Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal

With a quick photo and x-rays we can tell you if your tooth is a candidate for a Bioclear Overlay instead of a crown. Many teeth we would have previously crowned can now be treated with an overlay.

Ozone therapy is an effective way to treat dental patients suffering from gum disease. Periodontal/gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, mostly insufficient flossing and brushing habits which results in bacteria and plaque buildup. As the harmful bacteria around your teeth grow in numbers, your gums will become irritated and inflamed. With time the bacteria will cause periodontal pockets (gaps) to develop between your teeth and gums. Without proper treatment from a dentist near you, abscesses may form, and at this point, you risk losing your teeth. Going for ozone therapy will help eliminate the bacteria causing gum disease and inflammation. Your dentist will get rid of the pathogens by bathing your gums in ozone, thus ensuring your mouth and gums stay healthy. Ozone treatment, which is applied directly to the gum tissue in water, gas, or oil form, will help disinfect the areas of gum infection.

Ozone therapy is a safe and effective way to disinfect and sanitize teeth and gums. It can be applied as a gas or a liquid to destroy bacteria and viruses in the mouth. The process is painless—it is not invasive and does not require anesthesia.

Here is an overview of how Ozone therapy treats different oral issues. Tooth decay: The prevention and management of dental decay is a primary concern for every dentist. According to researchers, the antibacterial properties of ozone therapy can prevent cavities in the fissures and pits on chewing surfaces of teeth from getting larger. In addition, ozone treatment may help disinfect decayed areas beneath dental restorations. TMJ pain: Unfortunately, at times the temporomandibular joint can become subject to various disorders that can limit your ability to chew and open your mouth normally as well as cause jaw pain. A study done by Medical Principles and Practice revealed that ozone injections could help alleviate the symptoms of people with TMJ disorders, indicating another potential and beneficial use for this therapy. Endodontics: Endodontic treatments such as root canals are usually recommended when a tooth’s pulp cavity becomes infected. A root canal is done to remove the infected tissues and restore normal tooth function. Ozone therapy can be helpful in the root canal procedure as it can be done to disinfect the pulp cavity and the tissues surrounding the tip of the tooth root preventing the spread of infection. Oral infections: Ozone can be used to treat infections affecting tissues in and around your oral cavity, including lesions and sinus infections caused by fungi and viruses.

Ozone is trioxygen (O3)—meaning it contains one more oxygen atom than the oxygen in the air we breath (O2). The first thing most people think of when they hear “ozone” is the ozone layer, but O3 can also be used as a powerful and safe sterilant in dental treatments. Ozone is a colorless, naturally existing gas with a chemical structure made up of three oxygen atoms. According to research, ozone treatment can inactivate bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeast, and protozoa. It was discovered in the 1840s, and for the last 100 years, practitioners worldwide have used ozone therapy to deliver therapeutic effects through intravenous administration and site-specific injections. Ozone therapy, unlike most traditional treatments, combats many oral issues without invasive or painful procedures. Since not all dental practices offer ozone treatments, finding a dentist’s office with such services can be very beneficial. This is because it has proven to be a gentle and effective way to care for teeth and gums.

Ozone therapy has been used in dental practice since 1930, way longer than most common oral treatments. Its use is considered safe when done by a certified professional and at the right concentrations. Aside from alleviating dental issues, ozone therapy also has potential benefits, such as activating the immune system and improving oxygen delivery to tissues and blood circulation. Just like other medical treatments, Ozone therapy has its side effects, and the common ones include coughing and upper respiratory tract irritation. These side effects are, however, rare when ozone treatment is used in dentistry. Nevertheless, if you are concerned about the side effects ozone therapy may have on you, talk to your dental practitioner. You should know that misusing Ozone therapy puts you at a health risk. Inhaling too much-concentrated ozone can damage your lungs and cause throat irritation. Chances of such occurrences are, however, extremely low.

