Case Histories
Offered below are actual accounts of people who have had special health problems
that appear to have been helped from individualized and specialized dental treatment.
Most have needed additional treatments from other healthcare practitioners as well.
The dental profession does not seem to be concerned about side-effects from
"successful" dental treatment, presumably because they are considered extremely
rare. Our observations and experience strongly suggest that negative side-effects
happen frequently, but are not recognized as being caused by dental treatment.
Even if it were infrequent, it would not be a reason to ignore developing and
providing treatment for those people. Our desire and focus is to provide dental
treatment that may minimizes the risk of side-effects, to reverse or at least reduce
existing side-effects by replacing dental restorations that may not be compatible,
and to closely work with other healthcare practitioners to maximize outcomes from
both dental and non-dental treatment modalities. All the healthcare professions need
to realize there is much yet to learn, and through sharing experiences such as these,
we have the opportunity to learn from each other.
that appear to have been helped from individualized and specialized dental treatment.
Most have needed additional treatments from other healthcare practitioners as well.
The dental profession does not seem to be concerned about side-effects from
"successful" dental treatment, presumably because they are considered extremely
rare. Our observations and experience strongly suggest that negative side-effects
happen frequently, but are not recognized as being caused by dental treatment.
Even if it were infrequent, it would not be a reason to ignore developing and
providing treatment for those people. Our desire and focus is to provide dental
treatment that may minimizes the risk of side-effects, to reverse or at least reduce
existing side-effects by replacing dental restorations that may not be compatible,
and to closely work with other healthcare practitioners to maximize outcomes from
both dental and non-dental treatment modalities. All the healthcare professions need
to realize there is much yet to learn, and through sharing experiences such as these,
we have the opportunity to learn from each other.
" Truth is eternal, knowledge is changeable.
It is disastrous to confuse them."
- Madeleine L'Engle
It is disastrous to confuse them."
- Madeleine L'Engle
| "Condemnation without investigation is the height of ignorance." - Raymon Grace |
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1. CHRONIC HEADACHES, FATIGUE, & ALLERGIES (G.E.)
Female, age 35, requested all her amalgams be replaced with composite, her healthcare
provider had suggested she consider it, her chief concern was her overall health and multiple
allergies. At her request, I replaced eleven amalgams from teeth # 14, 13, 31, 30, 29, 20, 19,
18, 4, 3, and 2 over a 19 day period of time. Untreated and remaining were a composite/gold
alloy crown #15 (endodontically treated) and composites in #9 (endodontically treated), 10 and
11. About 4 months later, she reported that her fatigue was gone, she had no migraine/sinus
headaches in the last 2 months, and her spring allergies to pollen were significantly better.
Suspected dental etiology: Heavy metal toxicity and/or oral galvanism
2. ACUTE SKIN RASH (S.M.)
Female, age 70, presented for a second opinion on a skin rash that had recently developed on
her hands and was spreading to her arms and neck. She had recently had a full gold bridge
#18-21 cemented with a polycarboxylate cement at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry. She wondered if the rash and bridge were related. At her request, I replaced the
remaining metal in her mouth (a full gold bridge #18-21 and a full gold crown #3) with a
temporary methylmethacrylate material cemented with a polycarboxylate cement. 37 days later,
I cemented an all composite crown on #3 with a polycarboxylate cement . At that time, she
reported that her rash was 75% better. 2 months more, she reported the rash was 100%
gone. 4 months later, I placed a zirconium/porcelain bridge with a polycarboxylate cement.
Unfortunately, the bridge broke 2 months later, another temporary methylmethacrylate bridge
was placed BUT with another brand of polycarboxylate cement. Her rash returned! 3 weeks
later a replacement
zirconium/porcelain bridge was cemented with the original brand of polycarboxylate cement.
The rash cleared but took about 2-3 months.
