No problem! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Glad to be of any help. Definitely, it is wiser to take a bit more time, rather than rush in and then regret it and wind up taking even more time to try and fix what could or should have been avoided in the first place. But again, I can well understand you wanting to get on with it and get the stuff OUT. Sometimes you can talk to a biologic/holistic dentist and ask them what they have found to be an overall good trusted biocompatible material that seems to suit most patients, particularly the toxic/sensitive ones. One dentist I spoke to told me straight that he only uses heliomolar composites, or cerec porcelain, as in his experience they seem to be the most tolerated. He's studied in oral toxicology too. But each dentist seems to have their preferences. Bonding and lining agents are also important, because they're in the mouth 24/7 as well. All materials should ideally be tested if possible.

I wouldn't use the word amalgams to describe any dental material. Amalgams are a filling combination of metals/mercury. Composites are the white plastics (resins) and are not amalgams. I used to call them all amalgams as well....but I soon stopped after realising exactly what they were... ---> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/skullandbones.gif" alt="" /> because really that's what they are, just a nice non offensive name to describe a nasty blend of junk metal and neurotoxic mercury, nicely amalgamated together and placed in our teeth to oh so nicely poison us. And poison us insidiously over long periods of time.

I wish there was the ideal dental replacment material that was completely neutral and did not pose any challenge to the immune system, but at this time, there doesn't seem to be that option as yet, until they start growing enamel. So the best we can do is try to find the least offensive and to be honest, I do not even know how accurate these tests are either, but I would still do it. Some dentists actually tell their patients to get this serum test done because they will only choose dental materials that show up ok on this test for their patients. These are the true biologic dentists.

I got my composites redone with cerec because I wanted a very biocompatible material, but also one that lasts and would not require me to have them redone in say 7 years or so (although many last longer than that and I guess they're improving too). More dentists are taking this material onboard (cerec), both mainstream and biologic dentists. I gather it's good both bicompatibility wise and mechanically too.

But they'll be other materials that are excellent too and perhaps not so hard on the pocket. Whatever you do, best wishes! keep us posted as you feel like it.