What is a Biological Dentist?
A biological dentist, also known as a holistic or natural dentist, operates under the fundamental belief that oral health is intricately connected to overall well-being. Acknowledging that oral issues often impact various areas of the body, their mission is to restore and maintain the natural health of the mouth while promoting harmony with the entire body.
Biological dentists, in general, advocate for minimally invasive dentistry, prioritize patient education, and consistently use safe, biocompatible dental materials. Many are trained in providing ceramic dental implants and advanced mercury removal protocols following IAOMT guidelines.
One notable distinction at a biological dentistry office is the emphasis on individualized care. Rejecting the traditional "one size fits all" dentistry model, these practitioners recognize the unique needs of each patient and tailor treatments accordingly.
Top 10 Reasons to Choose a Biological Dentist
1. A Biological Dentist Treats the Whole Person
While conventional dentistry historically focused solely on oral health, biological dentists take a holistic approach. They go beyond filling cavities and performing root canals, considering the overall physical health of patients to uncover potential underlying causes for oral issues.
Today, awareness has grown that physical conditions such as poor nutrition and smoking significantly impact oral health. Independent studies further link poor oral health to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and complications during pregnancy.
A natural dentist understands the intricate relationship between the mouth and the body. Employing a holistic, whole-body approach, they address the root causes of problems, not just the symptoms in the mouth. Their education encompasses the spread of oral infections to other body parts, the potential harm from mercury and other toxic dental materials, and how a misaligned bite can contribute to issues like insomnia, headaches, earaches, poor posture, and joint pain.
The Meridian tooth chart visually illustrates the interconnectedness of the mouth and body, emphasizing direct links between specific teeth and organs. Choosing an alternative dentist means opting for a comprehensive, whole-person approach to treatment. Beyond restoring teeth to optimal health, they consider overall nutrition, toxicity levels, detoxification opportunities, and the elimination of harmful habits.
2. Use of Safe Materials
Biological dentists are committed to recognizing the impact of dental materials on overall health. They prioritize the use of safe, durable, and non-toxic biocompatible dental materials. Notably, they strictly oppose the use of amalgam or mercury fillings, aiming to reduce toxic exposure and minimize stress on the immune system. For those interested in non-metal implants, many biological dentists also offer ceramic dental implants made of zirconia.
3. Bio-Compatibility Testing Offered
Biological dentists conduct bio-compatibility testing, recognizing that some patients may develop sensitivities to certain dental materials. Through methods such as blood tests or kinesiology, they determine the most suitable filling material based on individual biology. In contrast, conventional dentists typically do not perform biocompatibility testing, limiting patient awareness and choice in dental material selection.
4. Mercury Safe Practices
Beyond being mercury-free, biological dentists adhere to strict protocols for mercury-safe practices. They acknowledge the risks associated with mercury fillings, which continuously release toxic vapors into the body. While some argue that exposure levels are low, biological dentists believe there is no safe level of mercury exposure. They follow the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Technology (IAOMT) protocol for safe mercury removal, going beyond mere avoidance to actively protect patients, staff, and the environment.
5. Safe Amalgam Removal Protocols
Biological dentists emphasize the importance of proper amalgam removal protocols to prevent additional mercury exposure. This includes using cold-water sprays, providing alternative air sources, using high-volume evacuators, employing dental dams, and implementing room purifiers. Additionally, nutritional support and detoxification are considered before, during, and after amalgam removal to ensure patient safety. To ensure your safety during amalgam removal, several essential protocols are implemented:
- Maintain the coolness of fillings by employing a cold-water spray with ample water volume.
- Provide an alternative air source throughout the treatment and instruct against breathing through the mouth.
- Safely evacuate mercury vapor by utilizing a high-volume evacuator tip near the tooth.
- Employ a dental dam to prevent the swallowing or inhalation of vapors.
- Promptly wash and vacuum away any generated mercury alloy particles.
- Immediately change protective wear and cleanse your face following the removal of fillings.
- Use room purifiers or ionizers to enhance air quality.
- Consider appropriate nutritional support and detoxification before, during, and after the amalgam removal process.
6. Commitment to Education
Biological dentists allocate more time during appointments to educate patients about the mouth-body connection and overall health. They passionately inform patients about toxic ingredients in oral care products and cleaning agents, emphasizing the importance of minimizing toxic overload. These dentists approach patient care holistically, addressing the root cause of issues and tailoring treatments to individual needs.
7. Advocacy for Conservative Dentistry
In contrast to conventional "drill and fill" strategies, biological dentists advocate for conservative, non-surgical, and minimally invasive dentistry. They aim to preserve natural tooth structure and surrounding tissue, utilizing biocompatible materials and technologies such as air abrasion, ozone therapy, laser therapy, and CAD/CAM/CEREC for precise restorations. Some of the dental technologies promoting minimally invasive procedures include:
- Air Abrasion: Referred to as "drill-less" dentistry, air abrasion is a conservative approach for treating early-stage tooth decay and facilitating tooth preparations for restorations. This technique operates silently, without generating heat, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional drilling.
- Ozone Therapy: Employing only water and oxygen, ozone therapy serves as an effective treatment for gum disease and oral infections. The ozone gas acts as a potent antimicrobial agent, eradicating bacteria upon contact and penetrating deep areas below the gum line, unreachable by disinfectants or antibiotics.
- Laser Therapy: In the dental field, lasers provide a non-chemical means to eliminate bacteria. They prove useful in treating gum disease, sterilizing root canals, and shaping gum tissue. Compared to conventional drills and cutting tools, lasers are less invasive, more precise, and result in reduced pain, bleeding, and swelling for the patient.
- CAD/CAM/CEREC: Utilizing a computer system, CAD/CAM enables dentists to create precise and durable restorations in a single visit. This technology streamlines the restoration process, offering efficiency and accuracy in dental procedures.
8. Use of Low-Radiation Digital X-rays
Biological dentists prioritize patient safety by offering low-radiation Digital X-rays, exposing individuals to 80-90% less radiation than conventional x-rays. This advanced technology used by Dr. Fotek enhances diagnostic capabilities while minimizing potential health risks associated with radiation exposure.
9. Exploration of Alternatives to Root Canals
Biological dentistry approaches root canals conservatively, acknowledging potential long-term effects on the meridian system which connects a tooth to various organs. Dr. Fotek looks into alternative to root canals, with the simple question - is a root canal really needed. Too often, Dr. Fotek finds that dentists are jumping into recommending a root canal to avoid a problem which might never be an issue. Some of the remedies that can be used in lieu of root canals include using regenerative materials, ozone or laser therapy, and if the tooth cannot be saved due to a dead nerve, an extraction with PRF will be recommended.
10. The Fluoride Debate
While conventional dentists advocate for the use of fluoride in both topical and ingested forms, biological dentists dispute ingested fluoride, citing potential risks. These risks include fluoride's impact as an endocrine disruptor affecting bones, brain, thyroid, and blood sugar levels, as well as the correlation between fluoride and lower IQ. Biological dentists prioritize patient education and offer alternatives to traditional fluoride usage.