Suspected dental etiology: Allergy to a specific brand of polycarboxylate cement and possibly
oral galvanism
3. JOINT PAIN, METALLIC TASTE (J.P.)
Male, age 58, presented wanting all his teeth extracted and full dentures, his chief
complaints were bitter taste in his mouth from metal crowns, headaches, painful
joints, and dry mouth leading to mouth sores. After discussing his other options,
he chose replacing all the metal in his teeth (10 amalgams with composite,
5 porcelain/metal crowns with all composite crowns), and extracting 3
endodontically treated teeth. Interestingly, he chose a metal (chrome-cobalt)
removable upper partial instead of all nylon. 7 months later, he reported his joint
pain was better. Another 4 months later, his joint pain was “really improving”
and his “back was improving”. Verbally, he has stated his headaches are also
gone.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, possibly chronic toxicity from treated non-vital teeth
4. CHRONIC BLEEDING GUMS, BAD BREATH (G.H.)
Female, age 50, presented wanting all metals removed although the existing porcelain/metal
crowns were clinically acceptable. Her chief complaints were bleeding gums, bad breath,
lymph node tenderness, sinus congestion, and a “slimy” feeling around the front tooth (#7).
Her oral hygiene was adequate. At patient request, 16 porcelain/metal crowns were replaced
with all porcelain crowns, and 2 amalgams replaced with composite over a 6 ½ month period
of time. She reported during treatment that her gums had stopped bleeding wherever the new
crowns had been placed. She thought bleeding gums around crowns was normal.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism and/or metal allergy
5. CHEST PAIN, FATIGUE (K.G.)
Female, age 52, referred to me for a second opinion whether dental was a factor because her
physicians could find no etiology for her pain. She used to walk 3 miles every other day, and
now could only walk ½ block. Heart medication was being suggested for her heart pain. A
neurological exam by her chiropractor suggested autonomic nervous system disruption. After
oral galvanism testing, 3 of her 4 full gold crowns tested higher than normal and her 4
porcelain/metal crowns were within normal limits. I replaced teeth #18, 30, and 31 with
temporary methylmethacrylate crowns. Within 2 weeks, her chest pain and fatique were
significantly reduced. 3 ½ months later, zirconium/porcelain crowns were placed and she is
functioning normally.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism
6. FATIGUE (J.S.)
Male, age 53, presented for removal of 1 amalgam from tooth # 30 for energy flow disruption.
His alternative healthcare practitioner had suggested this was the cause for his fatique. Even
though he doubted it would help, he was willing to give it a try. He could no longer participate in
martial arts training because of flu-like symptoms after a workout. At his request, I replaced the
amalgam with composite, as well as another tooth in that quadrant. Upon returning in 2 ½
weeks, he asked me to guess where he had just come from. I didn’t know, and he said a 3-
hour martial arts workout. He felt he was 95% better.
Suspected dental etiology: Energy flow blockage through an acupuncture meridian, possibly
from oral galvanism
7. PAINFUL GUMS (M.B.)
Male, age 50, presented to me for a second opinion for gum disease, a periodontist had
recommended gum surgery. His chief complaint was a burning sensation in the right posterior
area and numbness in the upper and lower front tooth area which begins in the early afternoon
or evening. It began 9 months ago. Exam and history revealed receding gums, past
chemotherapy for stage 4 lymphoma, and he was currently following the controversial Gerson
diet for cancer. An anti-bacterial and desensitizing toothpaste was not helping. No pathology
was seen on radiographs. 4 months passed while he was consulting an oncologist and other
healthcare practitioners. He told me his cholesterol reading was 110. I referred him to a
physician/nutritionist for his low cholesterol reading with the intent to raise it. After taking
mineral supplements and getting off the Gerson diet, his cholesterol improved to 158.
Subsequently, his oral symptoms went away.
