouth full of silver fillings. Not only do I find out that they’re loaded with mercury (not from my dentist), but I’m also told because of how long I’ve had them they could start leaking and poison me (again not from my dentist). At first, I thought my sister was just trying to pull one over on me, but I looked it up and she’s right. Shouldn’t dentists have to tell patients before they put toxins in someone’s body?ย  I want to have them removed so I asked my sister. She said to find a Holistic Dentist covered under my insurance because they’re the only ones who know how to safely remove them. I checked and there isn’t one holistic dentist listed in my insurance book. Are they the only dentists who can do this?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

Left image: silver amalgam filling. Right Image: mercury-free composite filling

First, I want to assure you that your dentist didn’t go into your fillings with the mindset of secretly putting toxins in your teeth. The truth is the American Dental Association (ADA) has and still does consider silver amalgam fillings perfectly safe. When your dentist placed them he likely felt exactly the same way.

Lately, more dentists are starting to see newer test results which make them wonder. Additionally, many are switching to a mercury-free practice and only doing white composite fillings for their patients.

There probably is a holistic dentist somewhere in your insurance plan. You don’t see them listed because they’re not actually a recognized specialty. It’s more a philosophy of practice where they strive to consider the whole body during treatment and not just the teeth. In your place, I’d do an internet search for holistic dentists in your area and then see which of them are on your insurance. You may also want to try the terms “natural dentist” and “biological dentist”.

If You Can’t Find a Holistic Dentist

Let’s say you do that and there truly isn’t one single holistic dentist in your area within a reasonable distance. That won’t mean you’re trapped with your amalgam fillings. The key is finding a dentist who knows how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. This process protects you from inhaling or swallowing any mercury or mercury vapors.

There are many mercury-free dentists who also know how to do that safely. So, that would be my next internet search. Again, it won’t be listed in your insurance book like that. You’ll do a search and then see who is covered by your insurance.

I hope this helps.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan M. Dennis.

Are Dentists Using Silver Fillings Violating the Law?

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I read that the Minamata Treaty came into effect last year, but dentists in the U.S. are still providing amalgam fillings. Are they violating the law?

Monica

Dear Monica,

Left image: silver amalgam filling. Right Image: mercury-free composite filling

You’re right that the Minamata treaty went into effect last year. However, this treaty has to do with the disposal of the mercury more than the use of it. It’s based on a Japanese village where the inhabitants were poisoned by mercury which got into the waterways. I’m sure every U.S. dentist who still uses amalgam fillings is aware of the treaty and is in compliance with the disposal. However, they’re still permitted to provide the fillings.

You should be aware the American Dental Association still considers silver amalgam fillings safe. Though, as I’m sure you’re aware by your question, there is a growing movement concerned about the safety of the mercury content in the fillings.

If you’re concerned, you can always go to a mercury-free dentist. They will only place white, composite fillings.

Mercury-free versus Holistic Dentists

There is a growing interest in healthy dental care. Some are asking for what’s called a natural dentist, a biological dentist, or a holistic dentist. While every holistic dentist is a mercury-free dentist, not every mercury-free dentist is a holistic dentist.

Using a biological dentist means they factor in every aspect of healthcare along with your dental health. They take great pains to ensure nothing unhealthy enters your body during your treatment. They’re also much more willing to work with any allergies you have.

For instance, if you have a metal sensitivity, they’ll make sure you get a metal-free dental crown, instead of a metal-based crown.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Is a Mercury-free Dentist Really Necessary to Remove Old Fillings?

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I’ve had a couple of old silver fillings for years. My daughter keeps telling me how dangerous they are to my health if they start leaking and that I should get rid of them. But, she insists I need to go to a mercury-free dentist. I asked my regular dentist if he could get rid of them and he said there’s no real reason to, but he will. He thinks it’s all hype to sell the new fillings. I’m not sure who’s right.

Della M.

Dear Della,

The American Dental Association still says that amalgam fillings are safe. ย The research has been mostly on static fillings and there haven’t been any significant studies done on how much mercury is released with eating, drinking, and brushing, etc. However, if they start leaking you will be ingesting mercury. If they’re old, it’s probably better to go ahead and replace them.

