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 dentistry that considers your oral health as part of your overall wellbeing. At Confidental, we offer holistic tooth extraction as well as amalgam filling assessments and amalgam filling replacements for those who are worried about mercury exposure.
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.
Studies have since been published that have linked them to elevated mercury levels in the body. The fillings are made from metal that contains 500,000 parts per million of mercury, and it’s possible that this mercury can be absorbed by the body. However, scientific evidence is in agreement that small amounts of mercury released and absorbed in this way are not a risk to human health. (Source: Poison.org)
While this is so, we understand that many people may not be comfortable with this for personal reasons (health concerns, medical history, personal beliefs, etc.), which is why we offer an alternative as holistic dentists.
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. Holistic clinics, on the other hand, offer different methods to avoid exposure to the potentially toxic metal, such as amalgam replacements and holistic extractions.
How Do We Practice Holistic Dentistry?
As holistic dentists in Auckland, we like to use holistic knowledge in our standard procedures for a more balanced approach to oral health.
Amalgam Filling Assessment & Replacement
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 equipment to assess oral mercury levels. 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!
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 may lead to weakening of the jawbone in some people, 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!