Suspected etiology: Low cholesterol and nutritional deficiencies
8. CHRONIC HEADACHES (D.T.)
Male, age 59, presented with trauma from a fall and knocking out his fixed porcelain/metal
bridge 7-9, and porcelain/metal crown #10. There was a pulpal exposure on tooth #10. Patient
chose to have teeth #9 & 10 extracted. The abutment crown #7 was separated from bridge and
recemented. A transitional all acrylic removable partial denture was made replacing teeth # 8-
10. During this time, he noticed that he no longer suffered from headaches caused from
exertion and sunshine over the last 14 years, which happened to be the amount of time the
fixed bridge had been in place.
Suspected dental etiology: Cranial suture locking from a fixed prosthesis crossing the midline,
possibly oral galvanism
9. CHRONIC SINUS CONGESTION (J.L.)
Female, age 48, presented with a concern about her chronic sinus congestion, wondered if her
orthodontic retainers could be an influence. The fixed stainless steel wire orthodontic retainers
that were bonded to the lingual side of her upper and lower front teeth were removed, and
removable polypropylene retainers were placed. 1 week later, the patient called stating her
sinus problems had disappeared.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, maybe cranial suture locking from a fixed
prosthesis crossing the midline.
10. ACUTE SIDE EFFECTS FROM DENTAL TREATMENT (L.T.)
Female, age 36, presented to me wanting teeth restored with compatible materials.
She had a history of headaches, dizziness, nausea, and double vision after dental restorative
treatment with Ultra Gold inlays replacing amalgams. Also, a history of chest tightness and
shortness of breath when local anesthetic was used. All the inlays had been removed years
ago and the cavity preparations left unfilled to alleviate the symptoms. An occlusal composite
was placed in tooth #19 which resulted in some minor side-effects such as slight temperature,
fatigue, and a nagging ache in lower left quadrant. 4 ½ years later she consented to 2 more
fillings but with a specially formulated composite (Holistore) and without local anesthesia. No
side effects resulted.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, reaction to vasoconstrictor in the local anesthetic
11. SEVERE HAIR LOSS, WEEPING SKIN SORES, WEIGHT LOSS (T.L.)
Female, age 37, presented wanting endodontically teeth #7, 10, 18 extracted and amalgams
removed from her teeth because of health issues. An exam revealed abcessed tooth #6. Over
a 31 month period of time at patient request, teeth #6, 7, 10, & 18 were extracted, 4 amalgams
and 2 teeth with decay were replaced with composite, and 4 porcelain/metal pontics (# 3-5, 19)
and porcelain/metal crowns (#6, 7, 10) and a full gold crown (#18) were lost as a result of the 4
extractions. Upper and lower all nylon removable partial dentures were made to replace
missing teeth. Subsequent to this treatment, her health improved.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, multiple sources of toxicity from standard dental
treatment
Suspected other etiologies - toxic reaction to hair dye used as a hairdresser, and stress from
an abusive relationship.
12. CONSTANT COUGH (A.T.)
Female, age 33, called with questions about materials used for her lower removable partial
denture which I had made for her 5 years ago. The partial denture had a titanium framework
with acrylic saddles. Two dentists she consulted thought she needed a new lower partial
denture and upper full denture. She mentioned that she developed a cough since the partial
denture was placed and wondered if metal could be a cause for that. She does not cough
when not wearing the partial denture. They said no, but that likely it was inadequate tongue
space and incorrect tooth size in the corresponding upper full denture. I considered oral
galvanism and suggested she not wear her partial denture but put a coin in her mouth to see if
there was an effect on her coughing. She reported that both a coin and a coin wrapped in
cellophane lead to coughing. Consequently, I made her a new all nylon lower partial denture,
and she no longer has a cough.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism from the titanium
13. NIGHT GRINDING, TMJ CLICKING (C.U.)
Female, age 17, she and her mother presented for a nightguard. Because of her age, the usual
treatment of fabricating a night guard did not seem like the appropriate first choice of
treatment. While taking a medical/dental history, she mentioned that she hits her legs while
sitting in the car because of muscle cramps. We discussed other possible causes such as
stress, allergies, hormone imbalance, vitamin/mineral deficiency, and spinal misalignment.