What’s more important than whether or not a mercury-free dentist removes them is if they know how to do sanitary amalgam removal. You want a dentist who knows how to prevent you from ingesting any mercury fragments or inhaling any of its vapors. Mercury-free dentists generally know how to do that, as well as holistic dentists.

Another important issue is to be certain your dentist is keeping up to date with the developments in dentistry. Like everyone, it’s easy for practitioners to get stuck doing things the way they’ve always been done. Improvements in dentistry also mean improvements to your quality of living with your newer dental care.

The truth is the newer composite fillings are better for your teeth. They strengthen the bond, have no toxic ingredients, and prevent sensitivity that comes from metal’s conducting heat.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Susan Dennis.

Do I Need a Holistic Dentist to Get Rid of Lyme Disease?

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My big goal for 2018 is to finally get healthy. That will include learning to exercise and eat right. But, it will also (hopefully) mean finally kicking the butt of this Lyme Disease. I was talking to a friend about my goals and she said some celebrity from a Housewives show had to go to a Holistic Dentist in order to get rid of her Lyme Disease. Should I switch dentists?

Carolyn I.

Dear Carolyn,

A woman lying in a field of flowers

I think your friend is referring to Yolanda Hadid from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She’s been struggling with recovering from Lyme Disease. I understand many are finding it difficult. In order to take steps toward healing, one of the things she did is to remove everything from her body which could be considered a toxic substance. For Ms. Hadid, that included her breast implants and her silver amalgam fillings.

I haven’t seen the episode (or any episode) so I couldn’t tell you more about her specific case, but there have been a lot of similar questions as a result of her decision from dental patients around the world.

Why Remove Amalgam Fillings?

The first is why did she need to remove the fillings. You may or may not have been aware of the ingredients in old silver fillings, but the largest ingredient is mercury. We know mercury to be a toxic substance. I will say the American Dental Association (ADA) still considers amalgam fillings to be perfectly safe and quote studies to back them up.

Some patients and dentists take issue with those studies saying they only test the fillings in static situations and life isn’t like that. Others patients just don’t feel putting (or keeping) mercury in their mouth is worth the risk, especially if they start to leak or crack. As a result, more and more patients are opting to have them removed and replaced with white composite fillings which are mercury-free.

Do You Need a Holistic Dentist to Remove Amalgam Fillings?

The answer to that is yes and no. What you need is a dentist with the tools and knowledge of a Holistic Dentist who can do what is known as a sanitary amalgam removal. While most dentists will just drill out the filling and replace it, that leaves the patient at risk for swallowing mercury-laden pieces or inhaling the mercury vapors.

To prevent that, Dr. Dennis uses a rubber stopper dam and other equipment to isolate your tooth and keep you from swallowing or inhaling anything toxic. This helps protect you. Holistic dentists know how to do this and have the equipment.

However, not everyone has a holistic dentist in their area. If you find that to be an issue where you live, try looking for a mercury-free dentist. Many of them also know how to safely remove amalgam fillings. Be sure to ask what their procedure is, though. Don’t just assume because they only place white fillings, they know how to remove the older fillings correctly.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Susan Dennis.

Is It Safe to Remove Amalgam Fillings?

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I have three amalgam fillings. They’ve been bothering me. There’s nothing really wrong with them. It’s just that now that I know what’s actually in them I keep panicking that they’re poisoning me. I spoke to my dentist about it and he feels that I’m overreacting. He told me it’s actually more dangerous to remove them than to leave them be. I feel like I’ve got a time bomb in my mouth. What do I do? Is he right?

Sophie D.

Dear Sophie,

before and after mercury-free fillings

You’re not alone in your fear of amalgam fillings. Even when they were first used in the 1840s they knew for marketing purposes they’d need to call them silver fillings, even though they’re made mostly of mercury. As a known toxin, many patients are uncomfortable leaving them in their mouth, despite the American Dental Associations insistence they’re perfectly safe.

I’m glad you wrote. It sounds like your dentist doesn’t know how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. If he removed them, it would be unsafe. The fillings can release mercury vapors if not done properly. Those are equally, if not more, toxic.

If you’re seriously considering removing your silver/amalgam fillings, you’ll need to go to a mercury free dentist. They’ll use a stopper dam and other equipment in order to do a sanitary removal. These are safe and keep you from inhaling or ingesting any mercury.

Even if your fillings are fine now, they will age and eventually start leaking. It doesn’t hurt to remove them early.

Another option is for you to do a search for a holistic dentist. They’ll also be able to do a sanitary removal. They’ll replace your fillings with white/composite fillings. These have many advantages over their silver counterparts, including strengthening the tooth structure.

This blog is brought to you by Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis of Portage, MI.

Dental Work Allergies

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I have had a number of unexplained medical problems including joint pain, fatigue, and unexplained hives. My doctors ran a bunch of tests that told us nothing. Eventually, they said I’d feel better if I exercised more. I did that and while I lost some weight (yay!) it didn’t help with the other things. I went back and the doctors hinted it was in my head. I was frustrated and realized I was on my own. I starting doing a bunch of research. There’s a whole lot of conflicting information, but one thing which kept coming up is the dangers of certain dental material. Several of the articles suggested getting a Clifford’s test. It took me a bit to find a doctor who did the test but I finally did. It turns out I’m allergic to a lot of metals and other dental materials. I think I may finally have the answer I’ve been looking for but my dentist doesn’t “believe in” the Clifford’s test. He said it’s a scam. Yet, I saw the physical reaction. I’d like to at least test the theory. Is there a dentist who works with patients who have allergies such as mine? I have a lot of dental work. I’m thinking if I remove them and switch them for something I’m not allergic to I’ll know if it works or not.

Karen

Dear Karen,

Woman lying in a field of flowers

You want a holistic dentist

This has been quite a trial for you. It has been the experience of many that if doctors can’t figure out what’s going on after what they consider a reasonable effort, some of them will blame the patient or say it’s “in their head”. Fortunately, not all caregivers, both in the medical and dental field, are so prideful.

In your situation, I’d look for a holistic dentist. This isn’t a specialty. It’s more of a philosophy of treatment. They consider your whole body and not just your teeth. If you have a sensitivity to any material, they’ll work around it.

Finding an Holistic Dentist

Because there is not a recognized holistic dentistry specialty, it’s not always simple to find one. I’d start by just doing an internet search under one of these three terms:

There are additional benefits as well. You’ll be glad to know that, even though there are some differences as to how they flesh out their philosophy of treatment, all of them are mercury-free dentists. Additionally, they all know how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. So, when you get rid of your silver fillings in order to get them replaced with white composite fillings, you won’t have to fear any exposure to the mercury or mercury vapors. They know the correct procedure and will protect you from any toxins. This is especially important given your allergies.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Holistic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

When Should Silver Fillings Be Replaced?

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I have quite a few silver fillings. I keep hearing they need to be replaced at some point but don’t know when. My dentist says they don’t really need to be replaced, it’s just people panicking. Is that true?

Evie

Dear Evie,

before and after mercury-free fillings

Truthfully, you will get various answers depending on who you ask. There are people who think any silver fillings in your mouth is a risk. The reason they say that is the majority ingredient in amalgam (silver) fillings is mercury, a known toxin.

However, the American Dental Association (ADA) holds the position that these fillings are perfectly safe and within the limits of mercury release. So, they’d say leave them until they are damaged.

In between are a variety of opinions as well. Given all that, here’s what I will recommend. Get your fillings looked at for structural damage. If they’re cracked or leaking replace them. You don’t want to risk ingesting the mercury. Nor do you want your teeth at risk.

If they’re not, then I’d say it is up to you. If you can wear them and feel peaceful go ahead. If you’re going to be worried in the back of your mind about the mercury content replace them. Your energy can be better spent without unnecessary worry.

Replacing Amalgam Fillings

Not every dentist can safely remove amalgam fillings. Because of the mercury content, there’s a great risk of inhaling mercury vapors or swallowing some of the filling.

