mercury-free dentist Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

A Partial Denture Allergy Is Causing Mouth and Tongue Sores

Posted on February 29, 2024 by AllSmiles.

After getting top and bottom partial dentures in August 2023, I developed sores in my mouth and on my tongue. My dentist referred me to multiple specialists before I decided to get allergic testing. I am allergic to nickel and have a list of other metal allergens. Could the allergic reaction make me feel physically sick? I feel better when I remove the partials after getting home from work, but worse during the day. Thanks. Kelli from Montgomery, AL

Kelli,

Since you experienced some relief at night when removing the partials, it’s clear your body was reacting to exposure to the allergenic metals.

Metal Allergies and Removable Partial Dentures

The number of cases where people tell us their dentist is unaware of metal allergies is alarming. Allergies and sensitivities are fundamental and essential aspects of dentistry. Yes, you can become physically sick from constant exposure to metals you are allergic to. Your sickness may be related to your metal allergies and the recent placement of removable partial dentures.

Case Study: Allergic Reaction to Mercury Fillings

One dentist had a rare case of a woman with a confirmed allergy to mercury. Due to her allergy, the dentist removed all the patient’s amalgam fillings, replacing them with composites. After the first appointment, she developed a rash and breathing difficulties due to exposure to amalgam dust. The dentist took precautions to avoid further exposure during subsequent appointments. After replacing her amalgam fillings with composites, the patient reported that her arthritis had disappeared. Her dentist was confident that her arthritis was related to her constant exposure to the metal allergen.

Nickel Allergies and Removable Partial Dentures

Consider a few facts about nickel allergies and removable partial dentures:

Many removable partial dentures are made from a nickel-free alloy called Vitallium.
Some less expensive alloys contain nickel or other metals that can cause reactions.
Around 10% of women and 1% of men test positive for nickel allergies. “Are you allergic or sensitive to any metals?” should be a standard question on every dentist’s medical history form, particularly if they use non-precious metals in their restorations.

A metal-free Valplast partial denture

Dentists should inquire about metal sensitivities before treatment. A growing number of dentists exclusively provide mercury-free and metal-free restorations, eliminating the need to ask about metal allergies. Others are willing to provide alternatives to restorations that contain metal or mercury.

You can consult a cosmetic dentist willing to use metal-free materials for a partial denture.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Would Teeth Stains from Silver Fillings Show Through White Ones?

Posted on March 27, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have three silver fillings starting with my upper left lateral incisor and back. The fillings are old, and I want them replaced with composite. My dentist told me that the silver fillings may have stained my teeth, and the stains might show if I replaced them with white fillings. I don’t understand this and have not heard of it before. Can silver fillings stain teeth? If so, can a dentist remove the stains before placing white fillings? Maybe my dentist doesn’t want to do white fillings. Thanks for your help. Vivian

Vivian,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie. We understand your concerns about the appearance of your teeth after removing amalgam fillings.

Do Silver Teeth Fillings Stain Your Teeth?

Amalgam (silver) fillings can discolor your teeth as they age, but the discoloration is usually insignificant. Still, a 2009 Journal of Dentistry report on the effects of amalgam on dentin (the layer beneath tooth enamel) published findings after reviewing articles on amalgam removal, including the following:

Darkly discolored dentin may be present beneath amalgam restoration
The dentin contains amalgam corrosion products
The dark dentin is demineralized

When a dentist replaces an amalgam filling with composite, it strengthens your tooth and improves its appearance. A cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth and smile are attractive.

How Do Silver and Amalgam Fillings Compare?

Placing composite fillings on back teeth is very different than using amalgam. The process takes more time and more skill. According to the American Dental Association, it is easier for a dentist to place amalgam fillings than tooth-colored fillings. A dentist must isolate the tooth with a cavity and keep it perfectly dry to ensure the composite adheres to your tooth.

If your dentist is uncomfortable placing the composite fillings, we suggest finding a mercury-free cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training and experience with composite fillings. If you insist on a treatment your dentist is uncomfortable with, you may not get natural-looking results or fillings that last.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how he strives to offer patients the best dental care in Metairie.

Dentist’s Needle Hit a Nerve, and I’m Scared to Get Fillings

Posted on December 22, 2022 by AllSmiles.

A dentist’s needle hit a nerve in August 2020, and I have not seen a dentist since then. I need fillings in three lower left molar teeth in bad shape. Although I need to switch dentists, I keep putting it off. The toothaches are getting worse. I know that my fear has not helped my situation. Is there anything I can do to psych myself out for another shot at the dentist? I know that not every dentist hits a nerve with a needle, but I was anxious about going to the dentist before that incident. What do you suggest? Thank you. Antonio

Hi, Antonio,

Thank you for your question. Dental anxieties and phobias affect millions of people. When a dentist’s needle hits a nerve, it can increase your anxiety. A dentist must examine your teeth and take x-rays to determine whether fillings or root canal treatment is appropriate.

