Holistic Dentist Archives - Kentucky Dental Group

Titanium Allergy

Posted on February 10, 2022 by writeradmin.

Can you help me? I have recently been diagnosed with a titanium allergy. I have had three crowns placed and have had a dull ache since then. Is it possible I have a titanium post and that is contributing to the dull ache? When my dentist looked at it he said everything looks fine. But, it doesn’t feel fine. I don’t know what to do?

Adina

Dear Adina,

I’m sorry about your titanium allergy. It is a rare allergy (<4%) and too many dentists just write off allergies and sensitivities altogether. Generally, a post is not placed in a crown unless you have had a root canal treatment. This is to help retain the build-up material that is used to retain the crown, sort of like beams and cement in a home. If these crowns are from a root canal treatment, I would start by asking your dentist what material your post was made from. There should be a record in your file listing what type of post was used.

It used to be that the posts were all pretty much stainless steel, but between 10-20% of people have an allergy to nickel, which is in stainless steel. Because of that, many dentists switched to using titanium posts because they are much more biocompatible.

If your post is made from titanium, then yes, that could be contributing to your dull ache. Other things for your dentist to look into are the occlusion of this crown and also whether your crown is made from any metal. If you find it hard to get your dentist to take this seriously then you can go to a holistic dentist. They are much more open to considering the whole body and not just the teeth.

One other thing. If you ever end up needing a tooth replacement and want to get a dental implant, there are now options to the titanium implants. Tell your dentist you want the zirconia implants. These are metal-free.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Dental Implants with a Metal Allergy

Posted on October 17, 2021 by writeradmin.

I am starting to get up there in years. Recently, I have lost a couple of back teeth. I live in terror of losing a front tooth. I don’t want to be one of those people who wears dentures. The problem I face is that I have some serious metal allergies. After some testing, it turns out I am allergic to nickel, cobalt, and tin. Is there any chance I could still have a dental implant? Do they make metal-free dental implants?

Chauncie

Dear Chauncie,

I am sorry about your recent tooth loss. That is always discouraging. I have good news for you. In fact, double good news for you. First, we’ll start with traditional dental implants. These are made from titanium. Not only was it not listed on your allergies, but it is one of the most bio-compatible metals around. It has been used for decades in prosthetics. Not just with dental implants, but also things like hip replacements. There is very little chance you would have any reaction to these. However, you could always get tested specifically for titanium just to be certain.

The second bit of good news is your second option. There are metal-free dental implants these days. Now, there is a zirconia option. This is very strong and will serve you well if you go that way. The only obstacle you may face is that not as many dentists offer this option. It is not because it is inferior, but more because we do not have as much data on its longevity. That is because they have not been around as long.

If you decide to go with the metal-free option, you may have to do some searching. I would start by looking for a holistic dentist. They are much more willing to work around patient’s allergies. Just be certain they also have post-doctoral training in dental implants. That is very importnat.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Dentist Wants to Wait for My Nerves to Settle Down to Help

Posted on September 30, 2021 by writeradmin.

I had three dental crowns placed and they have been irritating me ever since. They are pressing on my gums and feel bulky. I recently read that porcelain fused to metal crowns can cause problems. These are the type she placed for me. Plus, I really want to go metal-free. However, when I asked her to remove and replace them with zirconia crowns she said she needed to wait until my nerves have calmed down. Is this really necessary?

Candace

Dear Candance,

Your dentist is really struggling with her field. There is no reason to wait until your nerves calm down to resolve this. The pressing of the crowns on your gums is what is irritating the nerves. Waiting only prolongs that. Removing the crowns, relieves that. I don’t think the fact that your crown is a porcelain fused to metal crown is the actual problem here. When a crown is fitted properly, you do not notice it is there at all. It’s just like another tooth. What the metal base will do is cause the crown to be more opaque, which lessens its natural look. Additionally, at some point down the line, you will develop an ugly gray line at your gumline. So, switching them out is a good idea.

If this is a front tooth, all-porcelain or zirconia crowns will work. If it is a back tooth, you will really need the zirconia for it to be strong enough to withstand your biting forces. It may be the zirconia that frightens her. This is a newer type of material to work with than she may be used to. My suggestion is go to another dentist to get this done. If you are wanting to go metal-free, I’d look for a holistic dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Is the Palladium in my Dental Crown Toxic?