Staying within the accepted standard of care, with proper application, Ozone can enhance the outcome in all aspects of dentistry. For example, periodontal disease is characterized by a biofilm associated, chronic inflammation of the gum and bone accompanied with an overgrowth of pathogens leading to an infection. By utilizing the different application forms of oxygen/ozone such as ozonated water, ozonated oils, and placing oxygen/ozone gas directly into the infected gum pockets, periodontal disease can be mitigated without the use of pharmaceutical drugs and associated side effects. Tooth decay or caries, which is really a “tooth infection,” can be arrested almost immediately upon proper exposure to Ozone therapy. This procedure is especially useful when treating children, as minimal to no drilling of the tooth is necessary. Depending on the amount of tooth damage from the decay there may be a need to remove the softened material and place a filling. One of the most complex and perplexing problems in dentistry today is infection control. The oral cavity is a sea of microorganisms ideally living in balance with the entire human body. Under certain conditions pathogenic or “disease-causing” microorganisms can become the dominant life forms, thus creating what we call infection. These pathogenic microorganisms live together in what is called a biofilm. This biofilm supports a mixed type of infection made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites. The difficulty is that each of these “disease-causing” types needs a different drug to eliminate its dominance. What if we had an agent that could treat and eliminate the infection and, in addition, support the surrounding healthy tissue without toxic side effects? We do now with Ozone therapy for dentistry. An adjuvant treatment method for jawbone cavitations is Ozone therapy. Oxygen/ozone gas is injected in a dose-controlled manner into identified lesions and can be a profound disinfectant. Many of the anaerobic waste products of microbial metabolism are themselves pro-thrombotic and tend to perpetuate the bone ischemia problem common in cavitations. Ozone can also provoke a number of healing mechanisms that result in the generation of new circulation.

Amalgam fillings, those silver-colored metal restorations that dentists have used for many years, contain mercury. There is evidence that points to the association between mercury exposure and several physical maladies. An amalgam filling will release mercury vapor every time pressure is applied to one, as in chewing. The vapor invades the bloodstream and is thought to cause or accelerate inflammation that is occurring in the bodies of some patients. Mercury has been associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and a lowered immune system, among others.

Mercury is a chemical element present in water sources, in the air and in many of the foods we eat (especially seafood). It is everywhere. However, it is the long-term contact with mercury what makes it extremely dangerous. Too much contact with this metal may be harmful to your health and lead to symptoms such as anxiety, bad temper, memory loss, headaches, and weakness. In the field of dentistry, amalgam fillings (a mixture of copper, silver, tin and about 50% mercury) have been widely used. They are strong and low cost. However, with advances in technology and materials, today the tendency to avoid metal fillings has grown (it is now also avoided in pregnant women and children under 6). For a biological dentist, for example, it is much more convenient to work with more natural and aesthetic materials, such as tooth-colored composite resin. These holistic doctors prefer to work with non-toxic and more biocompatible materials.

Many people who decide to have their silver fillings removed value the benefits of getting rid of mercury. Removing these silver fillings will: Avoid growing exposure and contact with mercury. Overtime, mercury vapors are released when we chew gum or eat hard foods such as grains. Give patients a “peace of mind” effect. People feel at ease when they know their mouths are free of toxic elements. Replacing silver fillings by natural looking composite fillings carries great aesthetics benefits. Patients will no longer feel self-conscious about the look of their smile. Some people who have experienced symptoms related to mercury poisoning will probably see them disappear or considerably reduced.

Again, it all depends on your needs and wants. If your metal fillings are worn, cracked, or if there is severe decay beneath the metal filling, then you should definitely get them removed. If your old fillings are fine, but you want to avoid the effects of mercury on your health, then you should get a mercury filling removal. Mercury amalgams release some amount of mercury in the form of vapors. This happens specially during brushing, chewing, grinding or drinking hot liquids, and in placement or removal procedures. So if you decide to have your mercury fillings out, make sure you contact the right dental office. It’s important to know that some dentists specialize in safe amalgam removal. They are trained to provide you with the safest treatment possible.

