What’s the difference between holistic and traditional dentistry?
While most of our patients know what holistic dentistry means, from time to time we are asked how it’s different from traditional dentistry. We thought providing you with some basic facts might help make explaining how we practice dentistry to family and friends a bit easier:
- Mercury-free/Mercury-safe — We have specific protocols in place to protect our patients and staff when working on patients with mercury fillings. Our office is certified in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). We have been practicing the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings for 20 years.
- Digital X-rays — Instead of traditional X-rays, we use digital ones. They use 90% less radiation, making it much safer for our patients. They also deliver a better image that helps us diagnose and treat patients more effectively.
- Biocompatible materials — The materials we use in our office are BPA-free, non-toxic and free of heavy metals.
- Ozone — We use ozone, a form of super-charged oxygen. It effectively kills pathogens, like bacteria, viruses, and mold. Ozone is more effective than bleach, but unlike this toxic chemical, it is safe to use. We use ozone to disinfect the office and also in dental procedures in the form of ozonized water and oils as well as ozone gas. It is useful in treating infections such as gum disease, cavities and in endodontic (root canal) treatment. We produce it here in the office with hospital grade equipment and medical oxygen.
- Root canals — While some holistic dentists do not perform root canals, we determine whether or not to treat patients with this procedure on a case-by-case basis. We are open minded to patient choice and will help determine whether a root canal procedure is appropriate for the given tooth and the given patient. There are times when the tooth root is so damaged that it is best for the health of the patient that it be removed. When we decide that a root canal treatment is appropriate, we use Ozone water and gas to disinfect the tooth to make it a more effective treatment.
If you have any questions about holistic dentistry and its benefits, please feel free to ask us at your next visit.
