What Is Holistic Dentistry?

Explaining the Basics

What Is Holistic Dentistry?

If you’re looking for a new dentist, you may have found a few different practices who, like Flourish Dental Boutique, advertise themselves as “holistic dentistry” practices. What does this mean, and what’s the difference between holistic dentists and traditional dentists? You can learn more and get started at our office by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Toni Engram today.

connecting smiles with overall health

What Is a Holistic Approach To Dentistry?

It’s in the name! The key belief of holistic dentistry is that your overall (holistic) health is tied very closely to your oral health. This means that holistic dentists focus on treatments that are biocompatible (non-toxic), and often work together with other healthcare professionals to ensure that your overall health is protected. The goal of holistic dentistry is to support and improve the body’s natural abilities to self-heal and regenerate.

offering a different level of treatment

What Do Holistic Dental Offices Offer?

Each holistic dental office differs. Most holistic dental offices will provide you with all of the same services that you can expect to get from a traditional dental office, such as fillings and crowns, regular teeth cleanings, and gum disease treatment.
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However, most holistic dentistry practices also focus on other unique methods of treatment, such as nutritional therapies, orthodontics to open the airways, dental ozone therapy, and mercury removal. To learn more about the holistic dental services we offer at Flourish Dental Boutique, contact us today.

getting to the root of the issues

How Does Holistic Dentistry Differ From Traditional Dentistry?

One of the biggest differences between the two is that holistic dentists never use mercury-amalgam fillings. Mercury is a toxic metal, and with the rise of safer materials like dental composite, there is no need to use it for dental fillings. Flourish takes this a step further, by utilizing SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocols any time these fillings need to be removed, minimizing patients' and team members' exposure to mercury during treatment.
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Another big difference is that while traditional dentistry focuses on treating dental problems in the mouth, holistic dentistry focuses on treating their underlying causes. 
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For example, while a traditional dentist may simply clean your gums to help prevent gum disease, a holistic dentist may discuss changes you can make to your diet or lifestyle that can help you lower your risk of gum disease. They’ll also work with other health professionals who can help you make these changes.

understanding you as the patient

What Can I Expect During My First Holistic Visit?

At your first visit, you’ll receive a thorough examination. We will discuss your goals for that visit, and whether any x-rays are recommended.  Dr. Toni Engram will ask you specific questions about your overall health, habits, and medical history so that we can develop a better understanding of your holistic health. Bringing any relevant medical records or other documentation to your appointment can help us do this.

choosing the right technology

Benefits of Laser Treatment

Holistic dentistry is just as technologically advanced as traditional dentistry, if not more so. That’s why we offer laser treatment at our office. Dental lasers can be used to remove decayed enamel, treat gum disease, and so much more, without the pain, invasiveness, and discomfort of traditional dental tools.