Holistic Dentistry

When you choose a dentist to take care of your oral health, it makes sense to choose one interested in treating the whole patient; someone who is willing to go to the extra mile, not only for your teeth and gums, but also for your overall health and well-being. In our office, we use practices and procedures to take care of your dental needs in the safest, most natural way possible. Take a look at how we safeguard our patients’ overall health.

Metal Free Dentistry
In the past, the use of metal for fillings and other appliances seemed like a good idea. It was easily obtainable, convenient, and durable. Or so it was thought. It turns out metal used in dentistry shrinks and expands when exposed to varying temperatures. Ultimately, that meant a poorly fitted filling.

With metal free dentistry, patients can expect increased strength, with the porcelain fillings lasting much longer, even when used on the hard working molars. Additionally, porcelain fillings also are ideal for restoration, as the material comes close to the strength and durability of the original tooth material. Finally, patients with metal free dental work enjoy a lower price for the porcelain filling.

Safe Mercury Removal
Dentistry has come a long way in the past few decades, and one way to see those changes is with safe mercury removal. Fillings made from metal have been found to contain less than healthy components, notably mercury. In order to safely remove those fillings and pave the way for new, safe porcelain fillings, proper procedures are followed to reduce the amount of mercury particles that the patient and the staff are exposed to for the best possible outcome.

Environmental Filters
When metal fillings are removed, it isn’t only the patient and the dental staff that needs protection. It is also important to protect the environment. In our office, we use procedures and protocols to limit the amount of mercury that fits its way into the sewer system. Special filters are used on the equipment to collect as many miniscule particles of mercury as possible.

Charcoal Rinses
To further ensure the safety of our patients, we also use charcoal rinses during the removal process. This step further reduces the level of mercury and other harmful metals found in the metal fillings, and leads to fewer incidences of illness and other complications.

Full Body Barriers
In our office, we continue our safety goal by providing patient and staff with full body barriers. This practice not only protects everyone from bodily fluids, but also from ingesting or inhaling mercury when metal fillings are removed. Eye wear, gloves, proper damming of the patient’s face, and protective clothing are just a few of the precautions we take to ensure your safety while we complete the work necessary for oral, and overall, good health.