The challenge you face when you have your old silver fillings removed is you may ingest some mercury in the process. Thus, the mercury can travel through your digestive track to the rest of your body, possibly affecting your immune system and increasing the level of heavy metal toxicity in your body. As a result, you could suffer appetite loss, anemia, lower resistance to infection and other mercury related symptoms. To address this issue proactively, in that the risk of mercury poisoning during the procedure is minimized, removing amalgam fillings involves a carefully planned procedure. Not only professional training is required, but also the use of unique technology: SAFETY GLASSES Safety glasses are put over your eyes to protect them. OXYGEN We have you breathe pure oxygen through a nasal cannula (tube). This will minimize your breathing the air right around your face, which is full of mercury vapor. Your nose will be covered with a dental mask to help keep the mercury vapor from going into your nostrils. RUBBER DAM A rubber dam or isolite will be placed over your mouth. This is a sheet of rubber that helps keep the mercury from going down your throat. COLD WATER Copious amounts of cold water will be constantly squirted on the filling as it’s being drilled out, to keep the temperature down. To decrease the amount of vapor, we section the fillings out in chunks as opposed to grinding it out. We use an electric drill for two reasons: First, because it cuts so much more efficiently than an air turbine. Second, because it turns at slower revolutions per minute, there is less heating of the tooth and less mercury vapor. HIGH SPEED SUCTION DEVICE A High Volume Suction device will be used. This suction pulls all particles away from the tooth as the filling is being drilled out. CHARCOAL AND CHLORELLA Powdered charcoal and chlorella are placed in your mouth under the rubber dam. Both these substances have the ability to absorb mercury particles before they get absorbed into your system. MINIMUM DRILLING The fillings will be taken out with as little drilling as possible, in as large chunks as possible, to minimize the amount of mercury vapor released into the air. DENTAL MICROSCOPE & LOOPS 4x magnifiers to see minute details in the tooth will be used. This could include faint cracks and leaking crowns or fillings. The dentist can also make sure that the new crown or filling fits perfectly. Trying to do this without magnification makes it harder to get perfect results. Problems areas in the gums are more visible under magnification than with the naked eye. INDUSTRIAL AIR CLEANING SYSTEM The treatment room has a powerful industrial air cleaning system which reduces the amount of mercury vapors. The VOC Emissions and Infection Control Air Purifiers are highly specialized air cleaning systems that are designed to control Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and microbiological contaminants and odors. It removes airborne particles from less than 0.01 micron to over 250 micron in diameter. This includes contaminants such as bacteria and spores, such as E. Coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus thuringensis and Staphylococcus aureus. Other particles such as pollens, dust, smoke, hydrocarbons and vapors of heavy metals such as mercury vapor are also effected by the Air System.

Mercury is considered toxic to our health. Although research studies have shown that mercury levels from amalgam fillings are not the direct cause of illnesses, concerns have grown over time. In 1991 the American Dental Association carried out a survey to evaluate people’s concern about mercury input in their bodies. Today, if you ask anyone whether they prefer to have their mercury fillings removed, most would certainly say, “Yes!” This need for removing amalgam fillings grows stronger when we read, for example, that the number of silver fillings in our mouth is directly linked to mercury levels in our body. Research studies have also shown that mercury levels in our blood and urine decrease after a mercury filling removal.

As a patient, you must take into account that you need to have your mouth thoroughly examined before starting any dental treatment. This initial exam typically includes x-rays, intraoral pictures, and dental and medical history. So when it comes to mercury filling removal, your dentist will carry out a comprehensive exam to determine a couple of things such as: the number of silver fillings you need to have removed the size of your mercury filling or fillings the location of your metal fillings The fee for amalgam removal is roughly $290-$590 depending on the size of the filling. Teeth with large amalgam filling and recurrent decay may require a crown for replacement which would be an additional fee. Our amalgam removal dentist is trained and certified by the IAOMT in safe removal protocol. These factors will largely determine the cost of the procedure. When a Simple Mercury Filling Removal Becomes a Headache…and Possibly a Money Pit ​ For example, if your mercury fillings are in good shape, replacing them with composite material will include the cost of a regular filling. However, if the amalgam filling is leaking, or has affected the health or composition of the tooth, or if there is some decay in or around it, costs can go up considerably. There are cases when replacing your fillings will mean placing a crown or an onlay, as there would not be enough tooth structure to support a regular filling. ​ So, when estimating the price of a safe amalgam removal procedure, you also need to take into account other factors such as: Is the silver filling so big that you need further restoration of your tooth? If so, what kind of restoration do you need: a crown, an inlay, onlay or just a regular composite filling? All these aspects will regulate the cost of your amalgam removal procedure. Make sure you can talk openly with your dentist about about the prices of your treatment to know exactly how much you will be paying for the whole treatment.

