The Full Story
Holistic Dentistry Options
As a holistic minded individual, Dr. Stewart is respectful of your dental choices. While we serve patients of all viewpoints, there are specific ways we can serve your holistic desires when it comes to dental care.
SAFE Mercury Filling Removal
The biggest risk of mercury exposure is when the filling is removed. More mercury vapor is released as it is drilled out of the tool causing a concern for patients. In order to removal the filling safely, a rubber dam isolation is placed over the tooth in order to keep all fragments from touching the tissues of your mouth. In addition we run high volume suction and intra oral suction at the same time. We will drape your clothing and cover your hair as well.
CBCT Root Canal Exam
We check all root canaled teeth every 5 years via a 3D cone beam radiograph to evaluate infections surrounging root canals. We see this often in our practice where a root canal can become re-infected but show no symptoms other than an abscess on the 3D image. When this happens the best course of action is typically a removal of the failed root canal tooth.
Ozone Water
Ozonated water kills bacteria, fungi and viruses on contact without any harsh chemicals. Ozonated water is safe to consume, but a powerful tool in dentistry. It helps healing from decay, extractions and periodontal disease. It keeps all dental lines safe and clean. It can help with tooth sensitivity. It can also help fight early tooth decay. Read our blog post to see what scientific literature says. Our office uses only ozonated water in our dental operatories.
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Fluoride-Free experience
We use ozonated water in all of our dental chairs that is fluoride free. In addition we have gluten free, dye free and fluoride free polishing paste to help remove stains without the added fluoride. We offer patient bags with bamboo toothbrush, teflon free floss and fluoride-free paste for adults and children.
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CEREC Same Day Dentistry
Most offices must fabricate temporary crowns and bring you back in two weeks to seat the crown upon completion by a lab. In our office we have technology to scan, design and create your crown the same day. Temporary crowns are made with Poly Methyl Methacrylate and bonded to the tooth with temporary cement that contains fluoride, potassium nitrate and chlorhexidine. In order to accommodate the crown process holistically, a same day is best and designed to perfection in house.
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Respect
At the end of the day, families who choose a holistic lifestyle have enough trouble navigating the medical world. We want to be an office you can trust to act conservatively, respectfully and accommodate all your needs.
Common questions
What is holistic, biologic or airway dentistry all about? We have some of our most commonly asked questions answered below.
1. What does a holistic or biologic dentist do differently than a typical dentist?
- A holistic/biologic dentist acknowledges the connection of the mouth to the entire body. They understand that the oral microbiota has a direct effect on overall health and can develop plans of action to help heal. They may have hesitations with the typical protocols of fluoride, x-rays, amalgam (mercury) fillings and root canals.
2. If I have a root canal, do I have to have it removed?
- You do not have to have all of your root canals removed, but it is recommended that we observe any signs of inflammation via a cone beam CT image every 5 years. If infection is noted, it is then recommended to remove the tooth as the inflammation affects the entire body.
3. Do I have to have all of my amalgams (mercury) fillings removed?
- You do not have to have your amalgams removed, but if your body is sensitive to heavy metal exposure, it would be more ideal to have them removed via our SAFE removal protocol. Each time you chew, the teeth can cause mercury to be released from the filling. Amalgam fillings undermine the tooth structure, cause leakage and can cause the tooth to break in half. We respect if you choose not to remove them, but it is important to know the risks.
4. Are you completely against fluoride?
- We do offer fluoride options in our practice for patients that choose to do so, but I am against fluoride in children under 5 and anyone who can not spit out the fluoride paste. It is hard to understand the total fluoride we are exposed to in our food, water sources and oral health products. If we can eliminate fluoride where we can, then we can keep our exposure to a low level that does not affect our systemic health, pineal gland and bones. Studies have shown that over exposure to fluoride can cause lower IQ in children, so keeping their exposure to a minimum is especially important.
5. How do you feel about hydroxyapatite?
- We offer hydroxyapatite products in our office as an alternative remineralizing agent. The source of the hydroxyapatite and the particle sizes are both important in determining if the material will help. Because our teeth are made of hydroxyapatite, it is an ideal material to help heal incipient caries in enamel. We use RiseWell due to their strict safety protocols, natural mining source, vegan ingredients and clinically proven formula.
6. Can I deny x-rays and still be a patient?
- We respect everyone's choices. In order to effectively diagnose cavities, radiographs are needed. We do not require bitewings every year, especially for low risk patients. Each patient has a radiographic regimen tailored to your caries risk assessment. If you decline bitewings beyond three years, we can no longer accurately diagnose your decay and are subject to malpractice litigation for any decay we miss due to lack of radiographic information. The FDA sets radiographic protocols that we are subject to when treating our patients and attesting to their diagnosis.
7. What is airway dentistry?
- Airway dentistry takes into account how you sleep, how you are able to breathe, how your arch form affects breathing and effects of oral ties on tongue resting posture. While adult skeletons are already solidified, the palate of children does not close until around puberty. We take into account your STOP-BANG score and make recommendations based on exam findings. We can make referrals to ENT and Sleep medicine when indicated.
8. Do you see children?
- Yes! A general dentist is permitted to treat children and we are happy to see kids of all ages. It is recommended that children be seen by their first birthday. Dental caries is the number one disease affecting children. If a child has extensive decay, we may refer them to a pediatric dentist if needed. We are happy to examine your child's airway and oral ties to determine if any intervention is needed.
9. How can I detox after having mercury fillings removed?
- Earthly has a great vaccine detox formula designed to help your body remove heavy metals. The active ingredient is chlorella, so alternatively you can rinse with that as well.