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Archives for October 2018

Dentist Said I’m Panicking Over Mercury

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I don’t want mercury in my mouth. I’ve been adamant with my dentist about this. He, however, insists he’s been using amalgam fillings for decades and has never had a problem. While that may be true (at least as far as he knows), I don’t want the mercury in my body. Is there any information you can give me to convince him to let me have the white fillings?

Cassie

Dear Cassie,

Truthfully, I don’t think you’ll get anywhere with this dentist. He’s one of the old-school dentists who feels because he’s always done it that way, it’s good enough. Plus, he has the American Dental Association (ADA) saying that amalgam fillings are perfectly safe, justifying his desire not to leave his comfort zone.

However, even if you could convince him, you wouldn’t want him to be the one to place your composite fillings. These require a different technique than their silver predecessor. If he doesn’t know the proper technique you’ll end up with a faulty filling.

Pressing a dentist into a procedure they don’t really know how to do will not work out well. Often, they’ll be too embarrassed to admit you’re asking for something they don’t know how to do. Instead, they’ll try to muddle through, pretending they know what they’re doing. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. Depending on the procedure, the patient may not even realize the problem was the dentist’s technique (or lack thereof).

You Need a Mercury-free Dentist

If you want mercury-free fillings, which is quite reasonable, your best option is to switch to a mercury-free dentist. They will only place white, composite fillings.

Another advantage is they will know how to do a sanitary amalgam removal. I don’t know if you currently have any silver fillings, but you can’t just remove and replace them. Without using the proper procedure, you will end up inhaling mercury vapors and/or swallowing bits of mercury during the removal process. Using special procedures, you’ll be safe from those issues.

You should know if you ever have to get a filling on a visible part of your tooth, the white composite fillings can be made to blend in with your tooth color perfectly. However, once it’s made, it can’t be changed. If you want to whiten your teeth, do so before the filling is made. That way it will match the whiter color.

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

Children and Dental Anxiety

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My son has always gone to my dental office and done fine. He’s only just needed cleanings and they’re pretty easy. This last appointment, however, the dentist told him he had a cavity and needed a filling. He was going to do it right then but my son freaked out when he pulled out the needle. I was taken completely by surprise because he’s 9 and I thought he’d be more mature than that. He seems to be afraid of the shot. The dentist just let it go and didn’t work on his cavity. Is there a way to help a child with dental anxiety?

Catherine.

Dear Catherine,

Boy smiling holding toothbrush

Helping Children with Dental Anxietiy takes an Understanding Dentist

It sounds like your dentist is not that experienced with children. I don’t know any pediatric dentist who’d just pull out a needle without preparing a child ahead of time. It’s not uncommon for children to be afraid of the dentist when it comes to shots and cavities.

See if your dentist offers some type of dental sedation. I’d start with the lowest form of sedation which is nitrous oxide. It’s sometimes called laughing gas. It’s just a nose piece that will be placed on him and allow him to breathe in the gas. It will relax him. Most children just fall asleep. Then once the procedure is done, they simply turn up the oxygen and he’s good to go.

Pediatric or General Dentist

He doesn’t necessarily have to see a pediatric specialist. There are plenty of general dentists who enjoy treating children and are good at working with them. If you’re happy with your current dentist, that’s fine. But, if he has trouble relating to children, it may be in your son’s best interest to switch.

General dentists do learn about pediatric dental care and are qualified to treat children. If there was ever an issue which came up requiring a specialist they can just give you a referral.

Don’t put off getting his cavity filled. These things can blow up on him quickly and turn into a tooth infection. Then you’ll need an emergency dental appointment. That will only add to his anxiety.

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