She was referred to a chiropractor/nutritionist for an evaluation. She had 2 chiropractic
adjustments, and was prescribed magnesium and potassium supplements. 5 weeks after
her initial visit with me, her mother reported the supplements had helped tremendously with
muscle cramps, grinding of teeth, and sleeping throughout the night.
Suspected etiology: Mineral deficiency (from a typical teenager’s diet), slight spinal
misalignment
14. WEAKNESS, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY ATTACKS (D.M.)
Female, age 46, presented wondering if her health problems could be due to past dental care.
She continued her research, and 9 months later decided to treat with classical constitutional
homeopathic care. After 10 months of homeopathic treatment, she stopped improving and her
homeopaths thought the “obstacle to cure” was her amalgam restorations. Over a 15 day
period, her 16 amalgams were replaced with composite. Homeopathic treatment was
then continued along with other supportive lifestyle care, and her health again began to
improve. Over time, she was able to work part-time, then to full-time.
Suspected dental etiology – amalgam fillings blocking energy flow
Suspected other etiologies - likely a combination of stress, lifestyle, and history of abuse
15. SKIN ERUPTIONS, BRAIN FOG, CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY, METALLIC
TASTE, DENTAL PAIN, LOW ENERGY (J.D.)
Male, age 47, two years prior to treatment, he had declining health problems which included
skin eruptions, brain fog, severe chemical sensitivities, metallic taste in his mouth, aching
teeth and gums, low energy, and sometimes complete exhaustion. Just prior to coming to my
office, he was starting to verbally stutter, was losing dexterity in hands, and losing his sense of
balance. He decided he want all his mercury amalgam fillings replaced. Subsequently,
18 amalgams replaced over a 3 week period of time. At the end of the last appointment for
removal of his last remaining amalgams, he stated he experienced a "sense of calmness and
head clearing". His speech and balance started to improve within 30 days. His skin eruptions
and pain in his gums and jaw were gone at about 6 months. 1 year later, all symptoms were
gone but he still had chemical sensitivities, but they were much improved. His states he eats
“better”, and continues on Dr. Klinghardt’s detoxification protocol.
Suspected dental etiologies: Mercury sensitivity, oral galvanism
16. INSOMNIA, BRAIN FOG, SKIN RASHES, FOOD SENSITITIVY (D.D.)
Female, age 49, referred by her naturopathic physician. Presented with symptoms of brain fog,
skin rashes, insomnia, and sensitivity to foods and smells that began 6-8 weeks after a
porcelain-fused-to-metal one-piece bridge from teeth #6-14 was placed 6 months previous.
She also had 2 root canal treatments done on teeth #10 & 14. She did dental materials
compatibility testing and desensitization with her naturopathic physician prior to dental
treatment. I replaced all the upper porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and bridges (15 units) with
all-porcelain (Cercon) crowns and bridges and cemented with Panavia 21 cement over a 1
month period of time. I separated her 9 tooth bridge at the midline and made instead two
bridges. I also made her a soft upper nightguard. It should be noted that she has a sulpha
sensitivity.
She reported no changes for the 1st month, then there began rapid improvement over the next
2 months. She now sleeps 7 hours a night, and all symptoms are gone. She is following a
“healthier” diet (no wheat, no sugar), and continues with her customized homeopathic
remedies formulated by her naturopathic physician.
Suspected dental etiologies: oral galvanism, dental materials sensitivity, and locking of the
cranial sutures
Other suspected etiologies: food sensitivities, energy flow blockage
For those people who are accepting and maybe intrigued by these case histories:
Your open mindedness is wonderful, but don’t assume that your health issues are totally (or
even partially) dental related and will improve with dental retreatment. Everyone is unique and
causes of health problems are varied and complex. Do your research on conventional and
alternative treatments, thoughtfully consider the benefits and risks of all your options, then
make an informed decision.