After the removal of mercury fillings your dentist has to restore your tooth back to its form and function. Filling the spaces left by the removed amalgam is the next step. Depending on the size of the filling and the condition of the treated tooth, restoration options will vary. They may range from a simple composite filling to a full restoration, such as a dental crown. That is why materials and the kind of restoration you get will vary according to your particular situation. Compatibility tests allow holistic dentists to evaluate the materials which will best suit your oral needs. All in all, if you decide to have mercury fillings removed, make sure you opt for the right dental office. Pick a well-trained Professional team that performs the amalgam filling removal under safety measures. After all, what you want is to minimize the risk of metal toxicity in your body and restore your teeth health, appearance and function.

No. Real teeth can’t look unnatural, they just look beautifully white. If you have seen people with ultra-white, fake-looking teeth, these were probably false teeth, teeth with porcelain crowns, or porcelain veneers that may have been made too white and too opaque. With KöR Whitening you’ll get the ideal shade that’s right for you. Will my crowns, veneers or fillings whiten too? No. If you have any of these on your front teeth, you may need to replace some of them after whitening.

Teeth are safely whitened at any age, however, the ideal age to whiten teeth is about 14 because the permanent teeth are usually all fully erupted in the mouth by that age. The younger teeth are, the more brilliantly they whiten. However, KöR Whitening rejuvenates even older teeth back to their youthful ability to whiten incredibly well, even if you’re 90 years old.

Whitening products have been clinically studied for more than three decades and safely used on millions of patients without harm to teeth or gums. KöR Whitening is considered entirely safe.

KöR Whitening lightens teeth dramatically, up to 16 shades or more. Although everyone is different, with the proper KöR Whitening System, nearly all teeth will have stunning results. KöR even whitens tetracycline-stained teeth significantly, which was previously thought to be impossible!

The KöR Whitening System works by restoring your teeth’s youthful ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from the whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving and removing stain molecules.

After years of research, development and clinical testing, Dr. Rod Kurthy, the inventor of KöR Whitening, introduced a whitening gel that, in most cases, produces little to no sensitivity. As a result, most patients have no discomfort from whitening when using this system. We have found KöR Whitening to be the gentlest whitening system available.

Unlike other whitening methods, with easy periodic home maintenance, KöR Whitening deliver lasting results.

KöR-Seal whitening trays are very different. They’re comfortable – because they’re thin and form-fitting, you’ll probably forget they’re even in your mouth. They’re convenient – by wearing these only while you sleep, it doesn’t interfere with your busy day. Also, unlike regular whitening trays, KöR-Seal whitening trays seal the whitening gel inside the tray, preventing the gel from quickly leaking into your mouth.

Molds of your teeth will be made to fabricate your own set of unique, ultra-comfortable KöR-Seal whitening trays. You and your dentist will select which level of KöR Whitening is the proper fit for you. Most patients wear their KöR-Seal Whitening Trays at home for two weeks while they sleep. Depending on your selections, you may have one or two simple whitening visits in the dental office.

With your easy home maintenance, these staining foods will have no effect on the long-term brilliant color of your teeth.

Essentially any dentist who has been trained in the Bioclear method and qualified to do so.

The Bioclear Method was developed in 2008 by Dr. David Clark, it is a modern technique for fixing black triangle gaps between teeth, diastemas or peg laterals, restoring worn-down teeth and broken tooth repair. The revolutionary procedure produces a 3-dimensional, monolithic, injection over molded tooth. Bioclear's innovative approach involves using a special matrix system that allows for the precise shaping of dental composites. This technique not only closes gaps but also improves the contour and aesthetics of each tooth. By carefully sculpting the composite material around the teeth, Bioclear ensures that the gums are better supported, reducing the risk of gum disease and recession. Moreover, the seamless finish achieved with this method results in a more natural-looking smile, enhancing confidence and oral health simultaneously. This minimally invasive procedure preserves more of the natural tooth structure than traditional methods, making it an attractive option for patients seeking both cosmetic and functional improvements. Special anatomic forms are used with the injection technique to produce beautiful restorations that are three times as strong as traditional dental bonding, smoother than porcelain crowns or veneers, stain resistant and long lasting. Procedure steps: There is a significant amount of prep work to get the teeth ready for the restorations. First, the tooth must be meticulously cleaned. This is done by gently pushing the gums back and isolating the area to be worked on. A disclosing agent is used to highlight previously invisible traces of sticky biofilm. Then a tiny instrument is used to scour any trace of biofilm. The cleaning powder is just hard enough to remove the microscopic sticky layer that accumulates on the surface of the teeth without damaging the tooth surface. Once the tooth preparation is done, a thin mylar form is selected from over 20 different shapes that are further customized to adapt perfectly to the tooth, providing a mold for a new tooth surface. These forms slip under the gum line and a composite resin warmed to exactly 155 degrees is injected, filling the forms. The resin is then hardened using ultraviolet polymerization. It is then shaped and finished to a high polish, creating a natural-looking tooth. The resulting surface is shiny, smooth, and very durable.