Because of that risk, there is a special procedure which requires unique equipment to protect a patient from the mercury. It’s called a sanitary amalgam removal. It’s imperative you go to a dentist already prepared and experienced with this.

With your current dentist’s view of silver fillings I don’t feel like he’ll be your best option. Instead, I’m going to recommend you look for either a mercury-free dentist or a holistic dentist to do this. Both will be prepared to safely replace your fillings. Though, you may find a holistic dentist takes additional precautions.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Should I Switch to a Holistic Dentist?

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I’m expecting my first child. We’ve been trying for several years so I’ve had loads of time to get things in order and do tons of reading. I’ve already met with my OB and went in for a dental checkup yesterday. I was fairly confident my dentist would understand the need for precautions during pregnancy but now am a little concerned.

He wanted to do x-rays and then told me I have decay under an amalgam filling and wants to replace it. He didn’t seem to consider radiation or mercury exposure to my child. Would I be better off switching to a holistic dentist?

Sarah

Dear Sarah,

pregnant woman at dentist
Should Pregnant Women Need a Holistic Dentist?

First things first. Congratulations on your baby. They are such a blessing. It’s also great that you’re doing your due diligence to keep your baby safe and healthy.

There are a few considerations here. First, your dentist should always check with your OB to make sure you are not in a high-risk category and get the okay for any procedures.

Regarding x-rays, as long as he is doing digital x-rays, that has been okay’d during normal pregnancies. There is not much radiation at all and you will be wearing a protective vest for both you and baby. If he’s using the older non-digital x-rays you’ll need to stay away from those.

As far as your amalgam filling and the decay beneath it. That needs some additional consideration. First, if there’s decay underneath the filling, that means you are harboring bacteria.

This could lead to a bacterial infection and gum disease, both of which will impact your baby and has been linked to low birth weight. You’ll want to get rid of the decay under the filling.

Safely Removing Amalgam Fillings

There is a way to remove defective amalgam fillings safely without you inhaling or swallowing any of the mercury or its vapors. It’s called a sanitary amalgam removal and requires special equipment.

In this case, you’d be better off with a holistic dentist. They are used to taking special care with the health of their patient’s bodies as well as their teeth. They’re also very practiced in this procedure.

It’s up to you whether you’d just want to switch to this dentist or just go to them for this filling replacement. One additional benefit is you won’t have to worry about them replacing your filling with another amalgam one. They will only use mercury-free composite (white) fillings.

Take a deep breath and enjoy these months of anticipation.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Holistic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Holistic Dentists?

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I want to have a composite filling instead of an amalgam one so I’m trying to find a holistic dentist on my list of insurance providers. They don’t seem to list them at all. Does that mean dental insurance won’t cover a holistic dentist? My dentist only does amalgam fillings and insists they’re safe.

Candace

Dear Candace,

amalgam filling compared to mercury-free filling

Holistic Dentists always place mercury-free fillings

The reason you are not finding Holistic Dentists listed in your insurance booklet is not because they aren’t covered by insurance. Instead, it is because that isn’t a recognized specialty. Holistic dentistry is a philosophy of care. Therefore they are general dentists.

The difference between them and other general dentists is they typically consider your whole body in your treatment and not just your teeth. This is why they are also known as natural dentists or biological dentists.

To find one, you’ll have to go through the list of general dentists your insurance works with and call their office or look at their website to see if they have a holistic philosophy. Or, you could go about it the other way by doing an internet search for a holistic dentist and see which of them are in your network.

If You Can’t Find a Holistic Dentist

If you go through your entire network of dental providers and none of them consider themselves a holistic dentist, don’t despair. These days there are many dentists who place white composite fillings. You can simply do a search for a mercury-free dentist and I bet you’ll find a whole bunch of them. At least one of them will be in your network.

If you ever decide you want to remove old amalgam fillings and replace them with composites, just make sure whatever dentist you go to knows how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. This way you won’t be at risk of swallowing any bits or inhaling any mercury vapors.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.