Sacramento Holistic Dentist FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Holistic dentistry, also known as biological dentistry and functional dentistry, is rooted in the belief that a person’s dental health is connected to their overall health. In other words, dental health is improved when a person has healthy habits, eats healthy food, and avoids toxins. That’s also the reason why holistic dentists minimize using composite filling materials containing methacrylate monomers which are BPA derivatives, as well as doing amalgam restorations, which expose patients to a temporary increase in mercury vapor released during the removal process.
Holistic dentists aim to use materials that are as biocompatible as possible for fillings. Examples of these are ceramic-based fillings, zirconia implants, and zirconia crowns. There are materials, such as bonding agents, that have to be used in the placement of the filling, but efforts are made to try to avoid getting those materials on your gums, so that any exposure is as little as possible.
Both traditional and holistic dentists are trained at the same dental schools and are required by states to serve a certain number of hours of continuing education to maintain their license. That means both are qualified to evaluate and treat dental problems.
The main difference, however, is that a traditional dentist will mostly focus on fixing problems in the mouth and use traditional dentistry techniques. He or she may not be aware of potential problems that might arise in a patient’s overall health from the use of problematic dental materials such as amalgams.
A holistic dentist, on the other hand, views the mouth and the materials used in the mouth as a crucial part of a patient’s well-being. He or she will not just try to treat any oral problems, but will try to ensure that a patient will leave the office better informed or even in a better state of health. A holistic dentist will also be open to researching and learning new alternative techniques, such as ozone and PRF bone grafting possibilities.
Yes, a dentist who chooses to focus on a holistic approach is still a dentist, so he or she can bill your insurance for you, or give you the information to bill your insurance yourself. Most holistic offices are not contracted with insurances, because they spend more time with each patient than the average dentist, but the dental insurance is able to cover exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns, etc. as out-of-network coverage.
Ozone dental therapy is a holistic treatment that seeks to reduce the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Ozonated water or ozone gas is administered to the affected area. When a cavity is exposed to the gas or ozonated water, the bacteria present in the cavity die. It’s a minimally invasive alternative treatment that can stave off the advance of any developing tooth decay and is a great way to help patients avoid having to undergo a root canal treatment, when the cavity is very close to the nerve but the nerve is still alive.
For holistic dentists, ceramic is a better choice for implant options especially if patients have metal sensitivities, meaning they can suffer from allergic reactions to trace metals that are “titanium” implants. Also, ceramic implants can color-match with a patient’s teeth entirely, meaning they give a better overall appearance when compared to titanium implants.
Because mercury in the fillings poses health risks to both the patient and the dentist who will be removing the fillings, a specific process must be followed:
- The fillings will be kept as cool as possible during the removal process because mercury reacts to heat by getting released into the air in vapor form.
- The fillings will be cut into chunks via careful drilling, and are then removed either by hand or by the use of a suction device.
- While this is ongoing, the dentist uses a powerful evacuator or suction system that limits the exposure of everyone in the room to mercury particles and fumes which are very harmful. At the same time, the dentist will provide the patient with an alternative air source, like a nasal hood through which the patient can breathe air from a tank or a source outside the office.
- The dentist will then use a rubber dam to isolate the teeth that need mercury fillings removal. The rubber dam will also protect the patient from inhaling mercury vapor and makes mercury particles easier to be avoided. The dam can also create a dry, isolated area for the insertion of the mercury filling replacement.
- Once the fillings have been completely removed, it’s clean-up time. That means that the dentist and their assistant/s have to throw away their gloves and dental dams. The mouth of the patient will also be thoroughly rinsed and vacuumed. The patient will then also be asked to gargle with water to further rinse any mercury residue.
We do not do amalgam fillings, since we believe that there are safer options to use for filling materials. As of root canals, in the office we have newest technology in root canal treatments. But the decision whether to do it or not will be taken on a case to case basis.
Painkillers have many natural alternatives especially when it comes to toothaches, such as salt, clove, oregano oil, traumeel, arnica, garlic, and propolis. As for antibiotics, although it is not necessary to use them for many dental procedures, we may suggest the medication in specific situations.
There are many benefits of holistic dentistry. Here are some of them:
- The focus is on total body health. Your teeth and gums affect other parts of your body, and conversely, the rest of your body can affect mouth health. Holistic dentistry not just focuses on what’s happening in your mouth, but also improving other areas of your health like your nutrition and your daily habits. In the long run, your risks for various health problems like heart disease and cancer will be reduced.