Posted on June 9, 2021 by writeradmin.

My dentist fit me with three dental crowns. I later found out that they are Encore crowns which are 40% palladium. I was surprised to hear that. Given that palladium is toxic, would I be wise to remove these crowns and get zirconia instead, which is much more inert?

Cassie

Dear Cassie,

I was surprised by your comment about palladium. As someone who practices holistic dentistry, Dr. Weaver strives to keep abreast of issues like this. It is frustrating that so many dentists blow off the comcept of metal sensitivities because it is a real issue. However, we need to make sure our information is current and accurate.

After doing some research as a result of your question, I’ve found two main sources that people are quoting they received the information. The first is a Hollywood movie. The second is a natural news site. Let’s start with the movie. In Iron Man 2, Tony Stark has an arc reactor in his chest that has a palladium core. In the movie, the paladium is poisoning his blood. This is not a real world experience. Palladium is a noble metal, part of the platinum family, and highly biocompatible.

Now for the natural news source. They wrote that palladium is a highly toxic heavy metal. This is actually false. It is a light, precious metal. For the life of me I cannot figure out where they are getting their information. I did notice they have a link where readers can request a hair analysis for the low price of $325.00. That does give a motivation for the misinformation. I hate to think of how many people are being swindled by them.

I don’t see any reason to change your dental crowns. However, if you do want to, zirconia is metal-free and a great choice. Honestly, though, I think switching is a waste of your money.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Dentist Insists on Titanium Implants

Posted on May 5, 2021 by writeradmin.

I want to get dental implants but I would like the zirconia ones. It is important to me that I don’t put metal in my body. However, my dentist says the titanium ones are better. Is that true?

Monica

Dear Monica,

There is a growing availability of metal free dental care.

I would not say that the titanium are better. It is more that they have been around longer and therefore we have more data on their longevity and potential side effects. There are some dentists that prefer to stick with what they know. You will be able to find a dentist who offers the zirconia. I would do an internet search for either a metal free dentist or a holistic dentist. Either one of them will be willing to give you zirconia implants.

The important thing will be that you find a dentist who has dental implant training. It won’t matter which kind you have if the procedure fails. You’ll want to be certain they have some post-doctoral training in placing implants.

I am not trying to sway you either way with which implants to use, but I wanted to clear a couple of things up that I hope will put your mind at ease. The first is about metal and your body. Our body naturally has metal in it. One major example is the iron you find in our blood. In fact, that is so important that is you don’t have enough iron, it can cause serious negative health effects, including heart failure.

As for titanium, it is one of the most biocompatible metals there are. We’ve been using it for decades for prosthetics. Not just dental implants, but things like hip replacements. It is very rare for someone to have a reaction to titanium.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

A Pulp Cap to Avoid a Root Canal Treatment

Posted on November 27, 2020 by writeradmin.

While trying to deal with a cavity, some pulp was exposed. We decided to do a pulp cap to try and avoid a root canal treatment. The cavity wasn’t completely removed. The area of exposure was lined with calcium hydroxide then a glass ionomer was placed on top of the cavity. Then, they placed an amalgam filling. Here are my questions:
1. Is there a way to know that the procedure is successful and I don’t need a root canal treatment?
2. Are there symptoms I should look out for if not?

Thank you for your help.
Miranda

Dear Miranda,

Usually, if a pulp cap was going to fail, you would know it right away. However, the way yours was done, leaves me with some concerns. I’ll start by describing the right way to do it. When done correctly, they have a high probability of success. You’ll notice the differences.

The Correct Pulp Cap Procedure

The first step is to make certain that all the decay is completely removed. Decay contains massive bacteria. Tooth infections occur when that bacteria gets into the pulp of the tooth. If this decay continues to grow, it will infect the pulp. This is especially true when the filling is an amalgam filling.

Second, while most of the materials used were good, such as the calcium hydroxide and the glass ionomer, the amalgam filling was a bad idea. The ideal filling would have been to use composite filling material. This is because composite fillings, which are bonded directly to the tooth, actually seal the area. This prevents micronutrients and bacteria from getting in and around the tooth. That helps to prevent further decay and infection. Amalgam fillings leave the tooth vulnerable.

