I need serious help. A file broke during a root canal. Shortly afterward, I developed eczema and started developing mysterious pains in my joints and muscles. I didn’t know what to do. I finally went and had some allergy tests run and a Clifford’s test. I already knew I was allergic to dental cement, but now I find out I’m terribly allergic to many chemicals and metals. I tried getting the file out with an endodontist, but the only thing I got out of that visit was a serious infection. I’ve tried calling around to dentists to see who’d work around my allergies. I can find some willing to only give me white fillings, but none that will take my allergies seriously. Can you help me figure out what to do?
Joyce B.
Hi Joyce,
You’re in a very difficult situation. I’m very sorry. It probably hasn’t helped you that the Clifford’s test is still considered controversial with many dentists who refuse to think outside the dental school box.
I want to assure you there are dentists who are willing to work around your allergies, but you may have to travel a bit to get to them. You didn’t mention where you were from, but I can give you some idea of what term to use in your search.
Use the term “holistic dentist“. They’ll take your allergies seriously and find ways to work around them. They think more in terms of the health of your whole body and not just your teeth. You will find there are more mercury-free dentists than holistic dentists. Several dentists are both, but will only necessarily put mercury-free on their website. So, it doesn’t hurt to call those as well and ask.
Have they completely dealt with your infection? If an infection gets into the pulp of your tooth a dentist has to go in there and get it out physically. If all they gave you is an antibiotic, it will return and spread. I don’t want this to turn into a dental emergency or a life-threatening emergency if it spreads too far.
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