gold fillings  can cause more temerature sensitivity than amalgam.  generally is the case  described, they have big fillings and get them drilled.  then, gold can make it end up causing sensitivity.  i am dealing with a patient right now who's wife went to a biologic dentist and got an onlay and has been back 4 times and still if it causing problems.  most dentists prefer to not use onlays/inlays for many reasons.  gold would have to be assessed by the dentist to see if he thinks hot and cold will be a problem.  generally they don't like to chance it.  composites can be either more biocompatible or less than gold or porcelain, it all depends on the brand.  some people are allergic to gold, so a biocompatibilty report is recommended.  but the type of fillings are determined by size forst, and then the other factors are considered.

Porcelain fillings and composite fillings, as an example, are like talking apples and oranges in their actual hands on applications in dentistry. Many people do not understand the actual mechanics of dentistry and have not seen it first hand, for years like Dentists and those who work in the field. Until one spends a lot of time in practical settings, it is difficult to decipher. People read things on the internet written by dentists and companies and such and tend to take them as gospel. Or, maybe they went to one dentist and had some work and base everything on that one experience. So be cautious.

The reason is...because when you get wrong information in your head, then you go to the Dentist with it, he is not going to be happy if you insist on him going against what he believes to do, and sometimes they will just get rid of you as a patient. Many Biologic Dentists are not in business for the passion of biologic dentistry, but for the money. So, you have to be careful which one you pick, but you also have to careful not to be a problem patient. And, I will be very very honest with you, Dentists (all Dentists) generally like better the least informed patients. That should not deter you, because as long as you pick a good one, you'll be ok.

The best approach is to learn as much as you want, then go to the Dentist and see if he is in line with what you are looking for. If he is not, explain why and find another Dentist. It doesn't hurt to get opinions from 2 or 3. If you tell them, be prepared because some Dentists have big egos, and can really get offended if you want a second opinion. If you sense a Dentist is arrogant or does not have good bedside manner, do not let him work on you, because most times, you are going to regret it and it can turn into a big mess with a lot of stress, and probably dental work you are not happy with, as well.

I often get asked how to get x-rays from Dentists without them knowing you want to take them to another Dentist. You could just get new ones taken, but people are radiation conscious nowadays.  Well, you could go to a dr and tell then you want a panoramic done. Mine wrote down jaw pain (my root canals hurt my jaw) and my insurance paid it, but it was only $80 anyway. A doctor who you get along with should have no problem ordering you the panoramic x-ray. They send you to the hospital to get it. Them you can have a copy released to you every time to hand carry to the Dentist. That way, you come with your x-ray and leave with it and the Dentist's don't think too much of it, usually. Do not let the doctors or hosptials fool you, you can sign a release form and hand carry your x-ray to your Dentist. That is one way of doing it, anyway.

There really is no preparation for amalgam removal, in reality. Did dentists prepare you when they put the fillings in? There are many crazy ideas out there. One of the biggest misnomers is that you have to well before you get mercury out. Many many people are sold lots of concoctions to prepare them for mercury removal. I have had people call me, upset and feeling very ill, asking how long they had to wait and take all they are taking, some would be on supplements for 6 months. Huggins always had people start with certain chelators two weeks before removal and many Dentists followed suit. But, some people can get very sick doing that, so I don't recommend it. The least you do, the better, generally. The bottom line is..don't stress; It's just a dental appointment, not so unlike all the ones you have been to before.

Most everything is going to be left up to the Dentist and you don't need to worry too much, but that is why you have to pick a good one. Pick a Biologic Dentist who follows the Huggins' Protocol for removal and uses the Rita machine, does not do root canals, and does cavitations. They should have a certificate in NICO. They are very hard to find and generally are expensive in the US. That is why many come here to Mexico.

Do not take any vitamin C at least a day before your appointment. It makes the anesthetic work for only 10 minutes and you end up getting tons of shots. I would buy chelation supplements beforehand so you can begin them right away after removal. Buy some activated charcoal at any drug store or vitamin store and take two 500mg capsules 20 minutes before your dental work begins. If you are doing I.V. Conscious Sedation (which I recommend if there is much work), they should tell you no food or drink after a certain hour the night before, except small sips of water.

You will have many on CureZone who would dispute all this because of what they have read or personally did. So, you have to decide on your own who to go with. I've spent hundreds of hours in the dental office listening and learning; sent hundreds of patients to the Dentist; consulted with thousands of people by phone, in person, and by email over the last few years. But, it is up to you to decide which info to use. My mother always told me you cannot make everyone happy.

Torrie