Berkeley Parents Network: Transcendentist

Berkeley Parents Network

Transcendentist

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Dentists > Transcendentist

Aug 2005

I am getting toothache from an old mercury filling, and need to have it replaced. I'm looking for a dentist who can do this, and is careful about exposure to the mercury toxicity during the treatment. Someone who is good at avoiding letting a filling turn into a root canal. (How often does this happen?) I looked at the website, and Dr. Fred Pockrass seems to have a great philosophy, that might fit what I need. But has anyone actually gone to him? What is treatment like? I need a dentist with that kind of philosophy who is also highly skilled (for more complicated stuff than this urgent filling). I've also thought about going to one of the dental schools in San Francisco, to one of the faculty clinics there. Has anyone any experience of (complicated) dental work either with Dr. Pockrass or in SF? Any help much appreciated, dentally panicking

I've been going to Dr. Fred Pockrass since he opened his practice and he is the best! He is very aware and careful about dealing with mercury fillings and will advise the best way to replace them. I have had several fillings replaced and will be going back next week for more work. He's very personable, listens to your concerns and does great work. The office is a pleasure to be in and could be a place for a spritual retreat! They make your time there as comfortable as possible. It's also the best place for a dental cleaning because it includes a foot massage! Feel free to email with any quetions. Good luck. Marissa

I have been going to Dr. Fred since he opened his practice in Berkeley. I recommend him unequivocably. He is very skilled and professional (he once put a filling in with no anesthesia and no pain!) His office is the greenest I have ever been to, they have truly thought out all of the processes and impacts of the work they do on the environment. Fortunately, I do not have any mercury fillings so I have never had them removed but on my new patient tour, Dr. Fred showed me the special containment equipment they have for that procedure. His office is so relaxing, with quiet music, tea, slippers, beautiful furnishings, foot massages - it is the closest thing to going to the spa! Happy and healthy teeth!

With the ''hype'' around Transcendentist and Dr. Fred Pockrass, I can see why you might be asking if he's the real deal.

I've been going to Transcendentist since they opened and it is a wonderful, high integrity, high quality operation. I also know a lot of other people who go there and absolutely love it. I've never actually heard a complaint.

Recently, I found out that many dental offices don't actually dispose of mercury fillings in eco friendly ways and they are not mandated to. Transcendentist voluntarily installed an expensive mercury separator so that mercury fillings would be disposed of properly. The office is basically a spa-- you can listerally book a massage before or after your appointment. And during most procedures, they have someone come to give you a foot massage.

The office also uses other eco-friendly techinques like digital xrays that have far less radiation than the standard dental office xrays, and they use non toxic cleaning and sterilization materials.

And Dr. Fred is fantastic- extremely detailed in his approach, committed to high quality, low pain work, and almost acts like a ''dental counselor'', especially for people who are afraid of the dentist.

So I recommend them with the highest marks and hope you get a chance to go... it is a dental experience like none other. Good luck. Alissa

Re: Dentists who don't use mercury (Sept 2004)

My dentist is totally mercury-free. Dr. Fred Pockrass in Berkeley at 841-3040.

I recently switched to Dr Fred Pockrass of Transcendentist, and he and the whole office are great. Very environmentally aware, great atmosphere, very relaxing with a foot massage! also, holistic practice, very thorough and high tech (no xrays, digital imaging), and great personalized care. they are a bit pricey, but i think worth it! They are on Ashby near Claremont, and their phone is 841-3040. Lucia

Transcendentist, right across from the Claremont Hotel, does 100% mercury free work. They are also the first eco- friendly dental office in the country (they are green certified with the county of alameda) and act more like a dental spa than a regular old dental office. The whole staff is amazing and you really feel like family when you are there. I've never seen a dental office quite like it.

Other stuff that keeps me going there: They do digital xrays, and use a mercury separator to ensure that old mercury fillings that they remove don't enter the waterstream (most dentists don't invest in this expensive system and basically flush the mercury-- it is always worth asking a dentist what they do with old mercury fillings!!) They also use eco friendly cleaners, cloth bibs, etc. and give foot massages during your teeth cleaning.

The only bad news is they don't take insurance but can help you get reimbursed. Their number is 510-841-3040. Alissa

July 2003

RE: Dentist who doesn't push x-rays
I highly recommend Dr. Fred Pockrass on Ashby - 841.3040- He doesn't use x-rays at all, but rather digital imaging. Very patient, holistic practice, specializes in replacement of mercury fillings. hhspiel

May 2003

Re: Removing Amalgam Fillings
The very best place for amalgam removal is transcendentist - Dr Fred Pockrass on Ashby in Berkeley. Any dentist can remove your mercury laden fillings and replace them with non reactive composite material, what makes Dr Fred unique is his whole body, wellness centered approach. He well known in the alternative health community and is up to date on the latest detoxification research. Be sure to ask for a foot massage! His phone number is 510.841.3040. cheryl

March 2003

Re: Dentists Favorable to Breastfeeding
I have a great dentist recommendation to pass on - he should be listed in the ''holistic dentist'' category, but would also be an excellent family dentist and, I assume, would respond with somewhat more understanding to the subject of breastfed children. Dr. Fred Pockrass, 3030 Ashby - 841.3040- Spent a significant amount of time with me making sure that I understood and felt comfortable with options and procedures.

Accupunture available on-site. Office is ecologically friendly, from the organic cotton futon to the wall-paper, etc. and the amount of thought that went into designing the office comes through in how they handle their patients. I actually left me visit with a supply of Arcina. Highly recommended... hhspiel

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