How Can You Avoid the Pain of a Dentist’s Needle?

Close-up of a man's smile portraying painless dentistry after a dentist's needle hit a nerve

Look for a gentle dentist for a painless experience

You can avoid the pain of a dentist’s needle by looking for a gentle dentist who caters to anxious or fearful patients. They enjoy seeing nervous patients and putting them at ease. The dentist can increase your comfort with methods like these:

Offer sedation to help you relax before treatment
Numb your gums around your teeth before injecting a local anesthetic
Offer distractions, such as headphones with music, an overhead TV, or a cozy blanket while removing decay and filling your teeth with composite or performing root canal treatment

You can enjoy a comfortable, painless experience without feeling sensations from the dentist’s needle.

How Can You Find a Pain-Free Dentist?

You can find a pain-free dentist by asking friends or family members for recommendations. Otherwise, look online for dentists who cater to patients with dental anxiety. We suggest an approach like this:

Choose two or three dentists based on recommendations, online reviews, and each dentist’s credentials.
Schedule a consultation with each dentist.
Discuss your concerns and ask questions.
Decide if you like the dentist, the staff, and the office environment.
Choose a dentist who can give you productive, painless treatment.

Best wishes for a smooth and comfortable dental visit.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Titanium or Zirconia Dental Implants

Posted on July 31, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have a titanium dental implant but recently read that there is evidence metal, including mercury, in dental work can cause neurological problems. I’m about to get a new dental implant and I am trying to find a dentist willing to give me zirconia type. It’s proving to be a tad difficult to find one. My question though is when I do find one should I also replace the old implant?

Olivia

Dear Olivia,

I’m not sure where you read that metal in your body can cause neurological ill effects. Do you happen to have the link to the article? I would be surprised if it was from a medical journal. If you think about it your body naturally has metals in it that are necessary for your survival. One example is the iron in your blood. When someone is low on iron it has massive repercussions and they have to take supplements to stay healthy.

That being said, if you really want metal-free implants you will be able to find a dentist willing to provide them. The main reason why most dentists still prefer standard titanium implants is simply a matter of data. We have been using dental implants for decades now and have a lot of research and results on the safety and longevity of the procedure.

The zirconia implants haven’t been around as long. As a result, we don’t have any long term studies on them to show how they hold up over the years. It may turn out they are just as stable with an equally long or maybe even longer lifespan. We just have to wait until they’ve been around long enough to know.

Should You Exchange Your Dental Implants?

While there isn’t a problem with getting your new implant from a different material. I can’t recommend switching out your current dental implant. It is too much of a risk. First, when you remove your dental implant, it will take bone structure with it. That bone is necessary to keep the implant secure. Without it, you will experience dental implant failure.

In order to replace your current dental implant, you will now have to build back up the bone in your jaw. In order to do that, you will need an additional surgical procedure known as bone grafting. If that is successful, then you will again have dental implant surgery. Both the bone grafting and the implant could fail. If you have a successful dental implant now, I can’t think of a good reason to risk it.

It is your choice, of course. I just wanted to make sure you understood the risks.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. We are a mercury-free dental office.

Is it safe to remove amalgam fillings?

Posted on September 7, 2015 by smiles4u.

I have old silver fillings from a long time ago that I want to have removed and replaced with white ones instead. One dentist told me it was safer to keep the silver ones, as more mercury can be released during the removal process. Is this true? — Marcia

Marcia,
There are some who are concerned that silver fillings due in fact release mercury gas, with the potential to cause health hazards over time. Since mercury is a toxic substance that can cause many health issues, it’s important that old amalgam fillings (which can contain more than 50% mercury) be removed in a safe manner.

Mercury from your old fillings can be released into your body several different ways (i.e. chewing, brushing or teeth grinding). However, the most dangerous way it can be released is through removal; especially if it’s not done in a specific manner. Traditional dentists remove amalgams regularly with little regard to mercury vapor exposure.

Seeking out a specific “mercury-free dentist” places you in the care of someone specifically trained to safely remove old amalgams, minimizing the effect of mercury exposure. They will likely have all the necessary equipment and tools to do the job safely. Currently, the ADA recognizes mercury containing amalgams as acceptable filling material. With that being said, many dentists will use it regularly, as well as advise not to remove them unless there is decay or cracks. As a patient, it’s important to do your own research about the hazards of mercury-based fillings, and look to a mercury-free dentist that can replace them.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.