Still Looking for a Dentist to Respect My Allergies and Reactions

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I have a lot of autoimmune issues going on, in addition to allergies. Joint pain is a big concern for me, and I notice that it worsens when I am exposed to certain chemicals. I went to a different state to get some thorough testing done and found out everything I am allergic to or have a chemical sensitivity to. I have cleaned my house from top to bottom and removed everything I reasonably could that is a trigger for my symptoms.

Now I am trying to address environmental issues and anything else that could affect me. Last night I looked at my schedule and saw that my 6-month dental checkup is due in late October. My dentist isn’t into the natural thing, so I am wondering about any dental treatment, the materials used in my mouth, and what kind of reaction it might be causing. I am not really interested in trying my dentist out again to figure out how I react and what I am reacting to. I am just going to start fresh and find a dentist who maybe is more up on treating patients with chemical sensitivities or allergies. I am not sure what I am looking for, but I did notice your site and the page for holistic dentistry. Is this a common specialty so that I could find a holistic dentist, maybe within 20 miles or so of my home? I have started searching already and didn’t get good results. I am becoming anxious about getting the care I need and wonder how if I can ever relax again at a dental appointment. Thanks. Reagan from NJ

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Sedation dentistry creates relaxing experiences

Reagan – Holistic dentistry is not an official specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. There are dentists who avoid metal materials or who use biocompatible dental materials.

Do an Internet search for “holistic dentist” or “biological dentist” to find one in your area who will look for ways to give you dental treatment to which you are least sensitive. Some dentists recommend allergy testing to help identify your sensitivities.

Please do not be discouraged if you cannot find a holistic dentist within 20 miles of your residence. You may find a nearby dentist who is willing to work with you and, as much as possible, avoid materials that cause a reaction. Be patient with your search. You can also consider scheduling consultations with a few dentists who seem agreeable to treating you. Find out what each dentist will do to ensure your requests are respected to the extent possible. If your anxiety level escalates, ask the dentist about sedation options.

 Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Do zirconia crowns cause a dry tongue?

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I think I need to switch to a holistic dentist. After I received three new zirconia crowns in July, my tongue is dry, my throat burns, and my voice is hoarse. I think I am allergic to the crowns, but my dentist says that zirconia crowns don’t cause a reaction. He advised me to see an ENT because of the issue with my throat, but the ENT said that he doesn’t see anything that’s causing the burning sensation. My sinuses are okay. I also went to a gastro doctor who ruled out reflux. I guess that I will get allergy testing next.

My other concern is about my options after removing the zirconia crowns. I feel safer with a new dentist, and as I mentioned, a holistic dentist. Besides, when my dentist installed the crowns, he used so much water that I felt like I was drowning. I threw up some of the water. I read online about a few other people whose dentist used so much water that it was overwhelming. What are my options other than zirconia crowns? Thank you, Isaiah from Maryland

Isaiah,

Your experience with getting zirconia crowns sounds stressful. We disagree with telling a patient that they can’t be allergic to a specific dental material. Each person has unique circumstances, and immune systems can be unpredictable, even if you have no known allergies.

You visited multiple specialists to identify the cause of your burning throat and dry tongue but still don’t have a diagnosis. We are considering another possibility—burning mouth syndrome.

What Is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome is a condition characterized by a burning sensation in your mouth or on your lips or tongue. It can also cause your tongue or mouth to feel dry. Symptoms can linger for days or months. Women are five times more likely than men to experience the symptoms.

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Damage to pain and taste nerves is the suspected cause of burning mouth syndrome. Other possible causes include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Certain medications
  • Medical conditions, including reflux, endocrine disorders, and fungal infections
  • Anxiety, depression, or stress

Allergy Testing

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Sedation can help you relax and change your view about dental visits

A dentist who offers holistic—or biological—treatment can help you find resources for Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing. The testing will reveal if you have an allergy or sensitivity to any dental materials, including zirconia.

But if your allergy tests are negative, consider the possibility that your stressful dental experience triggered burning mouth syndrome.

Your new dentist can explain your treatment options for metal-free crowns and how sedation can help you relax during your appointment and help you get the treatment you need. If you don’t have allergies or sensitivities, your anxiety and discomfort may improve as you develop trust and confidence in a new dentist.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.