For those people who are critical and disbelieving and possibly angered because these side
effects are not discussed in dental school or acknowledged by the American Dental
Association:
Ask yourself why you are uncomfortable with facts that may not fit with your knowledge,
experience, or understanding. Only by being aware of all kinds of information can our
healthcare leaders be effective in creating solutions. Doctors who require absolute scientific
proof or professional consensus as a prerequisite for offering a treatment option will be limited
in their ability to help their patients. Thinking outside the box is not unethical or substandard
care. If the patient is adequately informed of the benefits and risks of all options, it is the
patient’s responsibility for the outcome, not the doctor’s.
Consider this – On June 3, 2008, the United States Food and Drug Administration updated its
website to say “Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the
nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in
teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is also released during
chewing.” “Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them
more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury
bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health
practitioner.”
All of the FDA’s comments can be read at www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html.
And let us be clear on this point – We are not treating medical conditions, rather we are
providing creative dental treatment that may produce less side-effects to human
physiology, which then subsequently allows the body to respond to other treatment
and/or heal itself.
Female, age 35, requested all her amalgams be replaced with composite, her healthcare
provider had suggested she consider it, her chief concern was her overall health and multiple
allergies. At her request, I replaced eleven amalgams from teeth # 14, 13, 31, 30, 29, 20, 19,
18, 4, 3, and 2 over a 19 day period of time. Untreated and remaining were a composite/gold
alloy crown #15 (endodontically treated) and composites in #9 (endodontically treated), 10 and
11. About 4 months later, she reported that her fatigue was gone, she had no migraine/sinus
headaches in the last 2 months, and her spring allergies to pollen were significantly better.
Suspected dental etiology: Heavy metal toxicity and/or oral galvanism
2. ACUTE SKIN RASH (S.M.)
Female, age 70, presented for a second opinion on a skin rash that had recently developed on
her hands and was spreading to her arms and neck. She had recently had a full gold bridge
#18-21 cemented with a polycarboxylate cement at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry. She wondered if the rash and bridge were related. At her request, I replaced the
remaining metal in her mouth (a full gold bridge #18-21 and a full gold crown #3) with a
temporary methylmethacrylate material cemented with a polycarboxylate cement. 37 days later,
I cemented an all composite crown on #3 with a polycarboxylate cement . At that time, she
reported that her rash was 75% better. 2 months more, she reported the rash was 100%
gone. 4 months later, I placed a zirconium/porcelain bridge with a polycarboxylate cement.
Unfortunately, the bridge broke 2 months later, another temporary methylmethacrylate bridge
was placed BUT with another brand of polycarboxylate cement. Her rash returned! 3 weeks
later a replacement
zirconium/porcelain bridge was cemented with the original brand of polycarboxylate cement.
The rash cleared but took about 2-3 months.
Suspected dental etiology: Allergy to a specific brand of polycarboxylate cement and possibly
oral galvanism
3. JOINT PAIN, METALLIC TASTE (J.P.)
Male, age 58, presented wanting all his teeth extracted and full dentures, his chief
complaints were bitter taste in his mouth from metal crowns, headaches, painful
joints, and dry mouth leading to mouth sores. After discussing his other options,
he chose replacing all the metal in his teeth (10 amalgams with composite,
5 porcelain/metal crowns with all composite crowns), and extracting 3
endodontically treated teeth. Interestingly, he chose a metal (chrome-cobalt)
removable upper partial instead of all nylon. 7 months later, he reported his joint
pain was better. Another 4 months later, his joint pain was “really improving”
and his “back was improving”. Verbally, he has stated his headaches are also
gone.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, possibly chronic toxicity from treated non-vital teeth
4. CHRONIC BLEEDING GUMS, BAD BREATH (G.H.)
Female, age 50, presented wanting all metals removed although the existing porcelain/metal
crowns were clinically acceptable. Her chief complaints were bleeding gums, bad breath,
lymph node tenderness, sinus congestion, and a “slimy” feeling around the front tooth (#7).
