Key Issues in Dentistry (& Where Green City Dental Stands on Them)

If you’ve spent any time browsing the websites of biological, holistic or “natural” dentists, you’ve probably noticed some similarities – and some differences. It can sometimes seem pretty confusing!

Here’s how the leading professional organization for biological dentists defines the approach in their Standards of Practice,

Biological dentistry is concerned with the whole body effects of all dental materials, techniques and procedures. It unites the best clinical practices and technologies of western dentistry and medicine with a wide array of modalities beyond the horizon of conventional practice. For biological dentistry acknowledges, appreciates and considers the complex and dynamic relationships between oral health and systemic health within the context of the whole person. These things are inseparable.

This approach is fundamentally “holistic.” Because the aim is to support the health of the whole individual – body, mind and spirit – and our inherent ability to self-regulate and heal, it is “natural,” as well. It humbly acknowledges that we can’t really improve upon nature, only affect it – for better or for worse.

There are a number of issues in dentistry today that bear directly on our ability to follow through on this philosophy. Here’s a quick summary of where we stand on some of the most important ones with respect to health. Our beliefs are expressed through our actions.

Biocompatibility Testing of Dental Materials
We encourage serum (blood) biocompatibility testing to determine the safest, healthiest choices of materials for restoring or replacing patients’ teeth.

Fluoride
We don’t use it. There are better and safer ways to protect teeth and prevent cavities.

Mercury Amalgam “Silver” Fillings
We don’t use them. When we must remove them, we follow strict safety protocols to minimize mercury exposure to patients, dental workers and the environment.

White/Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings
We use them. For most people, they’re an excellent option for repairing decayed or damaged teeth. We make sure that the ones we use are BPA-free, and where sensitivity is a concern, we do biocompatibility testing to identify materials that the patient is non-reactive to.

Metal Crowns & Bridges
We don’t use them – or any other restorations made of metal. No gold or other alloys. No stainless steel. No porcelain fused to metal.

Ceramic/Porcelain Crowns & Bridges
We use them. Like composite, these are an excellent choice and well-tolerated by most people. As with composites, there are many options available. Again, compatibility testing helps guide us to the ones best suited for you.

Titanium Dental Implants
Just as we don’t place metal restorations, we don’t place metal implants.

Ceramic Dental Implants
These can be a good option for many people. The zirconium they’re made with is widely biocompatible. We place them when appropriate and desired.

Root Canal Treatment
We don’t do them. It’s important to us that our patients are educated on the pros and cons of this procedure so they can decide whether it’s right – or not – for them.

X-rays
To keep radiation exposure at an absolute minimum, we use only digital imaging.

Ozone
We use ozone in a variety of applications – from direct ozone therapy to disinfect and support healing to ozonated water in our operatories to eliminate biofilm and pathogens from the water supply we use while cleaning or working on your teeth.

Diet & Nutrition
These are as important to good oral health as they are to good overall health! We routinely encourage our patients to make healthful eating a habit.