The primary reason to opt for a Bioclear is that the treatment is so much more conservative, allowing the preservation of more natural tooth structure. A crown is more at risk for recurrent decay. Decay starts at the edge of the crown and can progress underneath it if not addressed right away, which undermines the anchorage for the crown. Most crowns block x-rays from allowing us to see what’s happening underneath it. If the decay has progressed, there may not enough tooth structure to do another crown. At a minimum, the crown would need to be replaced. The other common way a crown “fails” is a snap-off fracture, meaning the crown and underlying tooth structure break off at the gumline. When insufficient tooth structure remains, there is no choice but to pull the tooth. With a Bioclear overlay, if something happens to the restoration, it can frequently be simply repaired. If that is not an option, the restoration could be replaced either with another Bioclear overlay or, if insufficient tooth structure remains, a conventional all-ceramic crown could be used. This conservative treatment allows us many more options as the tooth ages. It’s like “banking” tooth structure for the future!

Bioclear restorations do not stain like a composite filling or porcelain crowns. They will stain like natural tooth enamel but can easily be maintained with routine dental cleanings. Drinking tannic acid beverages (ie. coffee, tea, dark red juices) can also cause temporary staining.

The Bioclear Method is a minimally invasive alternative to the porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers cosmetic dentist have traditionally used to treat aesthetic issues including: Black Triangle Teeth, Vertical Diastema Gaps or other Spacing Issues, Crooked Teeth, Food Traps, Uneven Edges, Peg Laterals (i.e. Small Front Teeth), Teeth Worn Down by Decay or Erosion, Broken or Chipped Teeth and Dark or Discolored Teeth.

Left untreated, a harmful crack could cause pain, a broken tooth, swelling, an infection, or you could lose the tooth.

Most dentists have been trained to do crowns to protect a cracked teeth. Crown requires the dentist to remove 76% of the top of the tooth, leaving a nub. A crown procedure reduces the size of the tooth until it's small enough to sit under a shell of porcelin that serves to hold the bracked sections of the tooth together.

Porcelain veneers cosmetically change the front of the teeth to make them more aesthetically pleasing. These veneers can provide beautiful results, particularly on those who have teeth that are worn, chipped and full of broken fillings. They do, however, have some drawbacks. In many cases the Bioclear Method has advantages over veneers: Conservative. Most of the time, tooth structure needs to be removed to place the porcelain veneers. With the Bioclear Method, there is minimal to no reduction of the tooth. You’re actually making the tooth stronger. Repairable. Porcelain veneers are durable, but they can chip, especially in people who grind their teeth. When the veneers chip, they often cannot be repaired and must be replaced, which can be expensive. Because the Bioclear Method uses dental composite, not porcelain, if the teeth chip, they can be added to and repaired easily and inexpensively. Affordable. While prices vary, the Bioclear Method is typically about half the cost of a porcelain veneer, which makes it much more accessible to many patients.

Bioclear Veneers can cost 25-50% less than Porcelain Veneers and Dental Crowns and as much as 25% more than traditional dental bonding.

As teeth age, they begin to show wear. The Bioclear method allows your dentist to add composite to compensate for the loss of enamel without needing to remove as much of your remaining tooth structure as required for crowns or veneers.

