A young girl sitting in a dental chair smiles and holds up a dental X-ray image, showing her teeth and jaw.

A Beginner’s Guide to Holistic Dentistry

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Did you know that your mouth can reflect the health of your entire body? It’s true! If you have poor oral health, bacteria, and infection can spread to other parts of your body and organs. That’s why it’s so important to see your dentist in Albany, NY, regularly.

Great! But what does that have to do with holistic dentistry?

Good question. Not all dentists practice holistic dentistry. So, if that’s something you want, you will need to ask for it. But what exactly is holistic dentistry, and does it really matter?

Let’s find out.

What Is Holistic Dentistry?

Holistic dentistry in Albany, NY, is becoming more and more popular. People want a more natural approach to dental care. Holistic dentistry focuses on the whole person, not just your teeth. It focuses on preventive measures and uses biocompatible materials. Sometimes, it even incorporates alternative therapies as well. You’ll have to ask your dentist what they do. Every dentist is different.

The Core Principles of Holistic Dentistry

Take a look at these. They are the core principles of holistic dentistry.

  • Biocompatibility (uses non-toxic, body-safe materials).
  • A whole-body approach (looks beyond just your teeth and gums).
  • Prevention-focused (lifestyle, diet, natural treatments, etc.).
  • Minimally invasive care (gentle procedures with your long-term health in mind).

Common Holistic Practices

These are the most common holistic practices.

  • Mercury-free fillings and safe filling removal protocols.
  • Use of fluoride alternatives (like hydroxyapatite).
  • Incorporates ozone therapy, natural toothpastes, and herbal rinses.
  • Emphasizes diet, stress management, and toxin-free dental care.

Why Holistic Dentistry Matters

Holistic dentistry matters because your oral health is linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. So, it matters!

Looking for a Holistic Dentist in Albany, NY?

If you are looking for a dentist who practices holistic dentistry, pleaseContact Dental Wellness of Albany today. Let us know if you want information about how our practice uses holistic dentistry and how it will be used in your specific situation. We would be happy to answer all your questions.

A man is smiling while reclining in a dental chair, with a dentist in scrubs and a mask holding dental instruments in the background.

What Treatments are Used in Full-Mouth Reconstructions?

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In the dental world, a full mouth reconstruction in Albany, NY, is a series of comprehensive dental procedures used to rebuild and restore the proper function of your mouth. It will generally include replacing all your teeth on both jaws. Full mouth reconstructions are usually a combination of several different treatments to achieve a positive outcome. But what are those treatments?

We’re going to talk about that here.

What Treatments Are Used in Full Mouth Reconstructions?

The confusion stops now. Let’s dive into the treatments that are called full-mouth reconstructions in the dental world. Your dentist in Albany, NY, will let you know what you need and go over everything with you.

We are going to break this information down into segments so it’s easier to understand. Let’s start with restorative treatments. And remember, a full-mouth reconstruction is usually a combination of any of these treatments.

Restorative Treatments:

Restorative dental treatments are performed to repair or restore the function of your teeth.

  • Dental Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Dental Implants
  • Inlays and Onlays
  • Fillings

Cosmetic Treatments:

Cosmetic dental treatments are performed to improve the look of your smile.

  • Veneers
  • Teeth Whitening

Gum Treatments:

Gum treatments focus on correcting gum disease.

  • Scaling and root planing
  • Gum Grafting
  • Laser Therapy

Bite and Alignment Treatments:

Bite and alignment treatments are performed when your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly when your mouth is closed.

  • Traditional Braces
  • Clear Dental Aligners
  • Equilibration

Complex Full Mouth Reconstructions:

Complex full-mouth reconstructions involve a comprehensive dental treatment plan. They correct multiple dental issues. These are usually a combination of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.

  • Jaw Surgery
  • Tooth Extractions
  • Bone Grafting

 Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Albany, NY?

Having several dental issues at once is challenging. We want to help you get your mouth back to normal. Please Contact Dental Wellness of Albany today to schedule an exam. Our office is comfortable and relaxing. And we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you have a positive dental experience!

Close-up of a person’s mouth open during a dental exam, with dental instruments inspecting the teeth and gums.

Are Mercury Fillings Dangerous?

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Decades ago, mercury fillings were the standard of dental care for treating cavities. As a result, millions of Americans now have mercury fillings in their mouths. However, in light of recent information and technological advances, it’s now understood that mercury fillings are dangerous. They can pose a health threat to the person who has them.

Dangers of Mercury Fillings

There is no safe threshold for human’s exposure to mercury. Even tiny amounts are very dangerous. Some of the dangers known to exist from mercury fillings include:

  • Higher chance of mercury poisoning
  • Danger to fetuses
  • Hearing loss
  • Thyroid problems
  • Neurological impairment
  • Immune system impairment
  • Insomnia
  • And many more…

There’s absolutely zero question about the dangers of mercury fillings. Experts all agree on this issue.

Should You Have Mercury Fillings Removed?

Mercury is an element that emits dangerous vapors. Inhalation of these vapors is just as dangerous—if not more so—than having the mercury fillings themselves. Unfortunately, when mercury fillings are removed, those vapors are released.

