Re: Mercury, Amalgams, and breastfeeding.....

Bluduck,

Yes, I admit my profession has taken a down-turn in professionalism, and needs an ethics rejuvenation. However, you will find that we are not all hell-bent on making money and really try to do a good job and help people. I am very leery of the dentists that you sensationalize. (Holistic and amalgam-free.) I do tooth-colored fillings.........in front and back teeth. But I give the patient a CHOICE, and let them make their OWN decision. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are more expensive, plain and simply because they are more technique sensitive, and the costs are higher to the dentist. Where I live, people are not wealthy. Some can not afford composites on posterior teeth. Many of my patients are on welfare and many have insurance. I try to keep my prices affordable to my patients. Crowns (the same crowns you get from your dentist) are $495.00 in my office, just so you can see I am not money hungry. Yet, I have all the latest technology......electronic anesthesia, televisions in my ceiling, intraoral cameras, etc., etc. It is exactly the point you make (most dentists are money hungry) that makes me advocate Amalgam fillings. They give my patients an affordable option. Some day I may be proven totally wrong and research may show Amalgams are poisonous. But to this date, there is no credible(reproducable) evidence that states such a case. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence, but, as in a court of law, anecdotal evidence is not permitable. Yes, I know Mr. Huggins. He is an alum from my dental school. He had his license revoked because of unethical practices. Not by the ADA,.....the ADA does not have that power. It was revoked by the state that issued it to him. Why doesn't he just apply for another license in another state? My point is not to argue. As I said, I will do whatever the patient chooses. My point is that I truly hate to see my patients get ripped off. I have had patients with ailments similar to the ones posted on this board have all their Amalgams removed. To this date, I have not had even ONE successfully have their ailments healed. How is this explained? One even went to Huggins while he still practiced in Colorado. I AM a dentist that cares. That is why I respond to this message board.

Sincerely,

A concerned dentist Tweet