Bioclear is a minimally invasive dental procedure that can be completed in one appointment. The steps of Bioclear treatment are Evaluation: Your journey to a beautiful smile begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. Our experienced team will assess your dental concerns. During this appointment, we will discuss your goal and make sure that Bioclear is the right solution for you. Treatment Planning: Once we identify Bioclear as an optimal solution, we can create a personalized treatment plan. This plan will outline the specific areas of concern. Also, we will develop the steps involved in achieving your desired results. Tooth Preparation: Unlike traditional veneers that require significant tooth reduction, Bioclear is minimally invasive. The dentist will prepare your teeth by gently etching the surface. This should allow for a secure bond between the composite material and your natural teeth. Matrix Placement: We will then place a customized matrix around the tooth to create a mold for the composite material. This makes sure that you have a precise and tailored fit for your Bioclear restoration. Composite Application: Next, we apply a tooth-colored composite material to the prepared tooth surface within the matrix. Our dentist will skillfully shape and mold the material to achieve the desired form. This should close any gaps and enhance the overall appearance of your smile. Polishing: After shaping the composite material, we will polish it to a smooth finish. This will provide a natural-looking and radiant result. Bioclear restorations can last 15–20 years or longer with proper care. They are stain-resistant and can be easily repaired by a dentist

Bioclear is considered a cosmetic alternative to traditional reductive porcelain dentistry and currently, the insurance industry does not cover Bioclear or other purely cosmetic dental restorations. For posterior teeth, the cost of Bioclear is often similar to the out-of-pocket cost for a crown, but it conserves more tooth structure and your remaining dental benefits for other dental care if necessary.

Bioclear veneers wear at the same rate as your natural tooth enamel. We guarantee the our Bioclear restorations for 10 years from chipping and staining. Dr. Gupta recommends that patients with any type of dental restoration, wear a night guard to protect their teeth and schedule routine office visits and cleanings.

Traditional composite resin bonding can leave ledges and gaps at the margins which harbor bacteria that leads to staining, chipping, and cavities. The Bioclear Method eliminates these ledges and gaps. As a result, teeth are fuller, stronger and more attractive. Best of all, there’s little to no damage to the tooth and no staining or leakage.

Black triangles and diastemas are both gaps between teeth, but they differ in the amount of gum tissue present and how they are caused: Black triangles These gaps occur when the gum tissue between teeth, called papilla tissue, is lost. This can be caused by gum recession, which can be due to aging, gum disease, brushing too hard, or other factors. Black triangles are often triangular in shape because teeth naturally taper towards the root. They can make teeth appear dark due to the contrast between the white teeth and the dark space. Black triangles can also trap food and bacteria, which can lead to plaque, tartar, and gum disease. Diastemas These are naturally occurring gaps between teeth, usually in the front teeth. They can be caused by teeth shifting, jaw growth, or habits like thumb-sucking. While diastemas are not a problem with the teeth themselves, some people may not like the appearance. 30% of adults have black triangles, clinically known as open gingival embrasures. This can result from bone loss, recession of the gum line, and sometimes movement of the teeth. Dark spaces between teeth can age a smile. Teeth with black triangles are also prone to food accumulation and tartar build-up. In cases where the enamel is perfectly healthy, teeth do not need to be masked with veneers. Using the Bioclear Method, we can conservatively close these gaps to rejuvenate your smile. For many people, a diastema makes their smile unique, and they choose to keep charming midline gap. Though a diastema is considered harmless, meaning it rarely affects dental health, some people wants to close the gaps in their smile. The Bioclear treatment is perfect for closing black triangles and closing diastemas (the vertical gap between two teeth)

Bioclear dental restorations are placed using the specially designed matrix system and injection molding techniques created by Dr. Clark. If a restoration should break it would have to be redone using the same process and composite materials. Unlike a dental restoration made of porcelain or lab fabricated a Bioclear restoration can easily be redone by a Dr. Gupta.

Your mouth is part of your digestive and respiratory systems. It helps you with daily functions like eating, speaking and breathing. Taking care of your mouth can keep you healthy and reduce your risk for a wide range of dental and medical conditions. Your Mouth is the Gateway to Your Body When it comes to oral health and the health of your body, the research is clear. A new study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges”, reported that periodontal or gum disease, which is red, inflamed, bleeding gums, is related to nearly 60 diseases in the body. The most prevalent being diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. What happens with this synergistic connection is that the mouth acts as a portal to the rest of the body. If your teeth and gums have inflammation, bacteria or decay, that bacteria travels to the bloodstream where it can set up shop in other parts of the body like your heart, lungs and brain. Biological dentists believe oral health and overall health share a deep connection. Not only does an oral health issue affect the body, but poor body health can, in turn, affect the patient’s oral health. All the body’s systems work together. A Biological dentist treats oral health within the context of the body’s health. For instance, proper nutrition can support good health in the body and the mouth

