Holistic Dentist Archives | Poplar Crossing Dental

Should I Stick with This Holistic Dentist?

Posted on October 9, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have always wanted a holistic dentist and one finally moved to our town. I was so excited, but things have not turned out as well as I’d have hoped. I needed a dental crown and knew with a holistic dentist I would get an all porcelain crown. She used this new special cerec technology that would make the crown the same day I was there. I loved that idea too.

Somehow, after the crown, the tooth felt weird. It was hurting whenever I bit down. I went back to the dentist who said that the tooth next to it was the problem and sanded it down. This tooth had never bothered me before the crown so I was skeptical. She also did not ask me about sanding that tooth down before she actually did it, just that she found the problem and started making the adjustment. That still didn’t help and I went back, despite having my doubts about her abilities. She now said my bite is off and said I need orthodontics.

This need was never mentioned before I had this crown. I went to see another dentist to get a second opinion and he felt that my crown was improperly made and also that the tooth she sanded down without my permission needs to be built back up. First, I feel like I need to leave this dentist, which is a shame because I was really hoping for a dentist who would understand my desire to be mercury free and avoid metal dental work whenever possible. Do I have to choose between competence and the type of healthy dental work I want? Second, am I entitled to a refund seeing as I am going to have to essentially do everything over plus some?

Caryn

Dear Caryn,

I am sorry for all you went through. Let me start with the easy questions first. As for the holistic dentist issue, you do not have to choose between getting the type of dental care you want and competency. There are plenty of mercury-free dentists who would also strive to give you metal-free dental work as well.

Second, you are definitely entitled to a refund. In fact, instead of a refund I suggest you have her pay for the repairs to your teeth because it is going to cost more to fixt the damage she did than you will get back for the crown. If she gives you some trouble with that, then let her know that you are willing to contact an attorney. She not only violated the standard of care with your dental crown, but she also did a procedure without your approval. This is a huge violation in dental care. You have a definite case for a lawsuit. However, that eats up your time as well so I would start by just asking her to pay for the repairs. You choose who does the repairs, not her.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Dentist Insists I Need a Metal Crown on a Back Tooth

Posted on May 31, 2023 by writeradmin.

I am a bit frustrated. I need a dental crown on one of my back teeth. My dentist said that you can only do metal based or gold crowns on back teeth because of biting factors. He insists porcelain is not strong enough. Are there any other options for me?

Carol

Dear Carol,

I am sure your dentist is puzzled by your desire not to have a metal-based crown on your back tooth. After all, no one will see it. We all are becoming more health conscious and that includes in our dental care. While a metal-based crown won’t harm anyone unless they have a metal allergy or sensitivity, there are quite a few people who do have those.

In the past, it was your only option. Your dentist was correct in saying that an all-porcelain crown will not stand up to the biting forces. However, the dental field has grown and improved a lot in recent years. It does not sound like your current dentist has kept up with that.

I suggest you get a zirconia crown. These are metal-free but are still strong enough to use on back teeth. In fact, they have been dubbed ceramic steel. If your dentist does not provide that, there are many dentists who do. I would start by looking for either a metal-free dentist or a holistic dentist. Either one should have no problems providing that for you and likely use it regularly.

While the old tried and true methods do work, it is important that you have a dentist who is actively keeping up with the developments in his field. Will a metal based dental crown work fine? Of course. But that does not mean we should discount things that have improved the outcome for many patients, most especially those with metal allergies or sensitivities.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Do I Have to See a Holistic Dentist to Remove Silver Fillings?

Posted on April 1, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have a bunch of silver fillings that I am uncomfortable keeping in my mouth. I spoke with my dentist and he said there is no point in removing them. I was a bit frustrated with that. I spoke to a friend who said she had the same problem with her dentist but that she went to a holistic dentist. I told my husband about that option, but he’s worried they are not legitimate dentists. Are holistic dentists my only option for getting rid of these?

Leslie

Dear Leslie,

I smiled at your husband’s comment. Holistic dentists are simply general dentists who practice a specific philosophy of treatment. So, yes, they are legitimate dentists. In this philosophy, the dentist is not just focused on your teeth. Instead, he or she considers the impact on your entire body. Other general dentists (though not all) are willing to do that as well, even if they do not use the term holistic dentist.

You have two good options for getting your silver/amalgam fillings removed. The first is a holistic dentist. However, it is not your only option. You can also see a mercury-free dentist as well. They will be willing to exchange your fillings. The reason I suggest these two types of dentists is they will know the procedure that will safely remove your amalgam fillings.

I don’t know if you are aware that the largest ingredient in the silver fillings is mercury. Because this is a known toxin, they have to be carefully removed so that you do not inhale any mercury vapors or swallow any pieces. There is a sanitary removal process and it will be important that it is followed.

The two types of dentists I mentioned above should both know the sanitary amalgam removal process. This should include a stopper dam, a vent to suck up mercury vapors, as well as some running cool water to keep the mercury from melting.

Who knows, in the process, you may actually find a new dentist, who does a better job of keeping up with the latest developments in their field.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.