# I'm so goddamn tired of dental problems. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 10, 2014, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365 "2014-03-10T17:42:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/81 "2014-03-13T19:03:16Z")
Sorry to hijack the hijack back to me complaining about my rusty junkyard of a mouth, but it turns out the crack I heard in my mouth was indeed a crack that bisected one tooth and even went into the next one somehow. It’s like the old metal filling was forced down and split the tooth, much like an axe splitting a log. It must have been weakening for years, I was just eating some chicken and maybe rice and veggies, nothing hard, when it finally went. So this morning I had a couple crowns done, which went well. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/82 "2014-03-13T21:06:20Z")
How do you make a crack that goes through two teeth? That is jaw-dropping bad luck, **Retvim**. Damn. Since you got two crowns, I’m assuming the crack went across the teeth. Glad you didn’t have to get a root canal. They’re no fun and a live tooth is better than a dead one. Hope this is your last dental adventure. At least for a few years. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2014, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/83 "2014-03-14T00:55:33Z")
Still not out of the woods, one or both might still need a root canal. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2014, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/84 "2014-03-14T17:28:39Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > The ADA still fully SUPPORTS MERCURY FILLINGS and denies ANY danger or possible damage from them. > > A lot of fuckhead Dentists STILL USE THEM, including for children. > > [http://www.ada.org/2468.aspx](http://www.ada.org/2468.aspx) > > Drilling out enough tooth to use a Civil war method permanently weakens a tooth. > > Which the ADA denies. I wonder if believing in conspiracy theories is a sign of amalgam-induced mercury poisoning? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/85 "2014-03-14T22:10:46Z")
Probably. You mix that mercury with the fluoride in the water, and BAM - instant conspiracy theorist! ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2014, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/86 "2014-03-17T19:14:23Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > Still not out of the woods, one or both might still need a root canal. You have my sympathy. Those are never fun and seldom cheap. ---
**Author:** ![LibrarySpy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f9ae1b/32.png) [@LibrarySpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LibrarySpy)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2014, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/87 "2014-03-17T21:04:08Z")
People are still going on about that video? I did prep work for dental school courses that taught that video, and it’s very, very thorough debunking, over ten years ago. The Andrew Wakefield of it’s day. And that day is long past. Science, bitches. Still not immune to trolls, sadly. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2014, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/88 "2014-03-17T21:27:31Z")
> [@LibrarySpy](#): > > The Andrew Wakefield of it’s day. The “magic smoke” bit reminded me a lot of “Loose Change”. Truthers are immune to facts. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2014, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/89 "2014-03-19T17:27:06Z")
> [@LibrarySpy](#): > > People are still going on about that video? Not really, more modern video using mercury detectors are more effective at showing the actual amounts of mercury vapor released from mercury fillings. > [@LibrarySpy](#): > > I did prep work for dental school courses that taught that video, and it’s very, very thorough debunking, over ten years ago. The “debunkings” were in fact pseudo-science at best, denial at worst. The claims of “it’s just water vapor” gave way to “oh it’s just a small amount” many years ago. Now the tactic is to [deny small amounts of mercury are harmful](http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4036), something the coal industry loves, since that is their argument for not having to worry about the mercury coming out of coal smokestacks. Like I said, no amount of scientific evidence will ever convince the deniers who claim mercury fillings are harmless. The mercury is of course quite harmful to the rest of the world, not just the poor idiot with a mouthful of the stuff. > **[Dental Tribune US - Latest dental news, webinars and events](https://www.dental-tribune.com)** > > Stay up to date with daily dental news, webinars as well as market and product information. Dental Tribune US is your go-to source for insights into the latest developments in dentistry. > [@](#): > > mercury released from natural deterioration of amalgam fillings in people’s mouths, from cremation and burial, and from residual emissions into urban wastewater treatment plants That in this day and age, that anyone would still believe mercury is a harmless substance, and that filling people’s teeth with a mixture of it is a good thing, it’s not just ignorance. Just as looking at the science and not seeing what is right there, it’s more than ignorance. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/90 "2014-03-20T01:48:45Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > That in this day and age, that anyone would still believe mercury is a harmless substance, and that filling people’s teeth with a mixture of it is a good thing, it’s not just ignorance. > > Just as looking at the science and not seeing what is right there, it’s more than ignorance. [Dart Vader] The straw is strong with this one… [DV] ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2014, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/91 "2014-03-20T01:50:06Z")