Her oral hygiene was adequate. At patient request, 16 porcelain/metal crowns were replaced
with all porcelain crowns, and 2 amalgams replaced with composite over a 6 ½ month period
of time. She reported during treatment that her gums had stopped bleeding wherever the new
crowns had been placed. She thought bleeding gums around crowns was normal.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism and/or metal allergy
5. CHEST PAIN, FATIGUE (K.G.)
Female, age 52, referred to me for a second opinion whether dental was a factor because her
physicians could find no etiology for her pain. She used to walk 3 miles every other day, and
now could only walk ½ block. Heart medication was being suggested for her heart pain. A
neurological exam by her chiropractor suggested autonomic nervous system disruption. After
oral galvanism testing, 3 of her 4 full gold crowns tested higher than normal and her 4
porcelain/metal crowns were within normal limits. I replaced teeth #18, 30, and 31 with
temporary methylmethacrylate crowns. Within 2 weeks, her chest pain and fatique were
significantly reduced. 3 ½ months later, zirconium/porcelain crowns were placed and she is
functioning normally.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism
6. FATIGUE (J.S.)
Male, age 53, presented for removal of 1 amalgam from tooth # 30 for energy flow disruption.
His alternative healthcare practitioner had suggested this was the cause for his fatique. Even
though he doubted it would help, he was willing to give it a try. He could no longer participate in
martial arts training because of flu-like symptoms after a workout. At his request, I replaced the
amalgam with composite, as well as another tooth in that quadrant. Upon returning in 2 ½
weeks, he asked me to guess where he had just come from. I didn’t know, and he said a 3-
hour martial arts workout. He felt he was 95% better.
Suspected dental etiology: Energy flow blockage through an acupuncture meridian, possibly
from oral galvanism
7. PAINFUL GUMS (M.B.)
Male, age 50, presented to me for a second opinion for gum disease, a periodontist had
recommended gum surgery. His chief complaint was a burning sensation in the right posterior
area and numbness in the upper and lower front tooth area which begins in the early afternoon
or evening. It began 9 months ago. Exam and history revealed receding gums, past
chemotherapy for stage 4 lymphoma, and he was currently following the controversial Gerson
diet for cancer. An anti-bacterial and desensitizing toothpaste was not helping. No pathology
was seen on radiographs. 4 months passed while he was consulting an oncologist and other
healthcare practitioners. He told me his cholesterol reading was 110. I referred him to a
physician/nutritionist for his low cholesterol reading with the intent to raise it. After taking
mineral supplements and getting off the Gerson diet, his cholesterol improved to 158.
Subsequently, his oral symptoms went away.
Suspected etiology: Low cholesterol and nutritional deficiencies
8. CHRONIC HEADACHES (D.T.)
Male, age 59, presented with trauma from a fall and knocking out his fixed porcelain/metal
bridge 7-9, and porcelain/metal crown #10. There was a pulpal exposure on tooth #10. Patient
chose to have teeth #9 & 10 extracted. The abutment crown #7 was separated from bridge and
recemented. A transitional all acrylic removable partial denture was made replacing teeth # 8-
10. During this time, he noticed that he no longer suffered from headaches caused from
exertion and sunshine over the last 14 years, which happened to be the amount of time the
fixed bridge had been in place.
Suspected dental etiology: Cranial suture locking from a fixed prosthesis crossing the midline,
possibly oral galvanism
9. CHRONIC SINUS CONGESTION (J.L.)
Female, age 48, presented with a concern about her chronic sinus congestion, wondered if her
orthodontic retainers could be an influence. The fixed stainless steel wire orthodontic retainers
that were bonded to the lingual side of her upper and lower front teeth were removed, and
removable polypropylene retainers were placed. 1 week later, the patient called stating her
sinus problems had disappeared.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, maybe cranial suture locking from a fixed
prosthesis crossing the midline.
