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Archives for January 2015

Dentist won’t take out my silver fillings

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I recently learned that silver fillings are mostly made of mercury. I told my dentist that I wanted to remove them and replace them with those white fillings, but my dentist said no. He said the hype about the mercury is overblown and the silver fillings are perfectly safe. Shouldn’t I have the say over what I put in my body?

Eva M. – New York

Eva,

Yes, it is your body and if you don’t want mercury in it, you shouldn’t have to have mercury in it.  However, I don’t think there is anything you can say that will change your dentist’s mind, especially since the ADA says that amalgam fillings are safe.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it.  There are mercury free dentists who will happily do a removal of your fillings.  You’ll want to make sure they do a sanitary removal.

Just do a google search for mercury free dentists and give some of them a call. Explain what you’re wanting. They’ll let you know their policy.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Will a dentist call the police if i’m high?

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I’ve had an accident and have knocked a tooth loose. I know I need to see an emergency dentist, but I’m kind of high. If I go in, will the dentist turn me in?

Bud B.

Bud,

Dentists tend to follow doctor/patient confidentiality. However, when it comes to breaking the law a dentist may feel differently.

If you came into an office high, the dentist will likely overlook it. However, if you were to do something that would put the general public in danger, say like driving, they’ll be responsible to call the authorities.

My suggestion is you get in to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. You don’t want to mess with your teeth going loose. Be sure you make arrangements for someone to drive you or you can take a cab.

Be sure to tell the dentist everything you’ve taken. I know that may be a bit embarassing, but you want to make sure that they don’t give you anything that will have a bad reaction with whatever drug you’ve consummed.

It’s great you’re taking responsibility and keeping up with your teeth, even during potentially awkward circumstances.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.