Hi. I just replied to a couple of posts for the first time, but I have
been lurking a bit, and have a question.  I have found that the dentists
(and others here) are really great and share some good info, and that is
cool. I started lurking shortly before I saw the dentist for the first
time in AGES. I came here as part of a way to get over my dental phobia.

Well, I have found a great dentist to work with me, so that is good.  I
asked for that for Christmas, and I got VERY lucky in finding just the
right one for me.  Since then, I've gotten some potentially scary
physical health news, but I don't know anything yet. I may be a diabetic
(have an endocrinologist appointment tomorrow to find out for sure,
already see them for a thyroid issue anyways, and he's the best around
on diabetes too), I may also have cancer (found a WBC of 36.8 when
seeing my regular doc about the diabetes, she ran the test twice, was
sure it was a mistake, and then had me get more blood drawn at the
hospital lab to confirm the results. That one was 37.8, so I see a
hematologist/oncologist in the afternoon tomorrow to find out what is
going on with that).  Well, I'm glad I decided thinking of my dental
health, because if either of these conditions are true, it will be even
more important for me to take care of my teeth. (oh and this was a week
after the dentist, so not likely a reaction from that...)

I know I won't know anything more about the WBC count until after the
hematologist runs his tests, and I know there are many possibilities
besides cancer.  There are some totally benign ones, and maybe it was
just triggered by a high blood sugar--I'll take diabetes over cancer any
day, and maybe I'm just going hyperthyroid again, those symptoms are
cropping up (but my TSH was normal, even though T4 was just a tad high)
instead of hypo, which would be the best news, that is easily fixed with
med adjustment.  However, I know others who had cancer and they had to
see the dentist to get all their fillings replaced prior to starting
chemo to help prevent mouth/blood etc. infections.  I have a few
fillings (not many, I got lucky and got the good teeth gene in my
family. My moms side has great teeth. The other side has horrid teeth,
but my dad and brother didn't help matters much with heavy drinking,
smoking and other drugs--though my dads parents had the same issues and
were teetotalers. I at least have good health habits, if not always the
best oral hygiene. But that is getting better, and my gums will soon be
in good shape now too, that is my main concern right now, the teeth are
 good, the gums need a little work to get there, but will!). So, I
presume they will need to be replaced IF i have  cancer. (but I'm not
saying I do, I  don't know yet, just wanting to know about this in case
I do).  Most of my fillings are porcelain, as the dentist I had as an
adolescent (who was also very good with phobics) only used that type of
filling. How does one replace that type of filling? Is it possible? I
also have a couple of metal (amalgam I presume) fillings from another
dentist. (these are my only metal ones, and I do not like them as much
as the others, they are way in the back, so can't be seen but are more
sensitive to hot/cold (though that is largely resolved now, but at first
was not so great) I guess from the conductivity?). I would not mind
having these replaced with porcelain ones, not so sure I'm crazy about
the mercury in my mouth, though I don't go all out on the hype of it
causing tons of problems etc. and just removing all mercury fillings
will cure all illness etc. (seen a bunch of those posts on some of the
med groups around here, your typical TROLLS/Spammers etc.  If I believed
them, getting those fillings out would cure cancer and diabetes!  There
are always a few with their weird causes--like ironjustice and
others--Hey I could just get bled, and then be fine!)

I would appreciate any opinions/answers anyone cares to offer for my
questions. (and dont' worry, I am smart enough to do other research and
consult MY dentist before making any decisions etc.  I don't expect to
be diagnosed/cured on a usenet group, just looking for info so I can ask
more informed questions etc.--and I know which posts to take with a
grain of salt or not). Thanks for any replies.

Emily