Thanks for the info on the gum-and-cheek testing phxcoop. How is that done? Do you generally just put a sample in your mouth and then sort of suck on it and leave it in for a few hours? I haven't heard of this kind of testing before, but it sounds like it would be very logical. I agree with Bex, I'm a little disappointed to hear that the CEREC material did not work for you, as this is the first time that I have heard of this. But it sounds like it would be way too coincidental to have the reactions that you did after two tries with it, so that HAD to be some kind of reaction I suspect.

After reading through almost every post on this forum, I am under the impression that I am going into this crown replacement and amalgam removal quite a bit healthier than some of the others. I am not at a stage of toxicity (yet) where I have allergic reactions to much of anything--although I think that I am having reactions to the 'gold' crowns that are in my mouth now. This concerns me a little bit, because I am worried that if I get the CEREC's and things actually end up going well for me personally, it could possibly give a false sense of hope to someone like Bex that may not tolerate these materials as well, due to her (now) compromised immune system. I also don't know if the zirconium-oxide is more bio-compatible than the aluminum-oxide materials. I know it is supposed to be harder than the aluminum oxide, and withstands the stresses placed on molars much better than the aluminum oxide materials.

This issue of bio-compatible dental materials has to be the most frustrating aspect of recovery that I have seen so far. It's almost made me throw up my hands in despair at times--I really don't know what to do at this point. I thought that I had done my homework with the CEREC's and finally found something that would be somewhat problem-free for me. Now I don't know what to think. I'm nervous about throwing $300.00 away on blood serum testing if it's only going to be 60% accurate. I can flip a quarter for only 10% less accuracy, and it will be for free. I guess in some ways the decision is made for me though, because I don't know of any dentists in my area yet that place Diamondcrown, so I may not have any other realistic options than CEREC for now. I will take your advice phxcoop, and ask for the gum-and-cheek materials testing at least.

Thanks,
Jason