Having mercury amalgam fillings removed

[Hannah Elise]

So... talk to me about having mercury amalgam fillings replaced. I think I only have two.

Although I have not been to a dentist since... 2006?... and with all of the malabaorption issues I had prior to being diagnosed gluten-intolerant, followed by three pregnancies... I am pretty sure I have countless other cavities to remineralize.

I would like to get them removed prior to having any further kiddos, as I believe they were part of the perfect storm that resulted in ds1's ASD. So, anyone here have any experience with it? Did insurance cover it? How much did it cost? What do they replace it with? How was your recovery period? How long did they recommend to allow your body tobdetox, before becoming pregnant again?

I'm just trying to do my research now and get my ducks in a row (and plan to save upbfor it), as I know they say not to have it done while nursing or pregnant since it can detox to baby, and I have a newborn that I intend to nurse for some time (her brothers hit 16 and 19 months before weaning due to my pregnancies... I would like to be able to hit 24 months with her, which puts me at January 2017 before I could even make this happen).

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[Aerynne]

I had mine removed, but I can't remember when. I had a bunch more than two. I had enough that I had to have them replaced in two sessions. Insurance did cover it, as they cover fillings. I had them replaced with composite. I don't know how long they say to wait, nor can I remember if I waited as long as they said to. I did go to someone who knew how to remove them safely, using a rubber dam and flushing with cold water as they worked.

I wouldn't say there was really any recovery. It's not that different from getting any teeth filled- they're numb for an hour or two afterwards and they may be sensitive to cold for a few days. I guess you could take ibuprofen if you need to but for the most part it's just life at usual. For instance if I go get a bunch of fillings done in the morning, I don't change my plans for the rest of the day in any way. I would think nothing of getting a bunch of fillings, then going home and immediately taking my four kids to the zoo or on a hike.

[mamacat]

Things that bind and detox from heavy metals might be a good idea after - like Bentonite Clay and chlorella/spirulina/chlorophyll

[Soliloquy]

It is really important to get them removed by a dentist that is specially trained in removing mercury fillings. Any dentist will do it but you will have a super high exposure from the procedure if it isn't done properly. I went to a Huggins protocol dentist but there are other biological dentistry organizations, now, I think. Any office that is mercury free is one I would consider for a consult.

I had mine done while I was nursing a toddler. He wasn't nursing much at the time. My dentist had me take calcium bentonite before and after. I don't remember how long I kept it up. I also took lots of chlorella (and I still do, years later).

My insurance didn't cover it because there was nothing "wrong" with my fillings (aside from being toxic/poisonous). It was very expensive.

[zeo2ski]

Do you mind giving a ballpark of how expensive? My DH has a mouth full of amalgam.

[tempestjewel]

I had a mouthful of amalgam fillings removed. My insurance covered it as regular fillings, but it cost more per tooth then a regular filling because the dentist charged more then the "standard fee" our insurance covered. We ended up paying about $3K out of pocket, even with insurance.

I saw a specialist dentist who used dams, water irrigation, and supplementary oxygen (through my nose) to be sure I was exposed to as little mercury as possible as they were removed. I was nursing my 18 month old when I started, and I've seen it recommended to wait 18 months after removal before pregnancy, but I would guess if you only have 2 fillings that long of a wait isn't as necessary. The thinking is that after you remove your daily exposure from the fillings, the body will start dumping accumulated mercury, and you want to give your body time to do that before pregnancy.

I did lypospheric vitamin C, selenium, and a few other things (I don't remember exactly, it has been a while). I didn't do chlorella because of breastfeeding. i wasn't trying to actively detox or encourage detox because of breastfeeding- I was just trying to give my body the support to deal with what it would detox naturally without me trying to force it. I still would like to do some targeted detox once my current nursling weans.

[Soliloquy]

Yes, dams, a special filter in the room, I'm starting to remember.

It was 2007 so I don't remember the exact amount but I think it was about $2,000.

And my dentist was suited up like she was going into Chernobyl.

[tempestjewel]

Usually a dentist will send a treatment proposal to your insurance so you will know up front what the true out of pocket cost would be. Our insurance covered a bit more then the dentist first estimated.

We also used Care Credit to pay the balance, which is a way of financing- it was 0% interest for 24 months, so we just paid it off before the 24 months, and then closed the account. I don't love credit, and we generally avoid it, but it was worth it so I could get the mercury out ASAP without draining our savings account. A lot of providers in our area accept Care Credit.