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Archives for August 2018

Metal Allergy but Dentist Won’t Remove Metal Fillings

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As an adult, I’ve developed a metal allergy. I had some health problems and ended up being sent to an allergist. He determined my metal allergies, several of which are in my amalgam fillings. I asked my dentist to remove and replace them, but he insists it’s too dangerous. Yet, I’m pretty sure it’s more dangerous to leave in what I’m allergic too. What do I do?

Laurie

Dear Laurie,

Two side by side pictures. One with mercury filled amalgam fillings and one with mercury free composite fillings

My guess is your dentist doesn’t understand how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. If that’s the case, then yes, it would be dangerous for him to remove and replace your fillings. It’s fortunate he’s honest with you about his limitations instead of just doing what you want and putting you in danger.

I don’t know if he is unaware or just didn’t want you going elsewhere, but it is possible for you to safely get these removed with a different dentist who does know the proper procedure. With sanitary amalgam removal you’d be perfectly safe. So, how do you go about finding the right dentist?

The easiest way is to look for a mercury-free dentist. They work exclusively with white composite fillings. They should also be used to people wanting to switch out their fillings and be prepared to take the proper precautions.

Considerations When Switching to Mercury-free Fillings

While the most important consideration is what we discussed above, there is also a cosmetic issue. If you’ve ever considered getting your teeth whitened and your current fillings are visible, you’ll want to whiten your teeth before replacing them.

You’ll love the fact that your new composite fillings can be made to match your tooth color, once they’re bonded on the color cannot be changed. YOu’ll want it to match your new lovely white color.

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

Can’t Sleep Because of My Husband’s Snoring. Help!

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I haven’t slept in weeks. I’m pregnant, which already makes sleeping a challenge for me. For some reason, my husband’s snoring seems worse. Once I wake up from the baby, I can’t get back to sleep with his rumbling through the night. I asked my doc and he said a dentist can stop snoring. Please tell me how you do this magic?

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Woman covering her ears trying to block out her husband snoring

A dentist can stop snoring

You didn’t know dentists were snoring wizards? Fortunately for you, we are! Snoring is often caused by a mild form of sleep apnea. This is a condition where the muscles in the back of your husband’s throat relax as he starts to fall asleep. They partially block his breathing passage which leads to the rattling sound which snorers make.

He’s likely not even aware he does it, with the possible exceptions of when he gets your elbow to his ribs out of frustration. For some patients, it’s even worse and their air passages are blocked completely leading to obstructive sleep apnea. This causes him to stop breathing. If you’ve seen your husband startle himself awake and then go straight back to sleep, this may be something he struggles with.

What Can Your Dentist Do about Snoring?

In the past, treatment for sleep apnea and snoring has been to use a CPAP machine, but most patients hate them. Not only are they bulky, but they can be about as loud as the snoring, but instead of the sound of sawing logs, it sounds like you’re sleeping with Darth Vader.

Fortunately, there’s a better solution that works with many patients. A simple orthotic device will reposition his throat in a way the clears his breathing passage, giving both of you a better night’s sleep.

Sometimes a sleep study is required, but you can usually get your medical insurance to pay for that.

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

Our office follows all of the infection-control guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the dental setting, including updates for combatting the spread of the coronavirus. We are confident that you are safe with us.