The “going green” movement has exploded in today’s world. People everywhere are putting more thought towards the environment and their carbon footprint. You see “green”, “eco-friendly”, and “organic” just about everywhere – food, clothing, cosmetics, household products, etc. As a society, we have become more conscious with the products we consume. People are turning to natural medicine to combat illness, and the practice of biologic dentistry is growing.
The Basics of Biologic Dentistry
Synonymous with holistic dentistry, alternative dentistry, and unconventional dentistry, biologic dentistry is a style of dentistry focusing on oral health in connection to overall health and well-being. It’s not a specialty, but rather a philosophy that promotes the healing art of mind, body, and spirit.
According to an article by Groton Wellness, people with good oral health are more likely to experience general health and wellness. The article states that our teeth are located on meridians (energetic pathways) that directly connect to other parts of the body – kind of like our body’s pressure points. Data shows that certain health conditions are linked to problems with specific teeth.
An Individualized Approach
Everyone appreciates special attention when they visit the doctor. It’s comforting to receive care specifically catered to your individual needs. Biologic dentistry opposes the “one size fits all” approach and values individualized care to meet the unique needs of the patient. This is where biocompatibility comes into play. Since the primary concern of biologic dentistry involves using safe materials that promote good health, biocompatibility testing is an important factor in treating patients. It consists of using materials that will minimize the impact of a person’s biologic response. In order to achieve this, patients undergo immunologic testing to determine which materials are most agreeable with their bodies. Everybody reacts differently to materials, and this particularly important for those who have allergies or immune diseases.
Abandoning Amalgam
Amalgam fillings were once a popular treatment for repairing decayed teeth; however, they’re now deemed unsafe and outdated. Studies indicate that amalgam is a neurotoxin due to its emission of mercury. Are amalgam fillings always a health threat, and should they be removed? Well that depends on who you ask, but that’s a discussion for another day. In addition to offering mercury-free treatments, some biologic dentists crank it up a notch with their mercury-safe approach, safely removing and replacing amalgam fillings with composite resin or porcelain materials.
The Biologic Recap
Now that we’ve covered biologic dentistry and its core components, let’s recap with some key points of what makes it a unique type of dentistry.
- Advocates for preventative care with minimally-invasive procedures
- Focuses on oral health and its connection to other parts of the body
- Practices biocompatibility to minimize the biologic response
- Reduces toxic exposure to harmful materials
- Values well-being of the mind, body, and spirit
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of dental treatments, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.