Question:

IS THERE DENTAL PROCEDURES FOR THE CHEMICALLY SENSITIVE PATIENT?

Answer: See this link for the source

1. Local Anesthetic: a). If a local anesthetic is required, use 3% carbocaine without epinephrine in a single-dose disposable ''carpule'' with no preservative. b). Epinephrine comes with a bisulfite preservative, which is often very disruptive to hypersensitive patients. In addition, the epinephrine itself is often degraded more slowly by an inefficient cytochrome P-450 system (detoxification enzyme system); hence, small doses give large effects to these patients.

2. Avoid eugenol or substances containing eugenol. Even in small quantities, eugenol has been devastating to many patients.
 

3. Avoid the use of ''varnish'' to coat the inside of the tooth prior to treatment.
 

4. Avoid protective plastic tooth coatings, as they are often not tolerated.
 

5. Root canals. The root canal ''caulking'' paste is often not tolerated by chemically sensitive patients. This paste contains cytotoxic substances such as eugenol and halogenated hydrocarbons such as chlorothymol, iodothymol, as well as resins. These substances frequently produce insidious chronic reactions. (Ed. Note: Root canal sealers and fillers made of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide have been well tolerated by chemically sensitive patients. A product called Biocalex - Now called Endocal 10 which is based on heavy calcium oxide, is capable of being used without the addition of any cytotoxic substances).
 

6. The following substances have almost always been well tolerated: a). ''ZOP'' (zinc oxyphosphoric acid) cement (be careful not to have ZOE inadvertently substituted, as ZOE contains eugenol). b). High gold alloys that do not contain palladium.
 

7. Some individuals are intolerant to composite dental materials used as a replacement for amalgam. To find out if you are intolerant to the plastic-containing fillings, replace one small filling and wait two weeks. (Ed. Note: Please ask the dentist to cure the composite thoroughly, using additional time with the curing light if required. If at all possible see if the dentist can have an inlay or onlay fabricated in a dental lab as the restoration of choice. Composites cured in the laboratory are usually done under high heat and pressure, providing complete curing of the composite). Observe for any reactions over this two-week period. If you have not had any adverse reactions during this two-week period, then replace a second small filling and wait another two weeks and observe for any possible reactions. This is done as a double check to make sure that you can tolerate the plastic.
 

8. Toxic reactions to mercury vs allergic reactions to plastic: It is common to have a toxic reaction to the mercury vapors resulting from the removal of the mercury-containing fillings. This toxic reaction takes place during the first week and over the second week gradually lessens. Do not confuse this with an allergic reaction to the plastic, which starts during the first few days and which will not lessen but will worsen over the next one to two weeks. If you determine that you are reacting to the plastic, have the dentist remove this test plastic filling immediately. In this case, do not proceed to the second trial.
Your options at this point are to use high quality gold and Z.O.P cement without eugenol, (Ed. Note: You can have a dental materials reactivity test done to determine your sensitivity to dental materials. See a Dermatologist who is familiar with delayed skin patch testing and has a dental panel or can make one from your dentists materials.  A second option is to have your dentist contact Clifford Consulting & Research (719) 550-0008 or Fax (719) 550-0009 for blood test for sensitivities.
 

9. Additional nutritional self-help suggestions before and after removal of dental mercury: a). Vitamin C is somewhat protective against foreign (xenobiotic) molecules. You should not take vitamin C during the five hours prior to your dental appointment, as it may lessen the anesthetic effect. However, bring extra vitamin C with you and take a minimum of 500 mg after completion of your dental work and before leaving the dental office. b). Take chemically pure liquid selenium solution, one teaspoon daily (if tolerated), three days before and three days after each dental visit. The selenium will help protect you against unavoidable mercury exposure during the removal process. (Ed Note: If not available at your health-food store, a liquid selenium source is available from the manufacturer and can be purchased online at http://www.nutricology.com/proddesc/category/selenium.htm).