Dentists

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Exams:

If expensive work is recommended:

• Consider getting a second opinion

Fillings:

If fillings are recommended:

• Ask about fusible ceramic or other bio-compatible material
  Mercury or silver fillings might cause multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological problems
  Don’t have mercury or silver fillings removed without precautions against inhaling dust, e.g., dam, vacuum exhaust

Finding a dentist:

• Ask prospective dentists:
  • If they use dams
  • Types of anesthesia they use
  • Types of fillings available, e.g., fusible ceramic or other bio-compatible material
    Mercury or silver fillings might cause multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological problems

Visiting a dentist:

Before dentist starts working on your teeth:

• Ask for a bite block (jaw relaxer)
• Ask for cream on lips
• Ask for throat pack to keep from swallowing small pieces
• Offer to hold suction, tongue depressor,
• Ask lots of questions (e.g., about treatment options)
• Don’t have mercury or silver fillings removed without precautions against inhaling dust, e.g., dam, vacuum exhaust

During:

• As dentist starts to enter your mouth, keep your lips away from your teeth ‚Ä¢ to avoid getting your lips pinched by dentist’s fingers, etc.
• Breathe through nose

After dentist works on your teeth:

• Ask if there are any foods you should avoid and for how long

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