Your questions answered about our practice and holistic dentistry.
Q: Are mercury fillings safe?
A: Silver-mercury fillings are the most common source of mercury vapor and the major source of organic mercury exposure in humans. You are getting exposed to 3ug to 17ug of mercury vapor per filling per day. This mercury is the most dangerous of all heavy metals. The mercury targets your kidneys, brain, nervous system, heart, liver, lungs, and just about every tissue in your body.
The best answer to this question can only be made by your physician, after his/her physical examination and testing. If you need referral to a physician familiar with mercury toxicity, please call the office.
Do not have your silver-mercury fillings removed by any general dentist. You need to find a dentist that can remove the poisonous fillings safely and knows what less toxic materials to replace them with. Our office has been treating patients with mercury concerns safely for over 25 years. We would be happy to assist you with your concerns and holistic dental health care services.
Q: Does my insurance plan cover your treatment?
A: Usually, at least a percent according to your plan’s restrictions and limitations. Most insurance companies limit your dental benefits to treatment that is required not elective. Therefore they pay the least percentage they can, for the cheapest treatment possible, on routine diagnostic and dentally-necessary treatment services. They also have restrictions on whom you are encouraged to choose for your dentist. It is just as hard for dental offices to understand these details of all the different plans as it is for you, the patient.
Our focus is to identify your dental needs and offer ideal and individualized solutions. Insurance companies are businesses primarily concerned with bottom line profits and increasing the number of their enrollees. We urge you to clarify the details of your policy with them and we will provide any and all clinical justification for your recommended treatment. Please ask for our “Understanding Dental Insurance” pamphlet or call the office @ 760-729-9050 for more information or questions we can help you with.
Q: What type of Insurance do you take?
A: Many types, however we are what is called a fee-for-service practice. What that means is that we accept payment for services at the time of treatment and assist you in processing your claim forms, so that your insurance directly reimburses you.
Q: How is your office different form other offices?
A: There are many things. First, we are dedicated to fulfilling your unique dental health concerns and desires by providing comprehensive dental care with a holistic focus. We are driven with sincerity and passion to educate, nurture, support and work with you to obtain optimal health and vitality with a beautiful smile. Please read our article on what different things to look for in a holistic dentist on this website and our handout “What to look for in a Holistic Dentist”.
Q: How does your office protect me when taking out mercury fillings?
A: We do all that has been proven to effectively protect the patient and team members including, but not limited to: rubber dam protection, an oxygen/air mask, open windows, patient body drape, high speed suction, HEPA room filters, magnification, fiber optic lights, copious water irrigation, supplements and nutrition counseling before/during/after the operative procedures and referrals to alternative health care practitioners as needed.
Q: What procedures do you use for gum disease?
A: We use a microscope examination to help diagnosis your current infection and progress. We provide extensive preventive and therapeutic education in the use of oral hygiene techniques and products. We recommend essential oils, herbs, nutrition, oral irrigation, flossing, toothpicks and other oral hygiene products. We utilize non-surgical therapy with the latest technology including: a safe and comfortable diode laser and micro-sonic cleaning and irrigation systems to help kill bad bacteria, remove damaged tissue and stimulate healing of the gums and bone regrowth.
Q: Are root canals safe?
A: Traditional root canal therapy misses most of the bad bacteria in the dentinal tubules of your teeth’s roots. These bacteria give off poisons, destroy the enzymes systems of your teeth and bone and have far reaching affects on the whole body.
There is a more holistic type of root canal method utilizing the sealer called Endocal, that has been available in the US for many years. It has been shown to kill the bad bacteria more thoroughly and avoid the harmful affect to the body. We generally recommend a post-root canal exam and treatment by an acupuncturist to help re-balance the body.
Q: Are Implants safe?
A: Most dentist will say yes, though they have never been proven to be safe. Implants have been around for many years and have proven to be durable. Holistic dentists would be concerned with the affect the implant had on the rest of the body (esp. the meridians). Zirconia implants are coming and should have less of the harmful affects than the old metal implants.
Q: How should I use the Waterpik?
A: We recommend using something in the water to help kill the bad bacteria hiding in the gum pockets. There are many natural products that can be helpful. We recommend using 1/3 to 1/2 capful of the Dental Herb Company’s Under the gums irrigant, or 1-2 drops of the many essential oils blends (ie. Thieves, Christmas Spirit, and Citrus Fresh). If you don’t have mercury fillings, 2-3 drops of Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) can be a cheap, yet powerful solution. For help with these and other healthy suggestions talk with our hygienists or read our Water Irrigation instruction handout.
Q: How do I use Colloidal Silver?
A: Our therapeutic strength colloidal silver product, Royal Scandinavian (500ppm) is used only for 7-10 days and not used as a daily preventive supplement. For adults, we recommend 1/2 teaspoon mixed with at least 8 ounces of pure water. Swish in the mouth and swallow. Drink several glasses of pure water throughout the day when taking colloidal silver. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your health care practitioner before using this product. For more information ask for our Colloidal Silver handouts.
Q: How do I stop getting cavities?
A: Holistic dentists look at the whole body when preventing or treating cavities. The cavities are the result of the body being out of balance. New research is confirming that a cavity does not result unless the person’s hypothalamus and parotid glands are not functioning properly. The body’s nutrition, lifestyle, rest. exercise, exposure to toxins, oxidative stress, and spirituality can all play a part. We help the body regain balance with natural dental hygiene products, cavity-fighting herbal lollipops, essential oil lozenges, teeth rebuilding pastes, xylitol products, alkalizing products, and increasing the arginine in the diet. Please refer to our “Great Teeth and Gums” handout or many articles on this website.
Q: Are the laser treatments safe? Do they hurt?
A: The gentle and comfortable diode lasers we use in the dental office are one of the safest instruments we utilize. The low level lasers when used by a trained professional comfortably help kill bad bacteria, removed diseased tissue and speed healing. Most of the time the laser therapy, that the hygienist utilize, rarely needs to have anesthetic.
Q: How can I whiten my teeth?
A: We use a hydrogen peroxide based gel system that the patient puts in custom mouth trays at home. Treatments are generally 1/2 hour exposures twice a day for 2 weeks. There are many over the counter products that work also with varying degrees of success.
Q: Got a question?
A: Send us an email.
If you need any information about our practice please contact us on (760)729-9050 and we will do our best to help.
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