Holistic Dentistry

What is Holistic Dentistry?

Avoidance and elimination of toxins from dental materials
Prevention and treatment of dental malocclusion (bite problems=physical imbalance)
Prevention and treatment of gum disease at its biological basis

Holistic Dentistry Overview

Holistic dentistry is based on the premise that the body is one unit and how you treat one aspect of that unit has an effect on other aspects.
Holistic dental techniques encapsulate both traditional dental treatments and what are known as alternative techniques Holistic dentistry is aimed at focusing on the patient’s wellbeing and care.

Holistic dental treatments do not differ hugely from traditional treatments but will focus on using dental materials that will not introduce toxins into the body.
One of the major benefits to holistic dentistry is the use of biocompatible dental materials.

Metal/ Mercury Free Fillings

Amalgam (fillings containing mercury) is considered to be harmful and not readily eliminated by the body.
At Durban Dental Centre we use biocompatible materials that are known to be more aesthetic to the body and these materials are one of the major focuses in holistic dentistry.

Holistic dental techniques will include the safe removal of all amalgam and replacing it with materials that the body is more compatible with. Although we don’t have a toxicity meter at the practice, we are happy to refer patients to a practitioner if they believe they are suffering symptoms of mercury poisoning, however testing for toxicity can be complex and somewhat unreliable.

Amalgam removal protocol

The protocol is as follows:
• Cover the patient with waterproof bib and absorbent napkin to avoid splashes.
• Patient must wear eye protection, Dentist and nurse must wear eye protection and mask.
• Windows are to be opened for ventilation.
• Rubber dam is placed around the tooth to isolate it and to protect the mouth and airway.
• All removal must be done under cold water spray with copious amounts of water.
• Use high volume evacuation with amalgam traps so that any debris does not enter the environment
• Section amalgams and remove in as large pieces as possible,
• Remove and properly dispose of rubber dam and mercury after amalgam removal.
• We try to remove no more than two amalgams per appointment.
• We don't remove amalgams from a pregnant woman.

Treatment Of Gum Disease

In dentistry, the only condition that can strictly speaking be called a disease is periodontal (gum) disease. The media has drawn a lot of attention recently to research showing that bacteria causing gum disease is not only found in the mouth. The same bacteria can be found in the blood stream when a patient has gum disease and may also be present in instances of heart disease.

The mouth is the gateway to the body and a sound oral environment is a necessary support for a strong heart in a healthy body.
Your gums are the foundation for any dental treatment. A holistic dentist will always try to implement a balanced and progressive program for preserving your gums, therefore visiting the hygienist regularly is the optimum chain in holistic dentistry for your periodontal care.

Bite Problems and TMJ Problems

The patient's bite alignment must always be factored into the total picture of dental treatment, along with specific concerns like problems with the jaw joint (TMJ) Bite assessment is important for treatment, not just for the head and jaw but for the structure of the body as a whole.

Measures to take for bite correction include use of splints designed with safe materials, as well as muscular adjustments within the mouth.
Sometimes we may coordinate treatment directly with a recommended osteopath in order to give you the most positive results.
Your bite must be at its best for the successful outcome to your dental treatment: a relaxed and happy smile.

Holistic dentistry has been around for some time, but is increasingly popular due to an increase in public awareness of the philosophy that what we put into our bodies affects our overall health and vitality We appreciate our patient’s concerns for their health and we are committed to providing high quality dental treatment and service in the most gentle and pleasant manner possible.