- Your are protected from toxins. Holistic dental practitioners like us try to use biocompatible dental materials.
- You will get personalized treatments. No patient will be treated the same way. Any treatment you receive will be customized to ensure you get optimal oral and overall health. This way, you will get the best results for you.
- You will get minimally invasive treatments. Holistic dentists don’t just remove cavities and fill holes. We will remove the cavities in a conservative way to ensure that there is as much tooth material left as possible. More natural tooth left means better tooth strength and functionality.
- The root cause of tooth problems is discovered. We don’t just treat the problem; we look for the overall cause of the problem and treat it so that it hopefully never happens again, which means you will get less treatments and save more money in the long run.
- Advanced technology will be used. The holistic approach uses advanced technology just like conventional dentistry.
Here are some procedures that a holistic dental practitioner can offer that you probably won’t get from a traditional dentist.
- Keeping in mind the whole health of the patient. In addition to evaluating oral health, holistic dentists will also look at possible connections between the oral health and whole body health, and be a resource to help address health concerns.
- The use of composite fillings. Holistic dentists will use tooth colored fillings instead of amalgam ones to ensure lower toxicity for the patient.
- Diet education. Any holistic dentist’s long-term goal is to help prevent patients from having any oral and general health concerns. That means they will seek to educate their patients on how their diet can affect oral and overall health.
In order for one to be a licensed dentist, the person must have:
- Three years of undergraduate prerequisite classes, most dental schools require a bachelor’s degree
- A four-year DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of medicine in dentistry) degree
- Passed the National Board Dental Examination
- Had an examination conducted by a state or regional dentistry board
Holistic dental practitioners have the same dental training as traditional dentists. Holistic dentists just add to what they already know by taking specialized courses in holistic approaches and options.
It’s easy – fill out the new patient request, or text or call us at (916) 507-2122. We look forward to seeing you soon!
It depends on what you need. A first appointment is usually a complete exam, x-rays, and a cleaning. Sometimes it is a limited exam, an x-ray of the problem area, and possible treatment of the problem area if there is adequate time for it. We would need to know in advance if there is a large cavity that you would like addressed, so that we can plan adequate time to hopefully take care of it during the first appointment.
Occasionally, people who are well overdue for a cleaning may need two cleanings to remove all of the calculus from their teeth, and if there is bone loss, a person may need Scaling and Root Planing instead, which usually needs to be preauthorized with insurance, so in a case like that, a cleaning would not be helpful.
Some patients bring us x-rays that were taken in another office, and that is great, because we like to reduce radiation as much as possible, so we are always happy to look at other x-rays rather than take our own.
Our services have varying costs – we’ll need to know what you want or need to be done to give you an actual price. As for the time, it will depend on many factors, such as how many fillings you need, for example. It is best to contact us and give us better details so we can answer your questions and concerns as best as we can.
It will depend on what treatment needs to be performed on you, as well as any personal medical conditions you may have, as this will affect the time needed to do the procedure.
Yes. Our head dentist, Dr. Pekarski, has 15 years of experience working with children. And as the eldest of 11 children in her own family, she has a way of making children feel comfortable around her. Dr. Pekarski enjoys making dental visits for children as happy as she can, and if she is able to help, she gladly does.
Yes. We understand that holistic dentistry is not only for adults but for addressing the health of children and teenagers as well.
No, we do not. Instead we use hydroxyapatite treatments, which also serve the purpose of remineralization.
The general recommendation is within 6 months of your child’s first tooth emerging in their mouth.
Yes we do, because we believe you deserve to feel relaxed and comfortable during a visit to our clinic. Do take note that with sedation, you will need someone to accompany you, since you will not be able to drive properly especially after your session.
Bring with you your dental records or your chart, which should have a history of your oral care, including X-rays, diagnostic records, treatment plans, instructions for home care, consent forms, and any communication between you and your previous or current dentist. That way, it is easier for us to see what treatments you have already undergone, and for us to determine what you will need in the future, if any, as well as what should be avoided.
You may want to check out www.iabdm.org or search for biological dentistry or holistic dentistry or functional dentistry along with the city where you live.
Yes, we can and we do.
Yes, especially if a tooth is in a state of advanced decay and cannot be saved by treatment. We may also remove a tooth if it is too damaged or is in the wrong position and may damage your other teeth.