10. ACUTE SIDE EFFECTS FROM DENTAL TREATMENT (L.T.)
Female, age 36, presented to me wanting teeth restored with compatible materials.
She had a history of headaches, dizziness, nausea, and double vision after dental restorative
treatment with Ultra Gold inlays replacing amalgams. Also, a history of chest tightness and
shortness of breath when local anesthetic was used. All the inlays had been removed years
ago and the cavity preparations left unfilled to alleviate the symptoms. An occlusal composite
was placed in tooth #19 which resulted in some minor side-effects such as slight temperature,
fatigue, and a nagging ache in lower left quadrant. 4 ½ years later she consented to 2 more
fillings but with a specially formulated composite (Holistore) and without local anesthesia. No
side effects resulted.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, reaction to vasoconstrictor in the local anesthetic
11. SEVERE HAIR LOSS, WEEPING SKIN SORES, WEIGHT LOSS (T.L.)
Female, age 37, presented wanting endodontically teeth #7, 10, 18 extracted and amalgams
removed from her teeth because of health issues. An exam revealed abcessed tooth #6. Over
a 31 month period of time at patient request, teeth #6, 7, 10, & 18 were extracted, 4 amalgams
and 2 teeth with decay were replaced with composite, and 4 porcelain/metal pontics (# 3-5, 19)
and porcelain/metal crowns (#6, 7, 10) and a full gold crown (#18) were lost as a result of the 4
extractions. Upper and lower all nylon removable partial dentures were made to replace
missing teeth. Subsequent to this treatment, her health improved.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism, multiple sources of toxicity from standard dental
treatment
Suspected other etiologies - toxic reaction to hair dye used as a hairdresser, and stress from
an abusive relationship.
12. CONSTANT COUGH (A.T.)
Female, age 33, called with questions about materials used for her lower removable partial
denture which I had made for her 5 years ago. The partial denture had a titanium framework
with acrylic saddles. Two dentists she consulted thought she needed a new lower partial
denture and upper full denture. She mentioned that she developed a cough since the partial
denture was placed and wondered if metal could be a cause for that. She does not cough
when not wearing the partial denture. They said no, but that likely it was inadequate tongue
space and incorrect tooth size in the corresponding upper full denture. I considered oral
galvanism and suggested she not wear her partial denture but put a coin in her mouth to see if
there was an effect on her coughing. She reported that both a coin and a coin wrapped in
cellophane lead to coughing. Consequently, I made her a new all nylon lower partial denture,
and she no longer has a cough.
Suspected dental etiology: Oral galvanism from the titanium
13. NIGHT GRINDING, TMJ CLICKING (C.U.)
Female, age 17, she and her mother presented for a nightguard. Because of her age, the usual
treatment of fabricating a night guard did not seem like the appropriate first choice of
treatment. While taking a medical/dental history, she mentioned that she hits her legs while
sitting in the car because of muscle cramps. We discussed other possible causes such as
stress, allergies, hormone imbalance, vitamin/mineral deficiency, and spinal misalignment.
She was referred to a chiropractor/nutritionist for an evaluation. She had 2 chiropractic
adjustments, and was prescribed magnesium and potassium supplements. 5 weeks after
her initial visit with me, her mother reported the supplements had helped tremendously with
muscle cramps, grinding of teeth, and sleeping throughout the night.
Suspected etiology: Mineral deficiency (from a typical teenager’s diet), slight spinal
misalignment
14. WEAKNESS, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY ATTACKS (D.M.)
Female, age 46, presented wondering if her health problems could be due to past dental care.
She continued her research, and 9 months later decided to treat with classical constitutional
homeopathic care. After 10 months of homeopathic treatment, she stopped improving and her
homeopaths thought the “obstacle to cure” was her amalgam restorations. Over a 15 day
period, her 16 amalgams were replaced with composite. Homeopathic treatment was
then continued along with other supportive lifestyle care, and her health again began to
improve. Over time, she was able to work part-time, then to full-time.
