The Great Dental Amalgam Debate
The debate over the safety of silver / mercury fillings continues and it is the patients caught in the middle.
The Mouth-Body Relationship
The Impact of Oral Health
Until recently, dentistry rarely considered the impact of a patient’s oral health on their physical health. In fact, dentists usually didn’t even take a patient’s physical health into consideration when evaluating oral health.
Today, not only do we now realize that physical conditions such as diabetes, poor nutrition and smoking have a very real impact on oral health, we are also seeing new studies every day on how poor oral health can contribute to such physical conditions as heart disease, diabetes and complications during pregnancy. In fact, the dental headlines today scream about the oral – systemic connection. But the relationship between gum disease and heart disease they talk about is only the tip of the iceberg!
Dr. Reinhard Voll, a German physician, who studied the relationship between oral and physical health for over 40 years, estimated that 80% of human disease was related either directly or indirectly to the oral cavity.
Any dentist who is not willing to look beyond the oral cavity is doing their patients a great disservice. It takes tremendous effort and education, by both the dentist and patient, to evaluate the conditions present and to determine the appropriate treatment.
At Integrative Dental Solutions, Milwaukee’s premier Biological dentist, we understand the mouth is only one part of the puzzle. After the teeth are returned to optimal health, the process of returning to physical optimal health continues. Detoxification, cleansing, proper nutrition, as well as elimination of harmful habits, all play an equally important and long-term role in achieving the healthier body you are seeking. This is what biological dentistry is all about.
It is our goal to assist you in this quest.
What is Biological Dentistry?
Understanding the Mouth-Body Relationship
A biological, natural or holistic dentist is one that understands the mouth-body relationship and only performs dental procedures backed by scientific studies and evidence.
The American Dental Association continues to tout the safety of mercury-silver amalgam fillings. For years, they steadfastly denied that any mercury was released from these fillings and based this on 150 years of “safe” use. Several years ago, they finally changed their position in the face of the facts presented by scientific studies, and admitted amalgam fillings do indeed release mercury. However, their position now is that these amounts are “insignificant.”
Like the wishful thinkers that once thought that the earth was the center of the universe, those supporting the placement of toxic materials in patients’ mouths are now seeing their position crumble in the light of scientific evidence.
While biological dentists are sometimes made out to be quacks (ironically taken from the “quacksalver”, a term derived from the German word for mercury, first used to describe those using mercury-containing medications), it is in fact the Biological dentists that are attempting to initiate a scientific debate on the subject.
If you are like most patients seeking alternative care, you have fought your share of battles with conventional healthcare practitioners. Rest assured, you have come to the right place.
Maybe the biggest difference you will notice at a biological dentistry office is the individualized approach to care. Our philosophy is that every patient is different and needs to be treated according to their specific needs. The days of “one size fits all” dentistry are on the way out.
It All Starts with a Healthy Mouth
Supriya Shetty, DDS
There is a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Research shows that more than 90% of all systemic diseases (diseases involving many organs or the whole body) have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and gum problems. Since most people have regular oral examinations, their dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem in its early stages.
FURTHER READING
Our Position on Dental Amalgam
While the two camps argue over how bad mercury is, one thing is certain, it can’t possibly be good.
Amalgam Removal Safety Precautions
No mercury left behind. We go above and beyond the amalgam removal protocols set by the IAOMT .
OUR BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY SERVICES
We will take the time to listen to you & will work closely with you and your primary health care provider.
Before & After Gallery
Today’s dentist has a wonderful arsenal of tooth-colored, bonded filling materials available. When properly placed, these materials look just like the original tooth and in the process strengthen and protect the tooth.
Utilizing a combination of advanced techniques & modern materials, the doctors at Integrative Dental Solutions can give you the smile you have always dreamed of. These are just a few before and after pictures of cases that we do every day in our Pewaukee and Milwaukee dental office.
- • Pewaukee's Natural Dentist
- • Milwaukee's Natural Dentist
- • Mercury and Metal Free
- • Holistic, Biological Dentistry
- • Safe Mercury Removal
- • Advanced IAOMT Protocols
- • Whole-Body Dentistry