interior office

Allergies to Dental Materials

Posted on by .

I have taken some tests for allergies and sensitivities, including the TILT test. I know I have allergies to dental cement, formaldehyde, cobalt, chromium, titanium, and many chemicals. I’m having trouble getting a dentist to work around my allergies. Plus, I have an additional problem. Several years ago, I had a root canal treatment where the file was broken. The endodontist tried to get it from the top, but ended up having to go in from underneath and cutting. It felt wrong ever since then. I went to see a dentist, who said I have an infection. I just want to have it pulled at this point, then get it cultured to find out what type of infection it is so I can get the right antibiotic. However, I need a dental who is familiar with Type IV metal allergies. Do you know of anyone with that type of experience that can help me?

Erica

Dear Erica,

a loose aloe plant held in a woman's hands

You are in a tough position. In fact, you are the first titanium allergy I’ve ever heard of. I don’t think you’ll actually need someone with expertise in Type IV metal allergies. What you will need is a dentist willing to work around your allergies. Often patients who’ve had what are known as Clifford tests will come in with a list of things they were either allergic or sensitive to. Many dentists won’t pay attention to this and find the tests controversial. However, there are some dentists that are more likely to take you seriously and work with you around those limitations. I would call around to a holistic dentists.

Once that tooth is pulled, you will want to replace it. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. Given your sensitivity to titanium, you will need a dentist who is willing to provide you with a zirconia implant.

This blog is brought to you by Parma Ridge Dentist Dr. Rebecca Gecovich.

Are Implants Better than Bridges?

Posted on by .

My dentist is insisting on me getting a dental implant to replace one tooth. I don’t like the idea of surgery and prefer to have a bridge. Are dental implants really that much better than a dental bridge?

Mark

Dear Mark,

While dental implants are the top of the line treatment for a missing tooth, dental bridges are a very acceptable alternative. In some cases, it may actually make more sense. Here’s one example:

A Dental Bridge

Illustration of a dental bridge A dental bridge will suspend a false tooth between two dental crowns. If it happens that the adjacent teeth need some work on them anyway, then it actually could make more sense to get a bridge unless money is not an issue for you. There are downsides. If one part of the bridge breaks, the whole unit will need to be replaced. It won’t preserve the jawbone directly beneath the tooth you lost. However, if that’s your only missing tooth it’s not as big a deal as if you’d lost several teeth. Lastly, while they are bonded on, they’re not quite as secure as a dental implant.

A Dental Implant

diagram of a dental implantAs you can see from the diagram to the left, a dental implant surgically places a prosthetic root into your jawbone and then, after the bone reforms around the implant, a porcelain crown will be placed on top. There are distinct advantages to this. It’s the most secure replacement and it will preserve your jawbone. If your adjacent teeth are healthy, you won’t have to grind down any healthy tooth structure. It’s always a positive to keep as much of your healthy teeth as possible.

Finding the Right Dentist for You

I’m not a big believer in dentists insisting on a certain procedure. In fact, their job is to give you all your options and their recommendation. The rest should be up to you. However, there are some dentists who feel they know better, therefore the patient should just trust them and move on.

There’s a problem with that. Not everyone is working under the same budget. Plus, there can be other mitigating factors. Surgery requires a much longer healing time and some time off work. What if that’s not possible for you? What if you’re someone with a condition which makes surgery a little riskier than for others? Or, what if you just plain don’t want surgery? As it is your body, it should be up to you.

If your dentist is unwilling to work with you, I’m sure you can find one who is.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Rebecca Gecovich.

Menu
Phone
New Patient

Existing Patient