I have not seen this topic mentioned lately, so I'd like to encourage everyone who has not been to the dentist in the last year to make an appointment soon. I realize this is not pleasant, but toothaches post 1/1/2000 could be disastrous. Fortunately for my husband, a broken tooth initiated a series of visits which have resulted in two root canals and several fillings. I don't want to even imagine the pain he might have been in with no chance of getting relief.

-- Mary (SWEEP6@prodigy.net), November 08, 1999

Answers

Tell me about it!!! I awakened at 3am with what I assume is an abcessed tooth and face all swollen. Put myself on some Excedrin and some antibiotics that I had and will be sitting in dentist's parking lot when she opens this morning. Think I will ask her if and what she has that is computerized. I am sure her pliers are compliant.!!

-- Taz (Taz@aol.com), November 08, 1999.

Going in on Thurs. to try to have a wisdom tooth pulled (giant cavity & partial impaction too), hopefully preventing an abscess to boot.

Got your dental maintenance kit? Get 'em at Wal-Mart.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), November 08, 1999.

Tried this once, but message never showed up. Oh well...

I'm heading in on Thursday to see if I can get a wisdom tooth pulled. It's partially impacted and has a BIG cavity - wouldn't want an abscess!

Got your dental repair kit yet? Pick one up at Wal-Mart for around $5.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), November 08, 1999.

My brother is a dentist. I had a crown come off about a month ago and since he lives about five hours away, he suggested that I go to Wal- mart and get that kit. I think it was less than five dollars. I put the crown back on. Its not as good as the dentists chair, but it should get you by in a pinch.

-- rc white (cw5410@netscape.net), November 08, 1999.

Are you kidding? Most dentists around here are always jammed with appointments for check-ups. If I called today, even being a regular patient, I wouldn't be able to get an appointment until about April. Since I turned up with diabetes, I'm supposed to have a check-up every three months--my last one was late August. The next available appointment was mid-January because they were "booked solid" for December." I'm going to give it another week or two, then call to see if I can be put on a waiting list for filling a cancelled appointment.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), November 08, 1999.

The hubby and I have teeth cleanings and check-ups early December. Will have to drag him there of course, but because he is GI I think this year he reall will go! Also have repair kits bought long ago. Got whiskey and pair of pliers to pull old teeth?

-- Debi (LongTimeLurker@shy.com), November 08, 1999.

And don't forget to get an eye examine. I bought an extra pair of glasses because I can't even hear good when I don't have my glasses on. LOL

-- April (Alwzapril@home.com), November 08, 1999.

MARY: Not to alarm you, but this book should also be read regarding anyone who has had mercury amalgams fitted/drilled out/worn out: IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD by Dr. Hal A. Huggins, D.D.S, M.S. The softcover ISBN is 0-89529-550-4. It is dated 1993, and clearly documents the problems many people have had AFTER they have had mercury amalgam fillings installed for the first time, or replaced.

The most interesting question to ask yourself is this:Why, if amalgam is so harmless INSIDE people's mouths 24 hours a day, where it is exposed to erosion, WHY is this supposed harmless compound required to be treated as HAZARDOUS WASTE BY THE FDA WHEN IT IS REMOVED FROM THE PATIENT?

I don't want to alarm you, just that this might make for some good reading, and be part of a Y2K first-aid kit BEFOREHAND.

BTW, I can guarantee that after all that drilling, a Hg-vapour sniffer would go off-scale in the mouth. The book actually suggests high doses of VITAMIN C (several grams/day for several weeks)after the dental to chelate out the heavy metals(nickel, tin, mercury, copper)out of the body. Check it out!

-- profit of doom (doom@helltopay.ca), November 08, 1999.

Profit,

I am a dentist, and I can't let your statements sit without response.

Yes, amalgam has mercury.

Yes, after a few years it isn't in there anymore.

Yes, mercury is bad for you.

BUT,

The scare-mongering in the early 90s served to generate business. Amalgams have been used for 150 years! To suggest that they are the cause of untold human suffering is simply not true. If you have 'em, don't worry about it.

I would not have an amalgam in my mouth by choice today., ( There are situations that you don't have a viable alternative.) because the tooth colored ones are prettier.

What you do NOT KNOW is that YOU CAN'T FIND OUT WHAT IS IN THE NEW FILLINGS. I know there is formaldehyde for one, the rest is locked in trade secret legislation. Even I can't get it.

The devil you know or the devil you don't...

To all, yes by all means, see your dentist and get everything repaired or replaced, NOW.

As an aside, polygrip is an excellent temporary cement.

Regards,

Will

-- Will Huett (willhuett@usa.net), November 08, 1999.