What is holistic dentistry?
Today, I want to answer some common questions that we get and share our view and approach to holistic dentistry. Holistic dentistry is really about taking your overall health into account when we're looking at your mouth and what we can do to keep it healthy.
Your oral health is connected to your overall health, so a holistic dentist looks at you as an entire person. What else is going on with your health? How might that relate to what's going on in your mouth? We take those factors into account when developing a treatment plan for your oral health.
Why is biological dentistry important?
When we're looking at your teeth, we want to take the whole person into consideration and help set you up for success. That includes looking at the health of your teeth and gums, your medical history, and other factors that may affect your oral health.
Our mouths naturally contain many different types of bacteria. Some are part of a normal oral microbiome, while others can contribute to conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease when the environment allows them to become problematic. We also consider the dental materials we're using and choose appropriate materials based on the individual patient's treatment needs.
What treatments are offered by a holistic dentist?
There are lots of treatments that can be offered by a holistic dentist. One of the biggest priorities is simply making sure that your gums and teeth are healthy. If you have gum disease or cavities, we want to identify and appropriately treat those conditions.
Research has found associations between periodontal disease and certain systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. That doesn't mean gum disease directly causes every condition it's associated with, but it does reinforce the importance of maintaining good periodontal and overall oral health.
Are holistic approaches safe and supported by research?
When we use a holistic approach, we still want our dental recommendations to be based on established clinical evidence and the individual patient's needs. Some concepts commonly associated with holistic dentistry, such as maintaining healthy teeth and gums and considering a patient's medical history, are standard parts of comprehensive dental care.
Other treatments or claims described as holistic may have different levels of scientific evidence. That's why we want to discuss the potential benefits, risks, limitations, and alternatives of any treatment we're considering.
Are there metal-free options for dental implants?
A lot of people looking for implants are concerned about having metals in their mouth. There are different tooth replacement options we can discuss, including fixed bridges and partial dentures.
We also offer zirconia dental implants at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. Zirconia is a ceramic material and can provide a metal-free implant option for appropriately selected patients. Whether zirconia or another tooth replacement option is appropriate depends on your oral health, anatomy, and treatment needs.
Is holistic dentistry covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage generally depends on the specific dental procedure rather than whether the dentist describes the approach as holistic. Services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and periodontal treatment may receive coverage depending on your individual plan.
Other treatments, including certain tooth replacement options, may involve additional out-of-pocket costs. If you have questions about whether a particular procedure is covered, we can help you review your dental benefits.
Is holistic dentistry important for children?
I'm a parent of seven children, and certainly the health of my children is paramount. I'm sure that's important to other parents as well.
When we care for a child, we don't want to look at the teeth in isolation. We consider the child's medical history, oral development, habits, and individual needs when recommending dental care. The goal is to support their oral health while considering their overall health and well-being.
What can a patient expect from a holistic dentist?
When a patient comes into our office, we'll talk with them about what we're going to do and evaluate their individual oral health needs. We want to use conservative approaches when they're clinically appropriate while still diagnosing and treating active dental or periodontal disease.
We'll also talk to you about different options for restoring or replacing teeth and explain which approaches may be appropriate based on your oral health, overall health, and treatment goals.
How does a holistic dentist look at overall health?
For dentists like me who take the patient's overall health into account, it's important to look at the person as a whole. We evaluate the health of the teeth and gums and consider medical history and other factors that may affect dental treatment.
If we see signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or another oral health problem, we'll let you know and develop an appropriate treatment plan. We also want to support function by helping you maintain or restore your ability to chew, eat, and speak comfortably.
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.