Is a Holistic Dentist Right for You?

There are two types of people who seek out a holistic, natural healthy approach to dentistry.

  • First there is the person that is recently being introduced to a more natural approach to healthcare/dentistry. They are curious and just starting to read about it. Materials that are healthy and non-toxic.
  • Ways to avoid heavy metals such as mercury and nickel. Did you know that even many “white” fillings contain aluminum and barium oxide? Heavy metals have been shown many times to have serious health repercussions.
  • There are healthy alternatives to everything used in dental care — from anesthetic, filling materials and even the type of handpiece/drills being used. People are excited to hear about alternative treatment modalities that provide just as beautiful and long-lasting restorations as the traditional, original dental care offered, but without many of the potential side-effects and toxicity.
  • Many moms look for healthier alternatives for their children. They are open to having their dentist work as part of a team with other like-minded healthcare providers, such as integrative physicians, chiropractors, nutritionists, acupuncturists, etc.
  • The ideal patient is someone who enjoys learning. It’s a whole new paradigm to healthcare. Yet, we use principles of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine that have been passed down from as long as 3,000 years ago, but are now modified, blended and applied to current healthcare knowledge and technology.

Is it Safe to Take Out Mercury Fillings?

I’m often asked, “Is it safe to take out mercury? I heard it’s better to just leave it in.

If you take it out, I was told it’s better to remove just 1 or 2 at a time, and space it out over several weeks or months.”

  • There are many different philosophies regarding amalgam removal. But Dr. Doug Cook’s approach (Father of holistic dentistry) is if the proper protocol is used, and due precautions taken, it should not matter if just one is removed or multiple mercury fillings are removed.  There is a very detailed protocol which I will not elaborate on here, but basically there are five important points:
  1. Use slow speed drilling to protect the pulp of the tooth and produce minimal Hg vapor.
  2. Isolate the tooth.
  3. Use chlorella, a single cell algae as an adjunct chelator/natural supplement.
  4. Verify every particle of mercury and metal is removed.
  5. Refill the tooth with a proven no-metal, no toxicity filling.

What is the Difference Between Traditional Dentistry and Holistic Dentistry?

Consider the mouth-mind-body connection.

It is the realization that just like traditional Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, every part of the body is integrated, influenced and affected by every other part of the body.

Eating foods fried with saturated fats and containing artificial flavors and colors may lead to illness.

In the mouth, using known toxic materials such as mercury, nickel and BPA fillings that off-gas will also negatively impact the body.

Holistic dentists choose dental materials that are natural with little or no unnatural side effects. They also recommend natural toothpaste products that contain no toxins.

Protocol for Amalgam Removal

For your safety, amalgams must be removed properly. Specific guidelines must be taken to prevent mercury and other metals from being released into your body.

Taking Precautions To Prevent Absorption Of Mercury Vapors…

Vapors may enter through eyes, nose or mouth. This occurs most often through the oral mucosa of cheeks, gum, tongue and palate. To keep patients at optimal health, we recommend these five important steps:

  1. Use of a rubber dam.
  2. Use of a low-speed drill.
  3. Use of two different vacuum systems.
  4. X-ray taken after amalgam removal.
  5. Use of chlorella.

Why A Rubber Dam?

Many holistic or biologic dentists recommend use of a rubber dam during amalgam removal. The rubber dam is usually a 6×6 square inch sheet of latex, which is held by a clip over the tooth. The dam acts as a barrier, isolating the tooth with the filling to be removed, and preventing debris from getting into the mouth. We recommend using a rubber dam material that is NOT LATEX due to potential for severe sensitivities or allergic reactions. The most popular material is nitrile. There is evidence demonstrated by the EPA-approved Jerome mercury detector that the permeability of the rubber dam allows mercury vapors to pass through into the mouth. Therefore, use of the rubber dam may not be as protective as indicated in the literature.

Why A Low Speed Drill?

A low speed drill – 20,000 rpm or less — is extremely important over a high speed drill. We always use a low speed drill, and here’s why:

  1. Creates a lower rate of mercury vapor release
  2. Less traumatic to the tooth pulp, and helps prevent pulp death.
  3. Less cracking of the tooth structure.

Why Two Vacuum Systems?

We use two different vacuum systems to protect our patients. Vacuum #1: Clean-Up-Tip, as recommended by the IAMOT (International Academy of Medicine and Oral Toxicology – www.iamot.org). This device is attached to our office high-vacuum system, and is placed directly over the tooth with the amalgam to be removed. It effectively removes all fumes and amalgam debris. Vacuum #2: Dr. Cook’s Vacuum System – This is a ¾ HP Shop-Vac, with large piping held at the chin of the patient during amalgam removal, creating a negative airflow. This effectively pulls away all fumes and particles from nose, mouth and face. Oxygen may be given as an adjunct, but it’s not necessary if there are two vacuum systems functioning effectively.

Why Take An X-Ray After Removing Amalgams?

The x-ray confirms that 100% of the metal is removed from the tooth cavity.

Why Chlorella?

Chlorella’s cell wall binds to heavy metals and accelerates their removal. It also acts to remove toxic chemicals, enhances immune function, serves as an anti-bacterial and antiviral agent.

How To Use Chlorella

Chlorella is used in two ways – systemically and as an oral rinse. The protocol for using chlorella is three days prior to the removal of amalgam and three to five days afterwards. 1. Systemically. Begin with 2 capsules: 1 in the morning and 1 at night. Add 2 capsules each day, until you reach a total of 8 capsules. Capsules must be taken at least 30 minutes prior to food consumption or no sooner than two hours afterwards. If you experience adverse detox symptoms such as dizziness, diarrhea, or sleep disruption, decrease the dosage by 2 capsules/day until you reach a comfortable level. 2. Oral Rinse. Immediately following amalgam removal, we recommend rinsing for one minute with chlorella water. It’s an extra precaution to pick up metal residue that may have been left in the mouth.

If you have dental questions, please visit our contact page and fill out the inquiry form. We’ll get back to you soon!