Holistic Dentistry
Dental Care Centered on Whole Body Health
What Is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry, sometimes called biological or integrative dentistry, considers how dental health influences the entire body. Instead of merely focusing on immediate symptoms, we take your whole clinical picture into account. Rather than discarding traditional methods, it aims to better incorporate treatment within a unified approach. A holistic dentist will place more emphasis on elements like:
- Material selection
- Proactive prevention
- Minimally invasive care
- Reducing exposure to potentially irritating substances
Core Principles of Our Holistic Dental Care
Holistic dentistry is guided by principles that emphasize the relationship between oral and overall health. These key ideas include:
- Preserving healthy tooth structure
- Identifying underlying causes of recurring dental issues
- Using biocompatible restorative materials
- Minimizing unnecessary drilling and invasive treatment
- Considering medical conditions, lifestyle, and medications during treatment planning
- Supporting a balanced oral environment
Advantages of Holistic Dental Care
- Preventing issues before they arise
- Preserved tooth structure and integrity
- Reduced reliance on metal-based materials
- Collaboration with other doctors when appropriate
Common Holistic Dentistry Services and Techniques
- Comprehensive Health-Based Evaluation: Fully assess your health, medical history, and oral/general medical needs.
- Biocompatible Dental Materials: Focus on materials without metal that better mimic natural dental materials.
- Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Aim for conservative approaches that focus on preservation over invasive procedures.
- Metal-Free Restorative Options: Replace old fillings or restorations with metal-free materials that look and feel more natural.
- Gum Health and Oral Inflammation Management: Personalized care to reduce gum disease and improve periodontal health.
- Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance: Full consultation for lifestyle measures and influences like alcohol, smoking, etc.
- Bite, Jaw, and Airway Considerations: Explore how your oral health influences airway function and associated health concerns.
Testimonials
Holistic Dentistry FAQs
Is holistic dentistry the same as natural dentistry?
These two terms are often used interchangeably. Both have a somewhat loose definition, though. Rather than being strictly defined, holistic or natural dentistry embody an approach to care rather, not a dictation of methods. Holistic dentistry is just as rigorous as traditional methods, if not more so due to the broader consideration of non-dental health factors.
Does holistic dentistry avoid all metals?
Rather than pure avoidance of metal, holistic approaches simply prefer more biocompatible materials. Ultimately, material selection must reflect what is best for your oral health. If a metal restoration is essential in your situation, it is still entirely valid to use it.
Should all silver amalgam fillings be removed?
While a holistic approach favors non-metal fillings, you do not necessarily need any previous amalgam fillings removed. Stable fillings that do not cause clinical issues may not require replacement. Rather, we usually recommend replacement when an amalgam filling is:
- Cracked
- Leaking
- Failing
- Surrounded by decay
We also take patient preferences and requests into consideration when planning filling replacement.
Can holistic dentistry treat dental infections?
Yes, but the right approach will still depend on the severity and location of the infection. While a conservative approach may help for some patients, the most important factor is successful elimination of the infection. This could involve root canal, extraction, or other treatment elements.
Are holistic dental materials allergy-free?
Unfortunately, no dental material can be guaranteed to be allergy-free for every patient. However, the materials we use are less commonly an issue for patients prone to allergies. We still carefully review your medical history to ensure your safety by avoiding any materials that trigger your allergies.
Does dental insurance cover holistic dentistry?
Most insurance plans should cover holistic dentistry care at our La Jolla office, as plans follow the procedure rather than the method. However, out-of-pocket costs can vary based on plan details, original treatment costs, and other factors.
