Biological Dentistry
Biological Periodontal Therapy
Estimates show that as many as 80% of Americans have some form of gum (periodontal) disease. Science has now proven the direct link between the health of the gums and the health of the whole person. Cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease often go hand in hand.
Presently gum disease has been diagnosed using x-rays, measurements of pockets or space around each tooth and the presence of bleeding. Treatments would include scaling or scraping of the root structure or gum surgery. Success of treatment was at best inconsistent and failure was often blamed on a non compliant patient.
Biological periodontal therapy focuses totally on the bacteria living in the pockets or space around the teeth. Following the protocols of the IAOMT, a sample of the bacteria is taken and placed under a phase contrast microscope which magnifies them 400x. Once the bad bacteria are determined to be present therapy begins.
The pockets or spaces around the teeth are irrigated (flushed out) using an all natural solution consisting of salt water and iodine. After irrigation the hard material under the gums is scraped (scaled) off. The patient is often asked to irrigate at home as part of their routine oral hygiene program. Biological periodontal treatment is not deemed complete until no signs of the bad bacteria are visible on the microscope.
The bad bacteria on some patients can be resistant to our oral irrigation. On these tough cases we use all natural ozone therapy as a means to kill off the bacteria. Ozone periodontal therapy has proven very successful in our offices.
Summing up what biological periodontal therapy means is simple- utilizing the microscope- if we see bad bugs treatment continues and if we see very few bugs than treatment has been successful!
Removal of Mercury from the Mouth
Patients will often come to the biological dentist to have removal of the mercury fillings from their mouths. When they have not been referred by a physician who has tested them for toxicity, we will typically have them sign a consent form that reviews the rationale for removal as well as the potential risks. For some, we will recommend nutritional support in advance of treatment, in the form of anti-oxidant supplements Once this is accomplished the procedures followed are as described.
First we drape you from head to below your knees. The face has a special covering which permits us to put on a rubber dam and connect you to a nasal cannula. The cannula allows for the delivery of humidified oxygen to generate a positive pressure to push mercury vapor out of your mouth. We have a tabletop mercury filter in the room in addition to a large combination HEPA, ultraviolet, mercury filter for the entire office. During the procedure, we will have a very large vacuum unit positioned below your lower lip to gather particulates. Additionally, there is a mercury ionizer positioned behind your head that acts to trap mercury ions in a stream that are captured by an electrified plate positioned at your feet.
The goal of the procedure is to allow for a minimal amount of mercury vapor to escape and be inhaled by anyone. Both the doctor and the assistant wear separate gowns and respirators. After obtaining anesthesia, a special adapter is placed on the high volume suction in the mouth in order to capture any particles. Copious amounts of water are used to keep the area cool and allow for washing way any particulates. The old filling is cut into sections and pulled out with hemostats or tweezers to minimize the mobilization of mercury that would follow the drilling out of the entire filling. Again, water is used throughout to wash and cool the area. Once the entire filling is removed, the area is irrigated with ozonated water and different agents that will help chelate out mercury from the tissue.
At this point, the procedure is a routine filling, inlay or crown depending upon the extent of damaged tooth structure that must be restored. For some highly sensitive individuals, we will use a rinse with activated charcoal to help capture any loose mercury before completion.
Video on Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal
Shows in detail the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology's (IAOMT) preferred method of removing old mercury/silver amalgam fillings with both staff and patient protections.
TMJ Dysfunction and Chronic Facial Pain
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic headaches as well as facial and neck pain. Other symptoms include locking or clicking of the jaw, buzzing or ringing and pain around the ears with a loss of hearing. Many of these patients run from doctor to doctor receiving a diagnosis such as migraine, tension headache, neuritis, neuralgia, or stress. When standard treatment fails these patients are considered hypochondriacs and are advised to seek psychiatric care.
Having had years of training while acquiring the latest in diagnostic technologies, our offices are prepared to treat these often unexplained and untreated symptoms called collectively Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Many patients experience an almost miraculous relief of symptoms which had been going on for years!
In order to diagnose TMD/Chronic Facial Pain a complete exam of the head and neck is performed. Complete x-rays of the joint and surrounding structures as well as computer evaluation of jaw movements and jaw noises are obtained. Muscle tension of the head and neck is measured with the computer as well.
Initial treatment is conservative and completely reversible in accordance with the protocols set out by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Most treatment involves the wearing of a removable appliance which places the jaw joint in a more ideal/relaxed position. Once maximum benefits have been obtained from the appliance the patient is slowly weaned off 24/7 wear to see if the body can readapt to the old position. It is at this time that a decision is made for any future treatment.
Needless to say,due to the chronicity and complexity of this condition a team medical approach is necessary. Most of the time multiple health care providers are involved to get our patients the very best results.
Dental Management of Sleep Disorders
Presently 50-70 million people in the United States are suffering with a chronic sleep disorder. Of these people 82-98% of the adults with sleep related breathing disorders are undiagnosed. Out of the patients who are being treated with CPAP 25-50% do not comply or tolerate the treatment. They find the long term use of the CPAP, a machine that applies air pressure throughout the night to be uncomfortable ( due to the mask) and inconvenient.
Some of the common symptoms and health issues associated with sleep apnea and other sleep breathing disorders are the following: snoring/gasping during sleep, increase in weight, headaches, allergies or asthma, anxiety, depression, stress, cardiovascular disease or hypertension, arthritis, fibromyalgia, acid reflux disease and hyperthyroidism.
Our offices have found the solution for our non compliant CPAP sufferers and mild to moderate sleep apnea patients. We have had extensive training and use state of the art technology to treat sleep breathing disorders using custom made oral appliances. These appliances reposition the tongue and move the lower jaw forward during sleep to maintain an open airway. With follow up appointments and post adjustment sleep studies we can determine how effective the oral appliance therapy is in treating the sleep apnea.
We work closely with your sleep doctor to ensure continuity of care to successfully treat this life threatening condition.
Supportive Therapy
Patients who have been exposed to toxins for long periods, or in some cases even for short periods, will often be debilitated and require substantial help to bring them back to a quality of life that they had not enjoyed for many years. Removal of toxins from the mouth is part of a larger picture to restore the individual’s vitality. Naturopaths, homeopaths, nutritionists, environmental medicine physicians and a variety of other health care providers are often involved in helping to restore the diminished vitality that may accompany exposure and absorption of toxins. In our offices, we will provide support in terms of counseling in stress management, sleep quality improvement, nutritional guidance and lifestyle changes. We know that we don’t have nearly all the answers which is why we involve other caregivers to assist you in recovery.