PFM Crown causing ill health?

bourney

Hi, I found this forum today and was hoping someone may be able to help/advise re my ongoing poor health which I believe is being caused by previous restoration work on my teeth. The story so far...

8 years ago I made several trips to the dentist to have a number of mercury amalgam fillings, an extraction and post with PFM crown fitted. After the work was completed I gradually began to feel very full after meals and uncomfortable. Over the years this became much worse and symptoms included dehydration esp skin around knuckles cracking and subsequent bleeding, constipation, heart and stomach palpitations, insomnia, blurred vision, brain fog, extreme dizziness, painful fungal infections under fingernails and toenails, nausea and vomiting (sometimes when asleep). I also found I would suffer an intense reaction (but no tooth pain) when eating/drinking anything hot, like i'd been poisoned, which would often result in a panic attack esp if at work or outside.

Initially, I didn't think much of the discomfort but mentioned it to my GP who said the fullness and discomfort "just happens when you get older" (I was 28/29 yrs old at the time). As my symptoms worsened I changed to another doctors surgery as it was clear none of the GPs at the old surgery could help - prescribing Buscopan, peppermint, etc. At the new surgery I had a series of blood tests and was prescribed a proton pump inhibitor as it seemed I was having digestive problems, perhaps caused by excess stomach acid (I hadn't made the link between my dentist trip and my ill health at this stage).

I had no success with any prescriptions incl antibiotics and so went to an NHS hospital for more blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound. All these showed up was that my left kidney was misshapen. At this point I was so ill that every day was a struggle and I would often resort to drinking heavily to try and numb myself of the symptoms and take my mind off it all. I then went to a private hospital where more blood tests were taken and, other than high iron levels, nothing out of the ordinary was found. They were going to do more tests but I thought they wouldn't be able to help me.

Next I started using internet forums and self diagnosis and came across various threads about Candida caused by mercury poisoning. I began the process of having all my mercury amalgam fillings replaced with composite resin ones, starting with the biggest and most metallic tasting. Each time one was removed, the strongest metallic taste seemed to switch to another filling. I also ordered threelac, an expensive probiotic, but that didn't have much effect. All my old amalgam fillings have now been removed but I still get a metallic taste (although nowhere near as bad) across the upper right side of my mouth when I run my tongue against those teeth.

The PFM crown does taste metallic and I reckon there was some galvanic activity between it and my mercury fillings which would explain why the metallic taste would switch to another filling when I had the nearest one to the PFM crown removed. Now I feel much better than I did 3 years ago but still suffer (to a lesser extent) dehydration, constipation, discomfort, insomnia, low energy levels, brain fog and stomach palps. There has always been a distinct white/yellow mark running down the right side of my tongue (seemingly from the PFM crown) and there is a thick white/yellow coating all across the back of the tongue. Could the PFM crown be the cause of this?

I see two dentists currently and neither believes my teeth are causing me to be ill but I am convinced. More recently I have quit smoking and started running every day which hydrates my skin really well; quitting smoking alone won't do this. Also, I find if I keep my tongue away from the teeth on the upper right side of my mouth and eat, say, ham sandwiches only (which I can contain on my left side) I start to feel much better.

One of the dentists said that it is impossible to replace the PFM crown (with a PFC one I guess). Is this true? Is my only option to have the tooth pulled if I believe that's what causing all this?

I would very much welcome any advice regarding these issues.

Thanks.

Big_G

bourney wrote: »

Next I started using internet forums and self diagnosis

Thanks.

This. Never do this. That is all.

randel

The PFM crown is not the cause of your problems. I don't think I've ever been more sure about anything in my life.

Oracle77

Hi there Bourney.
I agree completely with what you are saying.I had a front tooth knocked out in a childhood mishap and had an all porcelain crown fitted and all was well. Last month I had it replaced with a PFM and Ive felt terrible ever since. I feel lethargic and generally "wrong". The tissue sensitivity incurred by the PFM is unbearable. Even simple tasks such as breathing has become an issue and using metal cutlery brings tears to my eyes. Some people can indeed have an allergic reaction to the metals used in a PFM ,whilst, there are no documented cases that I have ever heard of regarding allergies or sensitivities to ceramic or porcelain. I have subsequently booked a dental appointment for tomorrow and I am going to demand to have it removed and replaced with a trusty,good old fashioned fully porcelain crown which I know to be 100% biocompatible through having had one for over 20 years and having absolutely no ill effect or cause for complaint what-so-ever. In conclusion; you are indeed correct,a PFM is like having a battery in your mouth,it is as you said "galvanic", And some people for the good of their health should not have any dental work done that involves having metal substances or structures fitted in their mouths, as it can indeed compromise their health,wellbeing and quality of life.

