To want a tooth removed rather than filled?

[Troublesometrucker]

if I pay for it?

I just feel it's my mouth.

None of the materials they want to fill it with are things that I want in my mouth. I'd rather lose the tooth - it won't show.

The best option would be a white composite (which again I would happily pay for, I'm not expecting the NHS to foot the bill) however I have Oestrogen (?) dominance and BPA within them is an endocrine disruptor. I don't want it permanently in my mouth for a tooth that I really won't miss. I go out of my way to try and avoid it where I can in goods that I buy...this is my mouth, part of me?

I have agreed to disagree with the dentist for now, and return to her when I have made my mind up on what she can fill it with.

But being my mouth, AIBU for thinking it's up to me?

My medical condition. I have PCOS and Endometriosis. Now, yes - there are it is claimed that it has no link etc, that a filling cannot cause endocrine disruption.

However BPA is known to be an endocrine disruptor. BPA is in the white composite filling that I have discussed with my dentist. My levels of BPA would be higher if I have it filled with this.

If I was done having kids - it would not bother me quite so much. But after you have spent years TTC, gone through a zillion tests/scans/treatments etc and know from the obvious daily symptoms just how far out of whack your hormones are...it's an emotive thing. I would feel safer not adding a material that wasn't natural as a permanent fixture to myself.

I can sympathise troublesome. Fertility issues suck and you would do anything to not make things worse.
Can you ask your dentist if glass ionomer contains BPA, another option would be restore with glass ionomer and put a crown over the tooth. Glass ionomer in itself wouldn't be strong enough to last any time.

Yes the glass ionomer is something she mentioned. I think when she said it would give me a high level of fluoride constantly releasing that is what put me off it.

I know fluoride is a good thing for teeth... but I just am an ecobum try to stay as natural as possible, and the idea of anything constantly releasing in my mouth doesn't fill me with joy.

It's an option though.

Well... Gold is good. Inert, non destructive, low wear, strong. To cement that in with glass ionomer cement (high levels of fluoride is slightly ambitious and don't forget that fluoride is an element which is naturally occurring and present n high levels in tea and some waters) could satisfy all parties?
there's a tiny amount of glass ionomer involved in cementing a well fitting crown/onlay btw.

I was wondering this myself (fellow pcos and endemetriosis sufferer though I haven't heard of the links).
I have had root canal and extensive fillings on one of my teeth which cracked last week. I'm due to see the dentist on Monday to find hot what he suggests as a piece of my mended tooth came clean away. I'm tempted to just get him to whip it out as it has cost me over £1,000 so far on root canals and additional fillings over the last 2 years and I don't want to be spending this much every year subsequently if ultimately I'll lose the bloody tooth anyway.

Hi Bread! Just replied to you about cleaning ovens over on the other thread I think lol

I think I'd have the tooth whipped out if I were you, for all the reasons you mention. I'd be livid to think I'd paid over 1k for a hole...

I think I'd rather have it out too. It's bloody expensive, dental work. I'm certainly not undermining my dentist, but why do I pay him so much money (directly) and not my gp?

I had a big hole and a lot of pain in a molar. Went to the dentist, she said, "let's talk about your options", I said "I'd like the cheapest" and she pulled it out. No problems, no wonky teeth, no sunken face (! It's not a very big hole!).

I've no idea why we don't have GP check ups reguarly. I'm glad we don't though. I always fret I'll catch something worse while I'm there when I do have to go.

I'd like the cheaper option in this case rather than the filling. But seems there is more to it than cost and material. lots to think about. My previous dentist the only other time in my life I was in this position that's exactly what happened - she asked if I wanted it filled or removed. I said removed since it wont show when I smile. She said fine and yanked it out... was so simple. Never had a problem...

It's impossible to say without seeing it whether it's best to try to keep it or easy enough to get rid.

Have a frank discussion with your dentist, not guided by how much money you think they will make (often people think we just want profit even though the fee structure can be incredibly complex, we always want whats best for you in the long term) and what the long term consequences will be of any treatment type.

I had two back teeth removed at my request 20 years ago. One at each side. They were over filled and I kept getting abscesses. I got my last abscess and just asked for them to be removed. One of the teeth didn't have an abscess at that time but I knew it would be a matter of time.

Best thing I've ever done for my dental health.

Link about why dental check ups are a good idea for Bread.

The evidence around the benefits of routine health screening is quite complex - if you do them, as lot of things will be thrown out which were doing no harm, and need nothing done about them. They can also give a false sense of security which makes people ignore actual symptoms which they might otherwise have got checked out.

You might be interested in reading about screening checks which are done via the NHS.

I have two gaps in my teeth. You WILL notice it. Even at the back of your mouth they can show in photos and disrupt eating.

Thanks for the link, I can understand why it's a good idea but are there any guidelines that suggest we should have regular MOTs at the drs?