Taking a holistic approach to general dentistry means taking your wider health into account, no matter what kind of procedure you’re considering. It’s an alternative approach to the kind of dentistry you will find in most other clinics, as most Western dentists tend to separate the implications of your oral health from your overall wellbeing.
At Confidental, we consider them to be one in the same! We offer holistic extraction to prevent cavitation of the bone. In addition, we provide amalgam filling assessments, and amalgam filling replacements that cater to the level of mercury in your body.
Curious about holistic dentistry, and whether or not it’s right for you? Read on to discover the origins of holistic dentistry, and its uses in dentistry today!
The Origins of Holistic Dentistry
Ironically, the history of holistic dentistry begins with the invention of amalgam tooth fillings in 1819, England. Amalgam fillings are cheaply made, easy to source, and last for a long time, so the use of these fillings became commonplace.
The problem is, many studies have been published since the invention of the amalgam filling that have linked them to mercury toxicity in the body. The fillings are made from metal that contains 500,000 parts per million of mercury, and this mercury has been repeatedly reported to leak into the body. “Mercury toxicity” is the result of this phenomenon and has been linked to a variety of unhealthy side effects such as tooth decay and heightened mercury levels in the occipital lobe.
Since the early 1900s, several organisations have been established to combat the use of amalgam fillings in every-day dentistry. Instead, they promote the importance of the link between oral and overall health, dubbing this practice “holistic dentistry”. Some organisations promoting the practice of holistic dentistry include the Holistic Dental Association (HDA) and the International Associate of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
To this day the American Dental Association endorses the use of amalgam fillings despite their dangers. Holistic clinics are offering different methods that reduce toxicity, such as amalgam replacements and holistic extractions.
How Do We Practice Holistic Dentistry?
As a holistic dentist in Auckland, we pride ourselves on providing dental procedures that help our clients lower their mercury toxicity, as well as using holistic knowledge in our standard procedures.
Amalgam Filling Assessment & Replacement
If you have been told that you have elevated mercury levels, replacing your amalgam tooth fillings is one of the ways to bring them down again. Our dentist offers an amalgam filling assessment that includes a comprehensive assessment of your overall oral health. We will assess the condition of your fillings and use state-of-the-art equipment to assess oral mercury toxicity. Our substitute fillings are made from a BPA-free composite filling material called Diamond Lite. It’s highly unobtrusive, very strong, and blends into the tooth beautifully with no risk of mercury toxicity!
Holistic Extraction with a Laser
When extracting a tooth, we want to be sure that there is no risk of cavitation in the bone. Leaving the periodontal ligament behind after extracting a tooth encourages cavitation (weakening of the jawbone), so we use a laser to scrape all of the ligament away during extractions.
Visit Confidental for all your holistic dentistry needs!
We’re the holistic dental clinic you’ve been looking for. No matter what treatment we are carrying out we ensure that your overall health is being considered every step of the way, as this is the core belief of holistic dentistry. Give us a call today to make an appointment and start integrating your oral and overall health!