ballsymchugh

Oracle77 wrote: »

Hi there Bourney.
I agree completely with what you are saying.I had a front tooth knocked out in a childhood mishap and had an all porcelain crown fitted and all was well. Last month I had it replaced with a PFM and Ive felt terrible ever since. I feel lethargic and generally "wrong". The tissue sensitivity incurred by the PFM is unbearable. Even simple tasks such as breathing has become an issue and using metal cutlery brings tears to my eyes. Some people can indeed have an allergic reaction to the metals used in a PFM ,whilst, there are no documented cases that I have ever heard of regarding allergies or sensitivities to ceramic or porcelain. I have subsequently booked a dental appointment for tomorrow and I am going to demand to have it removed and replaced with a trusty,good old fashioned fully porcelain crown which I know to be 100% biocompatible through having had one for over 20 years and having absolutely no ill effect or cause for complaint what-so-ever. In conclusion; you are indeed correct,a PFM is like having a battery in your mouth,it is as you said "galvanic", And some people for the good of their health should not have any dental work done that involves having metal substances or structures fitted in their mouths, as it can indeed compromise their health,wellbeing and quality of life.

evening elmar!

Big_G

Oracle77 wrote: »

Hi there Bourney.
In conclusion; you are indeed correct,a PFM is like having a battery in your mouth,it is as you said "galvanic", And some people for the good of their health should not have any dental work done that involves having metal substances or structures fitted in their mouths, as it can indeed compromise their health,wellbeing and quality of life.

Nope. So called 'galvanic' currents in dental work have not been proven to exist, also the theory requires two contacting metal surfaces such as two metal crowns adjacent or metal fillings contacting.

As for the second statement, I could say something like 'some people should not post in Internet forums on topics about which they know very little'. It's a pretty broad and generalised statement. In fact two of the most biocompatible substances known are metals - gold and titanium. Also, PFM crowns are stronger than porcelain jacket crowns.

uberalles

What do the abreviations stand for ?

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Sensitivity around teeth and gum problems around crowns is due to either poor cleaning around them, or poor fit to the tooth. PFM stands for porcelain fused to metal, so its a broad range of crowns. Some metals are extremely biocompatable like gold, titanium, cobalt chromium etc....some are not like copper, lead etc....quality crowns contain good quality materials.

harpsman

Yaretzi Faint Dancer wrote: »

Sensitivity around teeth and gum problems around crowns is due to either poor cleaning around them, or poor fit to the tooth. PFM stands for porcelain fused to metal, so its a broad range of crowns. Some metals are extremely biocompatable like gold, titanium, cobalt chromium etc....some are not like copper, lead etc....quality crowns contain good quality materials.

I really dont think this persons problems are down to the type of metal in his/her crown.

digzy

harpsman wrote: »

I really dont think this persons problems are down to the type of metal in his/her crown.

you're probably correct but we all know that low quality metal can irritate soft tissue-just look at the reaction some people have to cheap jewellery.

cynamonmaggie

Hi Bourney, I had the same problem I ve got 4 almaglam fillings and I got very sick it took me 6 years to realise whats wrong with me, then I went to the dentist who has put them in and I demanded that he extracts them, he did. I have switched the dentist after that to a way better one, the one who would listen to me. Nothing as depressing as beeing treated in a patronising way like a six year old and a doctor who smiles down at you and says that "it is all in your head". I have Candida as a result of those almaglam fillings. Now my next step is to get the mercury out of the system there are natural supplements that attach themselves to it and bring it out safely. As far as I know after a lot of research Candida is a way body protects itself from a mercury, the Candida cells attach themselves to the mercury to protect the brain from damage so to get rid of Candida you have to get rid of mercury first. Chelation theraphy - I heard that it is good they do it in Dublin I might give it a try. Don't loose faith. It is possible. We will all get better x

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Your filling are not the same as crowns.