Amalgam Fillings

[missprim]

I have 4 amalgam fillings in my back teeth and I would really like the teeth not just the fillings taken out but my NHS dentist won't do it.

The teeth and fillings are very old and there is more filling than tooth which are all coming away from my gums due to gum shrinkage.

They give me a lot of toothache as well as being unsightly but my dentist will not expose himself to mercury poisoning so I wondered if there is some other way of getting these teeth taken out.

Thanks.

[HowardKennitby]

Can you not go to another dentist?

[albaqwerty]

If not another dentist, then a dental hospital maybe?

It's your mouth and your pain. I will not type what I think about your dentist.

[Old_Geezer]

A dentist that can not cope with mercury fillings don't sound much of a dentist to me.

[missprim]

My dentist is only young, probably not been qualified for long and I suppose with all the new guidelines they get he is just doing what he thinks is right.
Don't know about you, but when I'm in the reclined dentist chair I feel at such a disadvantage and unable to feel confident about what I would really like.
I don't really want to change dentist though as it took me ages to find this one.
When I go to see him on Wednesday I might approach him about it again and ask if perhaps another dentist in the practice might do it.
The problem is and the reason I asked is because I don't know whether we can make these choices ourselves.

[gingejbee]

Are you sure it's about the mercury amalgam? Modern dentists really don't like removing teeth that are doing a job, of sorts.

[missprim]

I understand that dentist don't like taking out teeth that they consider to be ok but what about the cosmetic side of it?
They will fit veneers and implants etc but won't take out teeth that I consider to be past their sell by date :-)

[woofgang]

You cant get implants on the NHS, not sure about veneers.

[Rodge2]

Change your dentist (as quickly as possible).

[joko]

some dentists are not equipped to remove that much amalgam and you need to see the dental hospital who have proper facilties...

it is also you that is in some danger...4 teeths worth may be a bit too much for one person to deal with ...the vapour etc that removal and drilling would cause... mercury does not dissippate from the body so once there, it is there until you have treatment ot remove it...

[missprim]

Thanks for your replies.
I would be willing to pay to have them removed but don't know the procedure.
Can you just phone up any dentist and ask if he will take your teeth out or phone the dental hospital or do you have to be referred?

[Rodge2]

You can remove heavy metals from your body by using 'Z natural' or 'crystal energy' drops. They most definitely work - I have tried them.

[vivandorron]

I think you need to consult the senior member of the practice. If then you are still unhappy with the position, you may feel it is worthwhile making an official complaint. :-

http://www.nhs.uk/chq...=74&SubCategoryID=742

A dentist, be it NHS or Private, cannot allow a patient to be suffering pain, as you obviously are.

Ron.

[vivandorron]

Another thought is that your GP can refer you to the Dentistry Department of your local NHS Hospital. Might be worthwhile having a word with your Doctor.

Ron.

[missprim]

Thanks for all your advice x

[murraymints]

I have only in the last few days had 3 very old amalgam fillings replaced with white ones..the suggestion of dentist and it was nhs...

[missprim]

That's interesting murraymints did the dentist say why he was removing them?

[J9PUR]

Hi Missprim

I am unsure as to the reason that your dentist will not extract any these teeth. I am assuming that he must think that it is not cinically justified, rather than "my dentist will not expose himself to mercury poisoning". There is no scientific basis for this whatsoever, and extraction of teeth containg amalgam restorations is a routine procedure for all GDP's, not something that needs a referral. If the teeth are causing symptoms, then your dentist should offer another form of treatment if he does not think extraction neccessary. You are quite entitled to get another opinion, either from within the same practice or without. I would discuss the matter with him again on Wednesday.

[missprim]

Thanks for that J9PUR

[horselady]

My dentist is reluctant to extract 3 teeth because he says it could break my jaw! :-(