Holistic Dentistry Services in Nashville
We intentionally work to provide you and your family with safe and biocompatible material choices while avoiding concerning substances like mercury, fluoride, BPA, and unnecessary radiation. You deserve to feel safe asking questions about your dental care.
How can my mouth health affect my overall health?
Many patients are not actually aware of how much their oral health affects their overall health. Infections and inflammation in the mouth can lead to or worsen other serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers, as well as contributing to a higher likelihood of suffering from Alzheimers, a stroke, or a heart attack. A healthy mouth is an integral part of achieving and maintaining whole-body wellness.
What is holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry focuses on the direct link between your oral health and the systemic health of your entire body. We aim to treat the causes of any oral health challenges you face. Simply treating symptoms is never enough, as your issues will likely resurface. Instead, we want to work directly with you to create lasting solutions to give you the health and well-being that makes you want to smile.
Holistic dentistry may be a bit different from what you’ve experienced in the past, by taking a look at you as a whole instead of just individual teeth. Considering how your medical history or how any issues that you’re dealing with could be connected to problems you have in your mouth. Looking at materials that are in your mouth and how that may be related to concerns that you have. A lot of times we’ll have patients come to us that are frustrated because they’ve just been brushed off when they raise concerns about things like mercury in their mouth, or fluoride use, either in them or their children. You deserve to be in a healthcare setting where your questions are respected, they’re responded to, and you’re not brushed off for being difficult or going against the grain. You need to be a part of your healthcare choices. You need to be empowered to make decisions that line up with what your goals are. And we want to create a safe place where that is addressed, and we’re coming alongside you to help you achieve the healthcare goals that are important to you.
Holistic Dental Services We Provide
Learn more about the holistic dental services Drs. Jones and Estes offer patients in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and Cool Springs.
Metal-Free Dentistry
A focus on using biocompatible materials to restore teeth. We exclusively use metal and BPA-free, bonded composite resins (“white fillings”) and metal-free all ceramic crowns, bridges, and veneers. We also have the ability to replace missing teeth with zirconia implants and a completely metal free implant abutment and crown that attach to the implant.
Safe Mercury Removal
During the removal and replacement of mercury amalgam fillings (silver-colored metal fillings), we use specialized protocols to reduce mercury exposure.
Gum Disease Treatment
Modern research constantly teaches us how interconnected the mouth and the rest of the body are. Part of our commitment to addressing the whole-body health of our patients is educating them on how interrelated gum disease is to many other systemic illnesses and risk factors.
Ozone Therapy
We utilize ozone in a variety of ways during our treatment of many dental and oral health conditions.
Why should I consider safe mercury removal?
When removing and replacing mercury amalgam fillings (the silver-colored metal ones), specific procedures are in place to reduce the risk of mercury exposure. Mercury fillings are often replaced due to the impact these fillings can have on the body. Mercury is toxic and makes up for about 50% of silver amalgam fillings, leaving patients at risk of exposure. Safely removing mercury amalgam from your mouth ensures a healthier smile!
What Is Holistic Dentistry?
Dentists like Dr. Ryan Jones and Dr. Caleb Estes in Franklin, Tennessee, who offer holistic dental services (also called biological or natural dentistry), focus on the connection between oral health and systemic health. By addressing not just symptoms but also the underlying causes of oral health issues, holistic dentistry can be transformative for those searching for a healthier mouth, mind, and body.
How Does Holistic Dentistry Differ From Traditional Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry differs from traditional dentistry because it takes into consideration what’s going on with the whole person, not just focusing on the teeth and gums and ignoring the rest. While traditional dentistry focuses primarily on treating oral health issues locally, holistic dentistry takes a comprehensive approach, considering the impact of dental treatments on overall well-being. It emphasizes preventive care, minimally invasive treatments, and the use of biocompatible materials. Additionally, holistic dentists are more likely to engage you in a nonjudgmental conversation about any concerns you have regarding a certain procedure, material, product, etc. By addressing the root causes of oral health problems and promoting overall wellness, holistic dentistry seeks to achieve optimal health for the whole patient.
What Materials Will A Holistic Dentist Use For Treatment?
Holistic dentists prioritize using biocompatible materials that are safe for oral and overall health. This often includes materials free from toxins, such as fluoride free preventative care products, mercury-free fillings, BPA-free dental sealants, and non-metallic restorations like composite resins or ceramic crowns. They may also use ozone therapy, which harnesses the natural disinfectant properties of ozone gas to treat dental infections without the need for antibiotics. By selecting materials and treatments that promote health and harmony within the body, holistic dentists aim to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Why Do Holistic Dentists Offer Ozone Therapy For Patients?
Holistic dentists offer ozone therapy to patients because it is a natural, non-invasive treatment that harnesses the power of ozone gas to disinfect and heal oral tissues. Ozone therapy can effectively eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi without antibiotics or harsh chemicals. It promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing, making it a beneficial part of the protocol for treating dental infections, cavities, and gum disease. By incorporating ozone therapy into their practices, holistic dentists provide patients with a safe, holistic approach to oral care that supports overall health and well-being.
Are There Treatments Offered By Holistic Dentists That Are Not Offered By Traditional Dentists?
Yes, there are many services holistic dentists offer that may not typically be provided by traditional dentists. Some may include:
– Prioritizing the use of biocompatible materials such as mercury-free fillings and ceramic restorations, which traditional dentists may not offer.
– When mercury fillings are present, holistic dentists will focus on a stringent safety protocol to minimize any mercury exposure during the safe mercury removal and replacement process.
– Providing routine preventative cleanings and gum disease care without the use of concerning chemicals like fluoride.
– Utilizing advanced technology like CBCT 3D scans to evaluate for any infected teeth or failed root canals that may not be visible with standard two dimensional xrays.
– In oral surgery procedures, PRF (platelet rich fibrin) is used to harness the healing powers of your own cells to increase positive surgical outcomes.
– The offering of non-metallic implants is also a differentiator. Zirconia ceramic implants are available for those patients concerned with or allergic to titanium.
– Ozone therapy, which uses ozone gas to disinfect and heal oral tissues naturally, reducing the need for antibiotics.
By taking a holistic approach, holistic dentists aim to address the root causes of oral health issues and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Is Holistic Dentistry Covered By My Dental Insurance?
Holistic dentistry may or may not be covered by dental insurance, as it depends on the specific insurance plan and the treatments provided. While some insurance plans may cover certain procedures performed by holistic dentists, such as cleanings, fillings or crowns, coverage for alternative therapies like ozone therapy or biocompatible materials may be limited or not covered at all. Patients should check with their insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage. Additionally, many holistic dental practices offer flexible payment options and may assist patients in navigating insurance reimbursement for covered services. To learn more about your options with our team in Franklin, TN, call (615) 640-8494 today.
