I have multiple allergies to dental materials including dental cement, formaldehyde, cobalt, chromium, titanium, and many chemicals. I have a significant amount of dental work I need done, but I need a dentist willing to work around my allergies. What is the best way to go about finding a dentist who is familiar with Type IV allergies?

Pam

Dear Pam,

This is a tricky one. While some of your allergies are common, you have others, such as the allergy to titanium, that are quite rare. I think it would be better for you if you changed what you’re looking for in the dentist. Instead of looking for a dentist familiar with type IV allergies, I’d look for a holistic dentist. These dentists have a philosophy of treating the whole body and not just the teeth. They will be much more willing to work around your allergies. You can try doing an internet search using the term holistic dentist. If that doesn’t turn anything up, call around and see which dentists consider the results of Cliffords tests. If they take that seriously, they’ll work with you. If they don’t, they honestly will not be the best dentist for you.

You said you needed a significant amount of dental work but didn’t say what you needed done. Here are some of the metal free services available with the right dentist:

• Mercury-free fillings. The old silver amalgam fillings have tons of metals in them, so you’ll want to avoid those at all costs. A mercury-free dentist will offer composite fillings, which is metal-free.
• All-porcelain crowns. Some dentists will do porcelain fused to metal crown. Make sure you don’t get one with a metal base.
• Zirconia implants. If you need to replace a tooth, dental implants are the best replacement. Traditionally, they are made from titanium. Given your allergy, that won’t work. Fortunately, we now have zirconia available as an option for implants. Not every dentist is using them yet, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado.