The concept of seeing a holistic dentist for your professional dental care is a relatively new one, so many patients may have questions about the services provided by these specialists and the philosophy behind their approach. Educating yourself on the specialty can help you decide if a holistic dentist is the right choice for you.
Holistic Dentistry Services
A holistic dentist can provide any services that you would expect to receive at any dental practice, including exams, cleanings and restorations, among other treatments. However, there are a few services that are more likely to be offered by a holistic specialist.
Holistic dentistry emphasizes the integration of oral health into general wellness…
- Safe amalgam removal: Patients may opt to have old amalgam (metal) fillings removed and replaced out of concern over possible mercury toxicity or just because they don’t like the way those dark fillings look. Whenever a dentist is removing amalgam fillings to replace them, it’s essential to take safety precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to mercury, such as using an oral aerosol evacuation system to eliminate mercury vapor.
- Dental ozone: Ozone is a naturally occurring gas that neutralizes many pathogens in the oral cavity, including bacteria, viruses and fungal infections. Dental ozone can be used in a variety of interventions, such as gum disease treatment, root canal therapy and dental restorations. It can also be used to accelerate healing of oral lesions, such as cold sores.
Holistic Dentistry Vs. Conventional Dentistry
Holistic dentistry emphasizes the integration of oral health into general wellness and focuses on the effects of dental treatments, as well as the benefits gained, for the entire body. In addition to providing standard care such as dental exams and cleanings, this specialist might also explore other aspects of your health, such as the presence of systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes that appear to have a relationship with oral health or the quality of your diet and lifestyle factors, which can influence the well-being of your smile.
Patients who see practitioners with a holistic approach often comment on how different the assessment and treatment process is when compared to a dentist with a more traditional perspective. Are you curious about holistic dentistry and how it might benefit you? We would love the opportunity to educate you on this important dental specialty. Call the office of Dr. Philip Kozlow today to schedule your visit.
