One thing that sets holistic dentistry apart from dentistry-as-usual is in the more comprehensive way we recognize and understand the link between oral and whole body health and well-being. It’s one reason why we emphasize prevention first and the least invasive procedures when treatment is needed.
It’s also why we develop personalized dental care plans for each and every one of our patients, tailored to their unique health history, current needs, and goals. It’s why we view the doctor/patient relationship as a partnership, where you’re empowered to take an active role in your own oral health journey.
How We Develop Your Personalized Dental Plan
Creating your plan starts with a thorough assessment of your current oral health. This is more than just your standard dental exam, looking at your teeth and measuring your periodontal pockets. It also includes
- Taking a full mouth series of x-rays, to evaluate conditions within the teeth and below the gumline. (Concerned about radiation? We offer a supplement that offers additional protection from the low amount of radiation needed for digital x-rays.)
- Reviewing your medical history for potential interactions between your oral and systemic health.
- Discussing lifestyle factors that may be impacting your oral health.
- Assessing your existing restorations, making sure there are no fractures, leaking, loose or decaying fillings, crowns, or bridges.
- Checking for any new decay, infections, abscesses, or hidden jaw infections.
- Evaluating your TMJ (jaw joints).
- Screening for oral cancer.
- Screening for gum disease and recession.
- Taking a bacterial sample of plaque to look under the microscope to check for harmful oral bacteria.
Once we have a comprehensive picture of your current oral health and dental needs, we can make recommendations that are specific to your unique oral health situation that can help you achieve and maintain optimum mouth/body health.
Here are some of the things your personalized treatment plan might include:
- Diet analysis and nutrition counseling.
- Customized oral hygiene instruction (brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, oil pulling, oral irrigation, etc.).
- Dietary, herbal, or homeopathic supplements to support oral health.
- Complementary treatments such as acupuncture, body work, IV/drip therapies, and so on, to support good oral outcomes.
- Stress management, sleep and exercise guidance, and other coaching on maintaining a healthy lifestyle – one that supports good oral and whole body health alike.
- Restorative dentistry to repair decayed or damaged teeth.
- Zirconia implants or other prosthetics to replace missing teeth.
- Action plans to address oral burdens on whole body health, including old mercury amalgam fillings, infected root canal teeth, and osteonecrosis of the jaw (cavitations).
- A recommended schedule for professional cleanings and checkups.
Your Partner in Health & Healing
Most important is that all treatment decisions are made jointly by you and your dentist. You’re not expected to play the part of a passive, obedient patient who does what the doctor says because you’re told to. Neither do any of our dentists view themselves as the ultimate authority on the best choices for you.
We understand ourselves as your trusted partners in health and healing, guiding you on your own unique health journey. It’s a collaborative approach. It’s an approach in which you are empowered to take charge of your own health.
It’s no surprise to us when surveys show that patients are altogether happier when actively engaged in their care.
As holistic dental professionals, we always aim to treat the whole patient – body, mind, and spirit. A personalized wellness plan that comprehensively addresses all factors impacting your oral health can be absolutely transformative, giving you a refreshed sense of energy and confidence, not to mention better mouth/body health.
We believe this individualized approach represents the future of dentistry.
