Biological and traditional dentists may offer the same services, but the biological (or holistic) practitioner also concentrates on the correlation between your oral and physical health. This may be the most significant difference, but the distinctions between traditional and biological dentists do not stop there.
This blog concentrates on the following:
- How Traditional and Biological Dentists Differ
- Services and Technologies Common in Holistic Dental Settings
- Common Ways Oral Health Impacts Whole-Body Wellness
- How to Level Up Your Home-Care Routine
- Choosing a Biological Dentist in Scottsdale: Why It Matters
- How to Contact Us
How Traditional and Biological Dentists Differ
Dental Care Approach
A biological dentist does not merely treat oral health issues but seeks out the root cause while paying close attention to how they impact general wellness. For example, if you’re prone to tooth decay, the biological dentist treats the issue but will also seek out the reasons for recurring tooth decay. It may be dry mouth, a salivary gland concern, or updating your at-home brushing and flossing practices.
Of course, a general dentist may also consider the causal aspects, but with a holistic dentist, you can count on a thorough analysis every time.
Your holistic dentist also explores how oral health impacts your overall wellness and vice versa.
Finally, biological dentistry is synonymous with prevention.
Methods and Materials
A holistic dentist pays close attention to the methods and materials used in the dental practice. They opt for biocompatible materials whenever possible and technologies that make dental care safer and less invasive for patients. The biological dentist considers a more natural approach to patient care. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fillings, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and more. This means the materials and methods are the safest and most natural available.
Of course, a traditional dentist may decide to take this approach, but a biological dentist always will.
Approach to Your Overall Wellness
A holistic dentist in Scottsdale considers the following:
- How does my patient’s oral health issue impact whole body wellness?
- How does this general wellness issue impact my patient’s dental health?
- How can I treat this oral health issue to best serve my patient’s well-being?
It could be the relationship between uncontrolled blood sugar and gum disease, or how gum disease may influence diabetes numbers.
For the biological dentist, it really is a round robin approach to patient care.
Services and Technologies Common in Holistic Dental Settings
To be clear, a holistic dentist offers the same services as a traditional dentist, but the execution and materials will differ.
In our biological dental office, we offer:
- General Dentistry: Extractions, fillings, restorations, and more
- Preventive Dentistry: Checkups, teeth cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and more
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth Whitening, veneers, smile makeovers, and more
- Clear Aligners: Invisalign® and SureSmile®
- Advanced Services: Sleep apnea and snoring treatment
- Tooth Replacement: Dental implants in Scottsdale and dental bridges
The materials, methods, and additional technologies in our practice set our biological dentist apart.
- Mercury-Free Fillings and Non-Toxic Materials: We use composite fillings (tooth-colored) to give you a mercury-free restoration.
- Safe Mercury Removal: We can remove old silver fillings safely and replace them with mercury-free restorations.
- Biocompatible Materials: The holistic dentist avoids heavy metals and concentrates on biocompatible and durable materials like titanium that can integrate safely into bone.
- Same-Day Dental Crowns: Same-day crowns are fabricated in the dental office, so you don’t have to wait. They are cut from safe and time-tested porcelain.
- Digital Dentistry: Digital imaging is safe for patients, complements diagnostics, and is better for the environment.
- Saliva Testing: Saliva testing allows Dr. Jeffrey Clark to analyze your saliva and detect problematic oral bacteria that put you at risk for oral health conditions, such as periodontal disease (gum disease). It also helps us choose the best materials to complement your oral health profile.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is a safe gas, so we may use it to help patients relax without lingering side effects.
Common Ways Oral Health Impacts Whole-Body Wellness
- Gum Disease: Left untreated, gum disease can cause significant oral and physical health complications involving the pulmonary system, pregnancy, and so much more. New studies even link it to Alzheimer’s disease. The biological dentist is your strongest advocate against gum disease and its severe complications.
- Diabetes: Gum disease and oral bacteria can complicate diabetes and vice versa.
- Sleep Apnea: Many biological dentists treat it because it directly impacts oral and physical health. For example, untreated sleep apnea can lead to tooth wear, dry mouth, tooth decay, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and sudden stroke.
How to Level Up Your Home-Care Routine
The holistic dentist strongly advocates for at-home dental care, or how you treat your teeth and gums between checkups and teeth cleanings.
Of course, you should visit our Scottsdale dental office every six months for preventive dental care, but in between these visits, there are essential steps to take to ensure ongoing oral health and general wellness.
- Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily.
- Adopt a diet low in sugar and acidity.
- If you smoke or use tobacco in any form, consider quitting.
- Call our dental office if you suspect an oral health issue or notice changes.
Because we incorporate saliva testing, your dentist or hygienist can recommend specific oral care products that meet your unique needs. They can also provide dietary tips and lifestyle advice to help you achieve oral health success.
Choosing a Biological Dentist in Scottsdale: Why It Matters
Dr. Clark is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. This entity concerns itself with the biological balance between dental and physical health and encourages safe and non-toxic dental practices for patients everywhere.
When considering your long-term oral and physical health, choosing a dentist who takes extra steps in those directions only makes sense!
Holistic Dentistry in Scottsdale: How to Contact Us
If you have questions or are ready to book an appointment with Dr. Clark, contact us at (480) 585-1853.
We accept most insurance plans and are happy to bill on your behalf. If you don’t have dental insurance, no problem. Ask a dental team member about our special membership plan. We also accept third-party financing through CareCredit.