HOLISTIC vs. CONVENTIONAL DENTISTRY
Suzin StocktonWhat is the difference between a holistic or biological dentist and a conventional or traditional one? – None in terms of basic training. Both have fulfilled comparable educational and licensing requirements. Both have demonstrated an understanding of dentistry as it has been traditionally taught and practiced, and a skill level sufficient to earn the title of DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Dental Medical Doctor).
Most holistic dentists began their careers practicing in the traditional manner, but later started to incorporate holistic procedures as their awareness grew regarding the nature, effectiveness and safety of such procedures. This awareness could have been facilitated by many events – maybe a seminar on holistic dentistry or first-hand experience of the toxic effects of mercury and other commonly used dental materials.
The holistic dentist has dared to step outside the traditional dental paradigm and look at the whole-body effect of routine dental procedures. S/he is far more than a “tooth mechanic.” S/he is a doctor in the truest sense, one who is guided by the cardinal rule of the Hippocratic oath, “First, do no harm.”
The chart below is a modified version of one that appears in the Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome (DAMS) information packet. It gives a succinct 11-point comparison between the holistic and the traditional dentist.
| CONVENTIONAL (ADA) DENTAL PRACTICES | HOLISTIC OR BIOLOGICAL DENTAL PRACTICES |
| Uses “silver” amalgams, which are half mercury. Denies the health risks of using such fillings. ADA claim: Replacement of amalgams is “unethical.” | Never uses amalgam fillings; will replace amalgams for health reasons (using precautions) if the patient wants it done. Is aware of the adverse health impact of amalgams and seeks to understand the health impact of all dental work on the body and the brain. |
| Nickel (a component of stainless steel is routinely used in dentures and braces. Gold fillings and crowns may be placed into the mouth along with amalgams, creating a “battery effect” from the currents generated by dissimilar metals. All materials are laced without regard to toxicity, allergy or biocompatibility. | Nickel is avoided in crowns and other dental applications because it is a neurotoxin (poison to the nervous system) and carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Gold alloys are either not used at all or only after compatibility testing, as gold is a conducting metal and always contains other metals, some toxic. Gold is never used when amalgams are in present in the mouth. |
| May not know how to properly place composite (tooth-colored) filling material, increasing the failure rate. | Relies on ceramics for inlays, onlays and crowns and uses carefully selected composites for direct fillings. |
| Is likely unfamiliar with biocompatibility testing. Therefore may deny that biocompatibility of materials used is important to health. | Uses biocompatibility testing routinely to determine what filling, crown or bridge materials are most compatible with patient’s unique body chemistry (and thus will be least likely to trigger an immune response). |
| Typically does not use precautions (or adequate precautions) when replacing old amalgam fillings. | Takes elaborate precautions when drilling out old amalgam fillings. |
| Usually does not fully realize the health risks associated with standard dental materials and procedures. May scoff at health concerns when raised.; has dangerous levels of mercury vapor in the dental clinic. The dentist, hygienist and assistant may all have high mercury levels in their bodies, adversely affecting their health. | Collaborates with naturopathic physicians or holistic medical doctors to help evaluate the health status of the patient and to plot a strategy for safe dental work and for detoxification. Encourages baseline testing and evaluation for heavy metal toxicity; recognizes possible need for medical preparation before amalgams are replaced. |
| Does root canal treatments, typically using gutta percha as a filling material for root canals; denies any health hazards associated with root canal treatment. | Many avoid the risks of root canal fillings by extracting the dead tooth and putting in a bridge or partial denture. Some use alternative filling materials in the root canal. |
| When extracting a tooth, will most likely not scrape off a portion of the bony socket to assure total removal of the periodontal ligament, which connects tooth to bone. | After tooth extraction, takes care to thoroughly remove the periodontal ligament by scraping the bony socket down to healthy bone to prevent jawbone infection and promote healing. |
| Is not familiar with jawbone “cavitations,” or downplays their prevalence and is therefore not apt to suspect them or recognize them, even when indicators and risk factors are present. | Recognizes that jawbone cavitations frequently occur where teeth have been extracted, where there have been root canal treated teeth and where other risk factors are present. Either scans for cavitations him/herself or refers to others equipped to do so and to perform surgery or other appropriate treatment. |
| Recognizes periodontal disease as a threat to teeth and to general health. Likely to use surgery or “root planing” as a primary treatment. | Recognizes periodontal disease as a threat to teeth and to general health. Typically uses herbal and other rinses to treat the infection, but avoids antibiotic use, surgery and root planning. Does not want to use surgery to remove potentially healthy gum tissue. |
| Advocates the use of fluoridated toothpastes, gels, mouthwashes and fluoridated water. The American Dental Association receives millions in revenue for placing its “Seal of Acceptance” on fluoridated products. | Avoids use of fluoridated dental products, as fluoride is toxic and accumulates in the body. Recognizes dental fluorosis (discoloration of children’s teeth) as a sign of systemic fluoride poisoning. Opposes water fluoridation due to documented health hazards. |
It should be noted that not all holistic dentists practice in the same manner – or even see eye to eye on all dental issues for that matter. Some dentists may only be “holistic” in the sense that they practice mercury-free dentistry. They may be unaware of the other issues reflected by point 2 through 11, or choose not to take a stand on these issues for a variety of reasons. Perhaps their knowledge of them is as yet insufficient, or perhaps they are fearful that taking a proactive stand on a controversial issue such as fluoridation might jeopardize their good standing with dental boards and associations that stand philosophically on the other side of the issue.
We are experiencing a paradigm shift in dentistry today. Biological dentistry as it’s practiced today may well evolve into the standard of care of the future, as resistance to innovation yields to acceptance.
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Information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical or dental condition, please consult an appropriate health care provider.