Why Holistic Dentistry?

Holistic Dentistry in Columbia, PA

At Susquehanna Dental Arts, we believe that health and well-being start in your mouth. That is why we provide quality dental services that avoid and eliminate (through safe removal) the toxins commonly used in dental materials.

What is Holistic Dentistry?

Columbia PA Dentist office

A holistic dentist works to advance wholeness and in so doing prevent health issues that are associated with poor dental health such as mercury poisoning, fluoride poisoning, heart disease, diabetes, and many others. Holistic dentistry also means that we see the care of our patients as a long-term commitment, with emphasis on the effects of proper dental hygiene in-between visits.

There are three major practices that differentiate between a standard dentist and a holistic dentist: the use of mercury fillings, the use of fluoride, and biocompatible dental materials.

Holistic Approach to Mercury Fillings

We’ll start with the most widely known controversy – mercury fillings. Traditional dentistry practices recommend mercury fillings due to their longevity, lesser cost, and ease of placement over composite fillings. However, holistic dentists argue that mercury is a toxin and even small amounts can put patients at risk for many serious health conditions. A truly holistic dentist will never place mercury fillings, and all holistic dentists meet or exceed safety guidelines for mercury filling removal and replacement.

Fluoride & Holistic Dentistry

The fluoride fight is an ongoing debate between traditional and holistic dentistry. Fluoride has been a controversial subject among dentists for decades, and holistic dentists argue for the removal of the chemical in water supplies for the general public, stating that fluoride is neither beneficial to the body nor effective for cavity protection. Each side has its arguments and research to back its case, and the debate will likely continue for years to come.

Biocompatible Dental Materials

Holistic dentistry places enormous emphasis on testing for biocompatibility before placing a composite material in a patient’s mouth. Most traditional dentists do not perform any testing to see if the materials will cause a reaction – there is generally no choice for the patient regarding what material is being used for the cavity. Holistic dentists work with a wide variety of different composite fillings and other procedure materials such as bridges or crowns and determine which material will perform the best in each patient.

Benefits of Holistic Dentistry

  • Holistic dentistry looks at more than just your oral health – Your overall health and well-being can help us determine the best treatment option for you. What is good for your mouth may not necessarily be good for the rest of your body. Protecting your body’s natural balance is critical since poor oral health can lead to poor physical health. Did you know untreated tooth decay and gingivitis can lead to other complications such as root canals, tooth loss, and even cancer?
  • It can help correct previous harmful dental treatments – If you have amalgam or silver fillings in your mouth you should be aware that these fillings release harmful, mercury-laden vapors into your mouth regularly. As one of the few family dentists in Central PA who offers safe removal of mercury, you can remove those old harmful fillings and have them replaced in as safe an environment as possible without being exposed to dangerous vapors.
  • A holistic dentist only uses the safest materials – Materials used by a holistic dentist are free of toxins and we refuse to use any treatment which could be harmful to your health. By using the least invasive treatments we also cut down on your recovery time so you can get back to being yourself as soon as possible.

Holistic Dentistry in Science

Our holistic dentistry team partners with two progressive dental organizations: The Centers for Dental Medicine and the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology.

The Centers for Dental Medicine have created a new standard of care for preventative medicine as the bridge between dentistry and medicine. They believe that dentistry is a lot more than just beautiful smiles – dentistry is important to your overall health. This is especially true for patients that are at increased risk of a heart attack, or diabetes or are pregnant. Dentists can no longer be concerned with just the health of one’s teeth; the health of the entire body is reflected by and affected by the health of teeth, gums, and the mouth. This comprehensive approach to your health is why we tend to characterize ourselves as a provider of holistic dental care.

The IAOMT is a network of dental, medical, and research professionals who seek to raise the standards of scientific biocompatibility in dental practice with information from the latest interdisciplinary research. In short, IAOMT seeks to educate professionals and the public about the risks of mercury in dentistry, and suggest alternative methods and materials.

Holistic Dentistry in the Community

At Susquehanna Dental Arts, we believe that relationships matter in every part of life and that this fact is especially important for your family dentist. People who have good relationships are happier and more satisfied, and we know this is true of our patients. From our friendly hygienists to our doctor’s comfortable bedside manner, we know you will feel right at home with us!

We understand that our environment and surroundings also play a part in our relationships. We look not only to provide the best dental care for your family but also an atmosphere that’s welcoming and peaceful. Our office is warmly decorated and our staff is cordial and readily available to answer any questions you may have. We want you to trust us to be your family dentist, that’s why we make every effort to genuinely earn your trust through a healthy relationship and we hope that fosters a happy and healthy life!

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed