Hi, I can understand that. Financially all the testing can wind up being as expensive, if not more than the procedures, plus as you said, the contradictions in answers are often ludicrous.

I had different testing done and had differing results sometimes too. The only way I did it was finding which materials seemed ok on most tests. But again, how accurate? Who knows.

I think if you're with a biologic dentist who practises the IAMOT, then he/she would likely be aware of some standard reliable materials that seem ok with most patients.

I don't know about the rubber dam. It was ironic that when the rubber dam was used on me in the last amalgam removals, the dentist and the assistant were more slack with suction and when they took the dam off, I swallowed all the amalgam that was still sitting in my mouth. So much for the dam. What a waste of time it ended up being, I was so ill from that removal that I drove home with tremors in my lips and tongue. I was white as a sheet and cried and had headaches for sometime after that. Even though the dentist covered herself by saying "don't worry about it, it'll just pass out of your system". yeah right! If that was the case, why did I get so immediately seriously sick which lasted a long time. Why too do they warn against swallowing mercury? One girl I heard about swallowed her amalgam and died. Why bother using suction? They know FULL WELL, it is not safe. But she was quite stunned it happened and dug herself out of it.

When I didn't have the dam, the dentist and the assistant were vigilant in using suction and more careful...I don't know what to think now. I think oxygen is more important personally because even with a dam, the mercury vapor can get through anything, plus go up the nasal cavity too. Maybe it's good if you can get it, but I had removals done earlier with no rubber dam and didn't notice much difference.

I think it also depends on how many you've having done too. I think personally breathing oxygen is a better bet. At least that way the air you breath is an alternative source, rather than having a dam over your mouth, yet still breathing all the vapor in anyway.

Both would be great though! So I don't know why they don't take that extra bit of precaution for the sake of the patient. I'd rather go overboard in those matters and do it all if I were the dentist.

But oxygen and suction and any other protection like eye goggles etc, sounds pretty good to me. Also, you're not having a load of them done in one session either.

I just don't see why you cannot have a rubber dam regardless...you're the one paying for it all. They're doing a service, they should cater to the extra wishes of the patient. Unfortunately it seems we're the ones trying to please THEM.

If you are happy with the dentist that did this job? I would try and go back to him. That way at least you know you'll be getting the same materials put in, rather than something different. It's not the best to get different materials in the same mouth. Though many contain similar ingredients, it still gives the body more to handle.

I know the 7-14-21 rule is the problem here... Is it possible to ask what materials he used? E.g. name of composite, name of bonding and lining material and if you go see someone else, you could ask them to use the same ones. Just a thought.

It depends whether the 7 day thing is such a big deal....what about after 21 days? Does it always continue to apply? Or does it eventually fade off?

I think it's a good idea what you suggested too. Perhaps there could be a standard letter that people here can print out and send or fax to their dentist. The ideal questions that we all wished we had asked! Maybe Russ might be interested in this too. Some kind of standard question form for would-be amalgam removal patients who wish to search for a dentist that can answer those questions in a way that gives peace of mind and trust that they are going to the right dentist.

Reputation also comes into it. Asking about a dentist on here is a good way too, you can find out from a few people who may know someone who went to them, or has seen them themselves. Usually you'll get a good idea, because fellow sufferers give the most honest answers.