The term Biological Dentistry is often used interchangeably with Holistic Dentistry. Both of these terms describe an approach to dental health care that “treats your mouth with the health of your body in mind.” Biological Dentistry originated in Europe as a branch of Biological Medicine, based on an integration of principles of natural healing common to traditions from around the world. These principles allow for the reversal and healing of many chronic degenerative health conditions that do not respond to the common practices of Western Medicine. Common factors in all degenerative diseases are nutritional deficiencies and biochemical imbalances, toxicity, inflammation, infection, genetic predispositions and various forms of stress that interfere with the body’s inherent self-regulatory functions. Dental conditions that impact your overall health: Allergy or toxicity related to dental materials like mercury Infection and inflammation of the gums Decaying teeth leading to infections Failing root-canal-treated teeth Residual bone cavitations in the jaw Electromagnetic currents created by electro-galvanic dental metals Imbalance of the bite or misalignment of the jaws causing neuromuscular, cranial-sacral, and myofascial tension Restrictions of the airway leading to snoring or sleep apnea Discoloration or disfigurement of the teeth affecting your self-image & comfort in smiling

Next, your dentist will place the dental implant and possibly a temporary crown. The procedure takes around an hour or so to complete for a single implant. Over the counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage any discomfort that you may experience during the first few days after the procedure.

To improve the amount of healthy bone at the implant site, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. In most cases a graft is placed at the time the tooth that is to be replaced has been extracted, this is done to preserve the site for the coming implant. At times, this is required after a tooth has been missing for an extended period of time and some bone loss has occurred. There are different types of bone graft materials that can be placed and this will be discussed with you prior to your procedure. After placement, the bone graft will need time to heal before the implant is placed.

Your dentist will evaluate your mouth to see if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant. Not all patients are strong candidates for dental implants. You need a certain degree of healthy bone material to place a dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone material, your dentist could recommend a smaller mini dental implant or bone grafting to improve the jawbone at the procedure site. If you have many missing teeth, a traditional dental implant may not be the only option you have. In addition to implants restorations there are many other procedures that your dentist may recommend, including implant-supported dentures.

Before permanent crowns can be placed, your mouth needs time to heal. For many patients, this period lasts for several months. However, it is possible that it could take six months or longer for your jaw to heal enough to finish the dental implant procedure. Your dental provider will assess your progress to make a determination about when to schedule the final appointment.

During the last appointment, your dentist will remove your temporary crown, attach an abutment to the dental implant, and place a permanent crown. When this is completed, you’re finished with the procedure. Your dentist might give you additional instructions on how to best care for your new dental implant.

The more extractions that are needed prior to placing the implants can increase the dental implant cost. If you have no teeth present, the implants can simply be placed, unless the teeth have been missing for an extended length of time. If there was bone degeneration, bone grafting and other procedures will be needed before placement, increasing the dental implant cost.

The more teeth that need replaced, the more expensive the dental implant cost will be. The more missing teeth you have, the more materials are used. This means extended time that the doctor is spending working on your mouth, as well as evaluating bone density and ensuring the implants are placed in the most effective areas to optimize success.

If you are currently suffering from gum disease, your dental implant success rate will improve greatly if this disease is removed prior to getting dental implants. Your doctor may recommend simple scaling and root planing to remove gum disease, or if it is an advanced case, laser gum surgery. The cost of these procedures will be added to your dental implants cost.

Just like if there is bone loss, if the doctor recommends a sinus lift prior to placing the implants, your dental implants cost will increase because of the additional procedure.

There are many different options when it comes to dental implants, and depending on the method you select, your dental implant cost can fluctuate. Implant Supported Dentures or All-on-4 implants will have a different price tag than traditional implants or replacing teeth with a dental bridge.

Your dental implant cost can fluctuate if you are already experiencing bone loss. Dental implants need a sufficient amount of bone to be placed in the jaw. If your teeth have been missing for a long time and you have bone degeneration, a bone grafting procedure will be performed before the dental implants can be installed. This will be billed separately and increase your dental implant cost.

With the exception of an allergy that may exist, there are no known side effects from sealants.