> [@LibrarySpy](#): > > People are still going on about that video? > > I did prep work for dental school courses that taught that video, and it’s very, very thorough debunking, over ten years ago. The Andrew Wakefield of it’s day. And that day is long past. > > Science, bitches. > > Still not immune to trolls, sadly. > [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > The “magic smoke” bit reminded me a lot of “Loose Change”. > > Truthers are immune to facts. QFT. Indeed. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/92 "2014-03-22T09:43:16Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > Sorry to hijack the hijack back to me complaining about my rusty junkyard of a mouth, but it turns out the crack I heard in my mouth was indeed a crack that bisected one tooth and even went into the next one somehow. > > It’s like the old metal filling was forced down and split the tooth, much like an axe splitting a log. It must have been weakening for years … That’s not a hijack, that’s exactly the kind of thing that happens to millions of people, due to the nature of mercury based fillings. The metal doesn’t bond to the tooth, so they have to drill out this huge space to press the metal into, which weakens the tooth. It’s a recipe for disaster later, and of course, a lot of money from a crown. Modern materials and methods (which many Dentists are not trained in) only require a small amount of drilling to remove the actual decay, which always starts off as a small area, and a small amount of material bonded to the tooth. This does not weaken the entire tooth, and is a far better way of stopping decay, with out weakening the tooth itself. Even if mercury was 100% safe, which it it certainly is not, it’s a TERRIBLE WAY TO TREAT TOOTH DECAY, due to the damage caused by removing so much material, in order to be able to use a metal filling. This isn’t some secret, and dentists are certainly divided on the matter, with old school dentists in absolute denial that there Civil war era methods are in any way harmful. It’s quite amazing that in this modern world anyone would still defend an outdated and harmful way to fill cavities, but there it is. Ignorance, it’s harmful, but really hard to stop. ---
**Author:** ![rsat3acr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@rsat3acr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsat3acr)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/93 "2014-03-22T14:05:25Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > That’s not a hijack, that’s exactly the kind of thing that happens to millions of people, due to the nature of mercury based fillings. The metal doesn’t bond to the tooth, so they have to drill out this huge space to press the metal into, which weakens the tooth. It’s a recipe for disaster later, and of course, a lot of money from a crown. > > Modern materials and methods (which many Dentists are not trained in) only require a small amount of drilling to remove the actual decay, which always starts off as a small area, and a small amount of material bonded to the tooth. > > This does not weaken the entire tooth, and is a far better way of stopping decay, with out weakening the tooth itself. > > Even if mercury was 100% safe, which it it certainly is not, it’s a TERRIBLE WAY TO TREAT TOOTH DECAY, due to the damage caused by removing so much material, in order to be able to use a metal filling. > > This isn’t some secret, and dentists are certainly divided on the matter, with old school dentists in absolute denial that there Civil war era methods are in any way harmful. > > It’s quite amazing that in this modern world anyone would still defend an outdated and harmful way to fill cavities, but there it is. > > Ignorance, it’s harmful, but really hard to stop. except for the fact that for both amalgam and resin base fillings we remove only the tooth structure needed. Also the resin based composits need to be absolutely dry to bond. When the decay is subgingival the fill doesn’t bond and one gets leakage and recurrent decay. Neither type of filling material is perfect and there are lots of variables when dealing with humans but I will say that in doing dentistry for 28 years Amalgam lasts longer for sugbgingival decay. Do I have controled studies, nope just lots of observations. For supragingival decay they are about equal. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/94 "2014-03-22T14:16:26Z")
The absolute lack of evidence based studies (because mercury fillings were “grandfathered” in), as well as the complete lack of any plans to do any studies, is a clear sign of ignorance. Even if mercury based fillings were “better”, in that they lasted longer, there is abundant evidence they are FUCKING DANGEROUS, and not just to the poor idiot with a mouth full of them. The goddamn coal industry must love the dental lobby that has convinced legislators that “a tiny bit of mercury is just fucking fine don’t worry about it”. Because that is exactly what the coal lobby says as well. And of course there is no study on the amount of material removed to use a metal filling. But dentists know. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/95 "2014-03-22T14:39:50Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > The absolute lack of evidence based studies (because mercury fillings were “grandfathered” in), as well as the complete lack of any plans to do any studies, is a clear sign of ignorance. > > Even if mercury based fillings were “better”, in that they lasted longer, there is abundant evidence they are FUCKING DANGEROUS, and not just to the poor idiot with a mouth full of them. > > The goddamn coal industry must love the dental lobby that has convinced legislators that “a tiny bit of mercury is just fucking fine don’t worry about it”. Because that is exactly what the coal lobby says as well. > > And of course there is no study on the amount of material removed to use a metal filling. But dentists know. More alarmist pap from FX. > **[Mercury vapor release from dental amalgam in patients with symptoms allegedly...](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8653498/?dopt=Abstract)** > > The aim of this study was to determine whether a group of patients with symptoms, self-related to their amalgam restorations, experienced an exposure to mercury vapor from their amalgam restorations that reached the range at which subtle symptoms... > [@](#): > > Abstract > > The aim of this study was to determine whether a group of patients with symptoms, self-related to their amalgam restorations, experienced an exposure to mercury vapor from their amalgam restorations that