Mercury is so toxic to human beings that most colleges and universities as well as hospitals and other institutions have removed the old glass thermometers even though they have the masks, gloves and equipment to clean up a broken one. Given that, I had some concerns back in 2005 when I was having some dental work on a filling that contained mercury - also known as an amalgam filling. In the process of researching a dentist that would use the proper care and caution in removing the mercury containing dental filling, I became aware of dental compatibility testing. I was very interested because I had a very ill child at the time and I simply could not afford to get sick - from anything.
I had the testing done in short order. I really had no expectations on the testing because I did not know anyone who had used this type of testing. I was pleased to get the report - all 32 pages of it, but I did not have enough real knowledge to know if this was a worthwhile venture. Just to share with you, the dental compatibility testing cover things like...
*Serum Compatibility Reactivity Levels
*Metals Reactivity
*Etching Materials
*Glass Ionomers
*Composites
*Indirect (Laboratory) Composites
*Liners, Bases & Varnishes
*Bonding Agents
*Precious Crowns and Bridges
*Porcelain and Ceramics
*Porcelain without Aluminum Tested
*Non-Precious Metal Crowns and Bridges
*Non-Metallic Crowns and Bridges
*Impression Materials
*Temporary Materials
*Cements
*Root Canal Materials
*Implant Materials
*Denture Base Materials
*Denture Teeth
*Denture Liner, Repair, Adhesive
*Denture Alloys
Each of the above categories was divided into highly reactive, moderately reactive or least reactive. I was wondering if this dental testing would prove to be worthwhile, and I didn't have to wait long. On my first dental appointment with the new dentist, he indicated that he would have used a "highly reactive" material in my upcoming dental work if it were not for the report. He used the report to find a material that was in the "least reactive" category to replace the materials that he would have used. It was definitely worthwhile in my case.
One company that I used is now called BIOCOMP LABORATORIES, INC. Their website is: www.shslab.com/ Be forewared if you live in New York State, you'll have to go to anther state for this testing and get a lab slip that the blood draw! Don't forget the lab slip that proves that you had the blood drawn in a non-New York state lab or your test may not be processed. With my daughter's serious health issues, this testing provides solid scientific evidence for the dentist to help him pick the least reactive materials. While she had not had to have any involved dental work other than cleanings, I am at least prepared. I know one other parent who had similar dental testing done and found it worthwhile. The total cost for the last testing I had done for one of my children was $275.00 for a 59 page report. I'd consider this an investment in preventive medicine.
Love,
Lisa
I wish there was more information about stuff like this publicly available - my daughter and I struggle with both gluten sensitivities and allergies, and sometimes it's so hard to get answers. She was getting terrible sores in her mouth and it took me a while to realize that just the small amount of toothpaste we were using - which our old dentist had recommended - was the problem. Our new dentist says we should use natural toothpaste (he uses Dr. Nate's Naturals, which is GF, SLS-free, fluoride free) but he was the first dentist we'd ever seen who had even made the connection for me.
Posted by: Sarah Gay | February 13, 2012 at 08:34 PM