My advice would be, unless there are signs of infection (such as pain and/or fever), to give it a year and then have your dentist do an x-ray to see if the tooth is healty. If it is not, then you should go ahead and get the root canal treatment. When you do, you can either replace the filling or get a dental crown. If you do replace the dental filling, make sure you replace it with a composite filling this time.

Safely Removing Amalgam Fillings

It is important when you have amalgam fillings that you remove them safely. The main ingredient in amalgam fillings is actually mercury, a known toxin. Removing them incorrectly can actually expose you to more mercury than is safe for you. There is a sanitary amalgam removal. Not all dentists know how to do it. If you want it done correctly, you either need to visit a mercury-free dentist or a holistic dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

White Fillings for Children

Posted on October 7, 2020 by writeradmin.

My son needs a filling. I don’t want a silver filling in his mouth because of the mercury content. But, my pediatric dentist said that children can’t have them. I don’t really believe him because I know other children that have had the white fillings. Why would he lie?

Caitlyn

Dear Caitlyn,

Many general dentists will see entire families

It may not be that he lied, as much as he has trouble doing composite fillings on children. While it can be done, it is a tad more difficult with children. This is because composite fillings have to stay completely dry during the process. With children, who like to wiggle and move their tongues, that can seem impossible. But, like I said earlier, it can be done.

Don’t push your current pediatric dentist into doing it. This procedure is a totally different method than is used for the amalgam (silver) fillings. If he’s hesitating, he’s not ready. Instead, I would go to a general dentist who enjoys treating children. Ideally, you’d want one who considers themselves a mercury-free dentist or even a holistic dentist. Both of them will be very experienced with composite fillings. In fact, it will be all they place.

General dentists are still qualified to work with children. They all do a pediatric rotation and have the skills necessary. They just didn’t want to only treat children. However, not all dentists who are willing to work with children actually enjoy working with children. You want a dentist who enjoys them because that will create a more positive experience for your child.

So how do you know which dentists actually LIKE children? One good hint is the age at which they are willing to begin treating them. If they’re willing to work with toddlers, they enjoy children. If they want to wait until your child is around seven or eight years old, I’d look for someone else.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Metal-Free Crowns

Posted on August 22, 2020 by writeradmin.

I am someone who prefers natural medicine. I particularly try to avoid both metal and lithium because of thyroid issues I struggle with. At the moment, I need a dental crown but my dentist said the all-porcelain ones aren’t strong enough for my back teeth. I’m having trouble finding information on other options and he seems to think I’m a bit of a Kook for being worried about how my dental work will affect my thyroid. Do you have any advice for me? There has to be something. I’m not the only person with thyroid problems.

Miranda

Dear Miranda,

There is a growting availability of metal free dental care.

The first thing I am going to say is that you are not with the right dentist for your desired type of dental and health care. You will be better served with a natural or holistic dentist. This isn’t a specialty. Rather, it is a philosophy of treatment where the dentist considers the patient’s whole body and not just their teeth. They are much more willing to work with patients in your situation.

Getting a Metal Free Crown

While your dentist is correct that all-porcelain crowns aren’t strong enough for the biting forces we deal with on our back teeth, the good news is you do have an alternative. Given your particular desires, I recommend you get a zirconia crown. Zirconia is so strong, it has been dubbed ceramic steel. It will hold up on your back teeth.

If your crown were on your front teeth, ether an all-porcelain crown or a zirconia crown will work. Another difference with front teeth is the need to whiten your teeth first. The color on the crown is permanent once it is made. If you are pleased with the color of your teeth and don’t plan on changing it, then you are good to go. However, if you are even considering teeth whitening, then it is more affordable to get it done before you have your crown made. If you wait, which is totally up to you, it will mean redoing the crown after you whiten your teeth. Whitening before means your crown can be made the permanent color you want.

The key here is for you to find a dentist who shares your philosophy. This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Can a Holistic Dentist Heal Cavities?

Posted on May 15, 2020 by writeradmin.

