I was having a lot of problems with my health and after years of tests with no answers, I finally gave up on doctors and went to have special allergy testing done. It turns out I’m allergic to many metals and even some dental materials. The list includes I know I have allergies to dental cement, formaldehyde, cobalt, nickel, chromium, titanium, and many chemicals. How will I find a dentist who specializes in patients with these type of allergies?
Karyn
Dear Karyn,
You have been through a great deal. I know how frustrating it can be when you can’t get to the bottom of why you don’t feel well. You’ve really hung in there with great perseverance. While you won’t find a dentist who understands those specific types of allergies, I do have a solution for you.
What you need is a dentist who is willing to be creative and work around your dental allergies and metal sensitivities. You can often find this if you look for what is known as a biological dentist or holistic dentist. They work with your body and will be more willing to adapt the procedures you need to your body’s limitations.
Sanitary Amalgam Removal
Given your multiple allergies, one thing you may want to consider is removing any amalgam (silver) fillings. However, you’ll want the holistic dentist to do this. There is a special procedure, known as a sanitary amalgam removal, which will protect you from inhaling any of the mercury during the removal process. Then, your dentist can replace those with mercury-free composite fillings.
Titanium Allergies
Titanium is a rare allergy. The one area that could affect you in dental care is if you ever have to replace a tooth. Dental implants are the best tooth-replacement option. Most dentists use the traditional titanium dental implants. However, given you are allergic to them, you will instead need to find a dentist who will use the zirconia implants. These are strong enough, but they have been in use for less time so not all dentists are using them yet. Look for a metal-free dentist in that case. Hopefully, you’ll never have to replace a tooth, but if it happens I wanted you aware of your options.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.
