Posted by Larry Hoover on September 29, 2003, at 8:04:51
In reply to Re: Fluoride ....matt and jan » Larry Hoover, posted by mattdds on September 28, 2003, at 14:44:27
> Please answer these questions. In your opinion.
>
> 1. When a patient has a cavity, what dental restorative material (or treatment) do you deem safe (or least harmful in terms of overall health - including dental health).As I recall, the best restoratives are those which cure with visible light. I cannot recall which base monomer system, though. I really have to find my earlier report..... Problem is, it may well be outdated, even though I think it was written seven years ago.
Definitely not amalgam. And occlusive surfaces do present a problem. I need to find that paper.
> 2. Should we remove all fluoride from the water? Or just stop supplementing it.
Stop supplementation, and reduce fluoride if natural levels are high. The latter would be a costly intervention.
> 3. What is your take on pit and fissure sealants?
No problem, if properly applied. Inter-operator variability is a big problem. Also, non-fluoride sealants. There is no proven benefit of fluoridated sealants.
> 4. What about topical fluoride? Is this reasonable, in your opinion?
With precautions, yes. It is not a systemic treatment. No problem, with precautions against ingestion.
> 5. What about endodontic (root canal) therapy and gutta percha? (I notice that anti-amalgam and fluoride types also tend to be anti-gutta percha).
Gutta percha appears to be problematic due to two different factors: a) the solvent; b) cross-reactivity in those allergic to latex. Why not just use MTA for obturation, and avoid the issue altogether? Or a hyroxyapatite preparation?
> Do you have any better ideas than are currently out there? (No sarcasm at all intended, seriously).No, I wouldn't presume to make suggestions. I'm far better at criticizing other people's choices. <grin>
> Thanks for making me think Larry. You're good!Awww, ain't you sweet!
> Funny thing is, I bet both of our opinions have been solidified. That's how debate usually works!
Good debate, yes. I hate the kind that slides into ad hominem, or such.
Frankly, I found out enough stuff to convince me that I should avoid fluoride, and see if it affects my own health problems. Very hard to create a controlled manipulation, however, due to the halo/diffusion effect.
> But it's fun. I enjoy debating with people who can still maintain a sense of humor despite the disagreement.
It would be better if you admitted you were wrong, but what the hey. <wink>
> Take care,
>
> MattLater bud,
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:263511
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030928/msgs/264186.html