Just before COVID-19 started, by regular dentist, who is not a holistic dentist, diagnosed a small cavity. I asked if it was possible to try to heal it since I’ve heard that’s possible when they’re small. He totally dismissed me and got an attitude, telling me that I was eventually going to lose the tooth if I didn’t get it taken care of. Well, now I can’t even go into the office and get it done because this is apparently not an emergency but I’m thinking about revisiting my idea that maybe I could be using my time to try to heal the cavity since I really can’t do anything else with it right now anyway. Is there a chance a holistic dentist could help with this? Or is there maybe something I could be trying at home in the meantime?

Thanks,

Greg

Dear Greg,

Decay in an opportunity preditor. If a tooth is healthy it won’t set in. Instead, it looks for weak spots. If a tooth is in that demineralized stage, it is still possible to mineralize the tooth. At this point in dental care, we aren’t able to regrow enamel on teeth with decay. Though, ongoing research is promising.

A Holistic Dentist Can’t Heal a Cavity, but…

As long as you don’t have a dental emergency, there is no harm in trying to remineralize the tooth. This is not a guarantee, but it is better than doing nothing.

The first thing I’d suggest is to make sure you are brushing after every meal. I know that most people only brush twice a day, but that extra cleaning and fluoride will help your body use the decay fighting minerals in your saliva more efficiently. Use a fluoridated toothpaste. It would be okay to call your dentist and ask if some additional supplements will help as well. If your dentist doesn’t want to bother and just wants to wait until the decay advances, you can call a holistic dentist in your area and see if they are willing to be more proactive.

Secondly, be careful of your diet. Make sure you are only drinking water throughout your day. Other drinks contain acids and sugars that can eat away at your enamel. The healthier you eat, the better chance you have of fighting the decay as well.

Don’t Wait if Infection Develops

Monitor the tooth. If it starts hurting or showing signs of infection, such as a pimple on your gums, treatment shouldn’t be delayed. Tooth infections are considered dental emergencies. You will be able to be seen even during the COVID-19 quarantine.

Don’t put that off. Dental infections can spread. Your jaw is close to your heart, lungs, and brain. Delaying treatment can turn a dental infection into a life-threatening one.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Metal Fillings and Immune Systems

Posted on April 30, 2020 by writeradmin.

Like everyone else, I’m sure, I’m looking for ways to boost my immune system. I’m in my late 60s and am worried that, if I catch coronavirus, it could be quite serious for me. I’ve never had any issues with them, but I do have a number of metal fillings done up decades ago. I’ve read that they can sometimes impact the immune system though. I’m wondering if maybe I should see a holistic dentist about having mine replaced just as an added precaution. If so, how should I go about making the arrangements?

Thank you,

Bethany

Dear Bethany,

As you’re probably well aware, the American Dental Association (ADA) stands by the safety of amalgam fillings, and their research is backed up by a number of organizations. However, there is some experimental and clinical data that suggest that certain susceptible groups of people may indeed experience systemic adverse immunological reactions when amalgam fillings are introduced into the body. Additional studies noted “small transient effects” in children roughly 5-7 days after teeth were restored with amalgam fillings as well.

Though, everyone’s body is different and responds in a variety of ways to materials and even treatments. It is always a good idea to evaluate what you introduce into your body. That’s especially true for those who are already immuno-compromised.

Composite is the Choice Material Now Regardless

The reality is, many offices don’t use amalgam at all anymore, and it’s not only over worries of health concerns. The white fillings, known as composites, bond directly to the tooth. Amalgam fillings don’t. The dentist has to create a retention notch to ensure they stay in place. That in mind, composites are simply more conservative and preserve more of the natural tooth structure. They’re also more aesthetically pleasing. The latter tends to be why people request to have their old amalgam fillings removed rather than to boost their immune systems, but in any case, it’s a common request.

A Holistic Dentist Can Help You

One thing which will be a concern is the removal process. Amalgam fillings contain a high amount of mercury in them. While the ADA insists they’re safe and they very well can be, the removal process needs to be done in a way that prevents you from inhaling any mercury or mercury vapors.

Holistic dentists know this procedure, called a sanitary amalgam removal. Despite what the studies show about the safety of amalgam fillings, many patients have reported feeling better after having them removed. As long as you go to a dentist who is able to use this protective procedure, I’d say go for it.

This blog is sponsored by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.