Multiple Allergies to Dental Materials
Posted by writeradmin
Several years ago I had a root canal treatment. When the dentist did it, a file was broken in the tooth that neither he nor and endodontist was ever able to get out. I haven’t felt right since then. I also suffer from multiple allergies to metals and dental material. Some examples of my allergies are formaldehyde, dental bonding cement, chromium, cobalt, titanium, and quite a few chemicals. I’m looking for a dentist familiar with type IV metal allergies to help me extract this tooth, culture it to type the infection, and replace it with something that works around my allergies. Can you advise me?
Amelia
Dear Amelia,
You are in a tough situation. In fact, you are the only person I know of that has a sensitivity to titanium. That is one of the most biocompatible metals there are. I don’t think you’ll find a dentist who is familiar with type IV metal allergies. Instead, I would look for a dentist who is willing to work with patients with metal and chemical sensitivities.
You would have the most success with a holistic dentist. There is not problem with removing the tooth that had the root canal treatment. However, I would make sure that you replace the tooth. Otherwise, the adjacent teeth will shift or tip into the open space. That will throw off your bite and could lead to TMJ Disorder.
The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. Normally, a titanium implant will be placed. However, given your allergy, I am going to recommend that you get a zirconia implant. These are metal-free.
While you are welcome to culture the infection, I don’t think that will be necessary. Once the tooth is removed, the infection will come with it so it will not need treatment. Though, of course, you can still have it typed out of curiosity.
This blog is brought to you by Birmingham, AL Dentist Dr. Thomas Dudney.