Suspected dental etiology – amalgam fillings blocking energy flow
Suspected other etiologies - likely a combination of stress, lifestyle, and history of abuse
15. SKIN ERUPTIONS, BRAIN FOG, CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY, METALLIC
TASTE, DENTAL PAIN, LOW ENERGY (J.D.)
Male, age 47, two years prior to treatment, he had declining health problems which included
skin eruptions, brain fog, severe chemical sensitivities, metallic taste in his mouth, aching
teeth and gums, low energy, and sometimes complete exhaustion. Just prior to coming to my
office, he was starting to verbally stutter, was losing dexterity in hands, and losing his sense of
balance. He decided he want all his mercury amalgam fillings replaced. Subsequently,
18 amalgams replaced over a 3 week period of time. At the end of the last appointment for
removal of his last remaining amalgams, he stated he experienced a "sense of calmness and
head clearing". His speech and balance started to improve within 30 days. His skin eruptions
and pain in his gums and jaw were gone at about 6 months. 1 year later, all symptoms were
gone but he still had chemical sensitivities, but they were much improved. His states he eats
“better”, and continues on Dr. Klinghardt’s detoxification protocol.
Suspected dental etiologies: Mercury sensitivity, oral galvanism
16. INSOMNIA, BRAIN FOG, SKIN RASHES, FOOD SENSITITIVY (D.D.)
Female, age 49, referred by her naturopathic physician. Presented with symptoms of brain fog,
skin rashes, insomnia, and sensitivity to foods and smells that began 6-8 weeks after a
porcelain-fused-to-metal one-piece bridge from teeth #6-14 was placed 6 months previous.
She also had 2 root canal treatments done on teeth #10 & 14. She did dental materials
compatibility testing and desensitization with her naturopathic physician prior to dental
treatment. I replaced all the upper porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and bridges (15 units) with
all-porcelain (Cercon) crowns and bridges and cemented with Panavia 21 cement over a 1
month period of time. I separated her 9 tooth bridge at the midline and made instead two
bridges. I also made her a soft upper nightguard. It should be noted that she has a sulpha
sensitivity.
She reported no changes for the 1st month, then there began rapid improvement over the next
2 months. She now sleeps 7 hours a night, and all symptoms are gone. She is following a
“healthier” diet (no wheat, no sugar), and continues with her customized homeopathic
remedies formulated by her naturopathic physician.
Suspected dental etiologies: oral galvanism, dental materials sensitivity, and locking of the
cranial sutures
Other suspected etiologies: food sensitivities, energy flow blockage
For those people who are accepting and maybe intrigued by these case histories:
Your open mindedness is wonderful, but don’t assume that your health issues are totally (or
even partially) dental related and will improve with dental retreatment. Everyone is unique and
causes of health problems are varied and complex. Do your research on conventional and
alternative treatments, thoughtfully consider the benefits and risks of all your options, then
make an informed decision.
For those people who are critical and disbelieving and possibly angered because these side
effects are not discussed in dental school or acknowledged by the American Dental
Association:
Ask yourself why you are uncomfortable with facts that may not fit with your knowledge,
experience, or understanding. Only by being aware of all kinds of information can our
healthcare leaders be effective in creating solutions. Doctors who require absolute scientific
proof or professional consensus as a prerequisite for offering a treatment option will be limited
in their ability to help their patients. Thinking outside the box is not unethical or substandard
care. If the patient is adequately informed of the benefits and risks of all options, it is the
patient’s responsibility for the outcome, not the doctor’s.
Consider this – On June 3, 2008, the United States Food and Drug Administration updated its
website to say “Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the
nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in
teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is also released during
chewing.” “Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them
more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury
bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health
practitioner.”
All of the FDA’s comments can be read at www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html.
And let us be clear on this point – We are not treating medical conditions, rather we are
providing creative dental treatment that may produce less side-effects to human
physiology, which then subsequently allows the body to respond to other treatment
and/or heal itself.