reached the range at which subtle symptoms have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, the aim was to determine whether the mercury exposure for these patients was significantly higher than for controls with no reported health complaints. The symptom group consisted of 10 consecutively selected patients from a larger group, referred by their physicians for investigation into any correlation between subjective symptoms and amalgam restorations. The control group consisted of 8 persons with no reported health complaints. The intra-oral release of mercury vapor was measured between 7:45 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at intervals of 30-45 min, following a standardized schedule. The mercury levels in plasma, erythrocytes, and urine were also determined. The calculated daily uptake of inhaled mercury vapor, released from the amalgam restorations, was less than 5% of the daily uptake calculated at the lower concentration range given by the WHO (1991), at which subtle symptoms have been found in particularly sensitive individuals. The symptom group had neither a higher estimated daily uptake of inhaled mercury vapor, nor a higher mercury concentration in blood and urine than in the control group. The study provides no scientific support for the belief that the symptoms of the patients examined originated from an enhanced mercury release from their amalgam restorations. > **[Clinical study of oral galvanism: no evidence of toxic mercury exposure but...](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8362203/?dopt=Abstract)** > > A total of 142 women and 76 men with self-diagnosed oral galvanism who were referred from dentists and medical doctors for clinical evaluation during the last 2 yr are described from the perspective of general medicine. No case of clinically... > [@](#): > > Clinical study of oral galvanism: no evidence of toxic mercury exposure but anxiety disorder an important background factor. > Herrström P1, Högstedt B. > > Abstract > > A total of 142 women and 76 men with self-diagnosed oral galvanism who were referred from dentists and medical doctors for clinical evaluation during the last 2 yr are described from the perspective of general medicine. No case of clinically suspected mercury intoxication was found. Mean concentration of mercury in whole blood (B-Hg) was 17.3 nmol/l, and no value exceeded 50 nmol/l. Amalgam burden and B-Hg were not associated with clinical signs or symptoms except for a significantly lower mean value of B-Hg in patients with psychologic main symptoms than in those without (mean 15.4 vs. 18.1 nmol/l). It was possible to make one or several diagnoses in all 218 cases as reasonable alternatives to the concept of oral galvanism. Mental disorder was the main diagnosis in 93 cases (42.7%), including 41 cases of generalized anxiety disorder and 12 cases of panic disorder. A total of 87 patients (40%) did not work because of medical reasons or unemployment. Amalgam removal was recommended in a total of 65 cases (29%), mainly on psychologic indications, but in 22 cases because of oral conditions. The clinical conditions behind the concept of oral galvanism seem to be explicable in terms of general medicine, and no generalized toxic effect of amalgam fillings need be suspected. [http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171094.htm](http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171094.htm) > [@](#): > > FDA has reviewed the best available scientific evidence to determine whether the low levels of mercury vapor associated with dental amalgam fillings are a cause for concern. Based on this evidence, FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. The amount of mercury measured in the bodies of people with dental amalgam fillings is well below levels associated with adverse health effects. Even in adults and children ages 6 and above who have fifteen or more amalgam surfaces, mercury exposure due to dental amalgam fillings has been found to be far below the lowest levels associated with harm. Clinical studies in adults and children ages 6 and above have also found no link between dental amalgam fillings and health problems. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/96 "2014-03-22T14:46:32Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > And of course there is no study on the amount of material removed to use a metal filling. But dentists know. I see you are conveniently ignoring everything **rsat3acr** says on the subject, despite the fact he is a dentist and you are not. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/97 "2014-03-22T15:08:55Z")
> [@rsat3acr](#): > > … but I will say that in doing dentistry for 28 years Amalgam lasts longer for sugbgingival decay. … If you are actually a Dentist, then describe the regulations and procedures you are required to follow when using mercury, or removing it. No, don’t link to some web page, tell us what you actually have to do when preparing and using mercury in your office. and how you dispose of the mercury not used, or removed. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/98 "2014-03-22T15:09:59Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I see you are conveniently ignoring everything **rsat3acr** says on the subject, despite the fact he is a dentist and you are not. I see no evidence yet to support his claim of being a dentist. However, if it’s true, then we have a real discussion going on. SCIENCES! ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/99 "2014-03-22T15:11:45Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > I see no evidence yet to support his claim of being a dentist. However, if it’s true, then we have a real discussion going on. > > SCIENCES! He’s posted in many dental related threads previous to this one. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2014, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365/100 "2014-03-22T15:17:04Z")
Cool, then there should be no problem with explaining what is required by law when he uses mercury. I can hardly wait. To see how he avoids answering an actual question, which is completely related to the issue of using mercury ion medicine. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-so-goddamn-tired-of-dental-problems/683365.md?page=6)