Children and adults can benefit from sealants, but the earlier you get them, the better. Your first molars appear around age 6, and second molars break through around age 12. Sealing these teeth as soon as they come through can keep them cavity-free from the start, which helps save time and money in the long run. Ask your dentist if sealants are a good option for you and your family.

Yes, there is a tiny amount of BPA in sealants but not enough to cause you or a loved one any harm. In fact, you get more exposure to BPA by simply touching a receipt, using cosmetics or coming in contact with dust.

Some plans do cover sealants, so call your dental benefit company to find out what kind of coverage you have.

Sealants will often last for several years before they need to be reapplied. During your regular dental visit, your dentist will check the condition of the sealant and can reapply them as needed.

A Dental Sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surface of teeth where the pits and grooves are. Think of them as raincoats for your teeth. The purpose of the sealant is to eliminate the space in the grooves of the natural teeth where plaque can collect and cause cavities. However, the traditional method of applying sealants has a very high failure rate (over 90%)! The purpose of the sealant is to eliminate the space in the grooves of the natural teeth where plaque can collect and cause cavities. However, the traditional method of applying sealants has a very high failure rate (over 90%)! A Dental Sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surface of teeth where the pits and grooves are. The purpose of the sealant is to eliminate the space in the grooves of the natural teeth where plaque can collect and cause cavities. However, the traditional method of applying sealants has a very high failure rate (over 90%)! Failure of sealants results from a lack of a tight bond between the sealant and enamel that allows leak and actually leak cavity-causing bacteria to leak under the sealant. The sealants can actually hide growing decay inside of a tooth. When the cavity-causing bacteria that live in everyone’s mouth meet leftover food particles, they produce acids that can create holes in teeth. These holes are cavities. After sealant has been applied it keeps those bits of food out and stops bacteria and acid from settling on your teeth—just like a raincoat keeps you clean and dry during a storm.

It’s a quick and painless process. Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth before placing an acidic gel on your teeth. This gel roughs up your tooth surface so a strong bond will form between your tooth and the sealant. After a few seconds, your dentist will rinse off the gel and dry your tooth once again before applying the sealant onto the grooves of your tooth. Your dentist will then use a special blue light to harden the sealant.

Sealants can be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to your tooth. Because some sealants are clear, your dentist can keep an eye on the tooth to make sure the sealant is doing its job.

Most people fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery in three to four days. If your teeth were impacted or came in at an awkward angle, it could take a full week to recover. The wound left behind after surgery won't be completely healed for months, so you can still develop an infection weeks after surgery.

You'll likely need your impacted wisdom tooth pulled if it results in problems such as: Pain Trapping food and debris behind the wisdom tooth Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease) Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth Damage to a nearby tooth or surrounding bone Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth Complications with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth

Dental specialists disagree about the value of extracting impacted wisdom teeth that aren't causing problems (asymptomatic). It's difficult to predict future problems with impacted wisdom teeth. However, here's the rationale for preventive extraction: Symptom-free wisdom teeth could still harbor disease. If there isn't enough space for the tooth to erupt, it's often hard to get to it and clean it properly. Serious complications with wisdom teeth happen less often in younger adults. Older adults may experience difficulty with surgery and complications after surgery.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to appear (erupt) in the mouth. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people never develop wisdom teeth. For others, wisdom teeth erupt normally — just as their other molars did — and cause no problems. Many people develop impacted wisdom teeth — teeth that don't have enough room to erupt into the mouth or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth may erupt only partially or not at all. An impacted wisdom tooth may: Grow at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar) Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth is "lying down" within the jawbone Grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone

Everyone’s body and wisdom teeth are unique. Sometimes, taking a wait-and-see approach to wisdom tooth removal is OK and there’ll never be any problems. But getting your wisdom teeth out is a proactive way to prevent painful impaction and crowded teeth. You’ll also lower your risk of gum inflammation and eliminate any chance of your getting cavities in those teeth. When should wisdom teeth be removed — or should they even be removed? Whether you’re a parent of a teenager or you still have your wisdom teeth, our experienced dentists are here to answer your questions. First, we’ll determine whether a wisdom tooth extraction is needed. Our dentists will closely examine your mouth, looking for signs of possible problems caused by wisdom teeth like crowding, impaction, or discomfort.