Therefore, there is a debate as to whether or not those who already have mercury fillings should have them removed. On the one hand, having mercury fillings poses a health threat. But on the other hand, removing the fillings also poses a health threat. Who can say whether one threat is worse than the other? Your dentist in Albany can help you determine whether or not your mercury fillings should stay put or whether it might be worth considering having them removed. In general, if the mercury fillings appear to be stable, it might make sense not to touch them. However, your Albany dentist is the expert, so you can rely on their expertise to help guide you in your ultimate decision.

If you have questions about what to do about your mercury fillings, please contact us today.

 

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5 Ways to Get Your Little One Excited About the Dentist

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Little ones need to know that going to the dentist can be a positive experience. Once your child is older, their ideas about the dentist will be harder to change. Introducing them to this idea early is one way to help ensure that your child will have a good relationship with their oral hygiene and good feelings about seeing the dentist overall.

1. Read Dentist Books

There are many books aimed at children that talk about how going to the dentist can be a positive experience. These books are usually structured to help children know what to expect during their visit to the dentist. Put one or two of these books in the regular rotation of books you read to your child before bed.

2. Talk Positively About the Dentist

Speaking positively about the dentist is another way to show your child that you believe going to the dentist is a good thing. Talk about how you’re looking forward to your next visit with the dentist because you like how your teeth feel clean when the visit is over.

3. Find a Dentist Who Cares

Find a dentist with extensive pediatric experience, who can talk about what they do to make younger patients feel comfortable in the dentist chair. You can even interview the dentist ahead of time.

4. Start Seeing the Dentist Young

Don’t wait until your child is school-aged to start taking them to the dentist. Take your child to the dentist at a young age, so they’ll be adjusted to visits with the dentist by the time they’re old enough to form a solid opinion.

5. Make Tooth Brushing Fun

Tooth brushing can be fun! Sing songs to your child during tooth brushing to make it a more enjoyable experience for both of you.

Make Your Child’s Dentist Appointment Today

Visiting the dentist can be fun! To help ensure that your child has a good experience at the dentist during their next cleaning appointment and exam, contact Dental Wellness of Albany today.

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Laser Periodontal Therapy: Patient FAQs

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The many innovations and evolutions of dental care over the years have yielded impressive insight into how to best treat gum disease. Laser treatment is used in a multitude of ways in modern dental treatment; it is safe, effective, ad oftentimes less intrusive than other treatment methods. Laser periodontal treatment is no different.

How effective is laser periodontal therapy?

Laser periodontal therapy for gum disease is considered to be highly effective. Essentially, the diseased soft tissue is removed through therapy so new tissue can grow and the gums can properly heal. Some of the benefits of this form of treatment over the typical procedure of scaling and root planing include:

  • The laser is more capable of pinpointing small areas of tissue
  • The tissue can be immediately coagulated to encourage faster healing
  • The patient may not feel as much discomfort during and after the procedure

Does laser periodontal therapy hurt?

One of the bigger advantages of laser therapy for gum disease is the fact that it is not such a lengthy procedure. Normally, scaling and root planing can take several visits to complete because the dentist has to carefully work on the tissue just at the gumline. Laser therapy can be generally painless for the patient. Some patients will not even need to be injected with localized anesthetic.

How long will it take to heal after treatment?

You should start to heal relatively quickly after the procedure. The laser does not cause as much trauma to the gum tissue, which means less swelling and inflammation. Less inflammation can mean faster healing times overall.

An Albany Biologic Dentist Can Help with Laser Periodontal Therapy

Biologic dentists take the most innovative approaches to some of the most common oral health concerns. If you are interested in laser treatment for periodontal issues, reach out to us at Dental Wellness of Albany, NY to schedule a consultation.

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Should I Have Mercury Fillings Removed?

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If you are like many people today, you probably have at least one silver tooth filling in your mouth. Known as an amalgam filling, it contains silver and other things, including mercury. In fact, it is estimated 120 million people in the U.S. have filling containing mercury. Due to the many health concerns associated with mercury, more and more people are starting to wonder if they need to get these fillings replaced with safer options. If this sounds like you, here are some things to consider when making your decision.

How Much Mercury is in My Filling?

In most cases, a typical silver filling will contain up to 50 percent of inorganic mercury. While any amount above 0 parts is technically considered a toxic level, it is important to remember that silver fillings with mercury have been used for well over 100 years, with few if any problems concerning mercury poisoning occurring.

Can the Fillings be Removed?

Yes. However, by doing so, you actually put yourself at greater risk of mercury exposure. When the fillings are removed, a dentist has to drill directly into the filling until it breaks apart, which can result in more mercury actually entering your body. If they are removed, it should be done only by a dentist who is certified in the process and has the specialized equipment needed for the procedure.

What Alternative Fillings are Available?

If you do remove your mercury fillings, they are most often replaced with composite resin, since this most closely matches the natural look of a tooth and is also very affordable for most patients.

If you have fillings you believe contain mercury and are concerned, you can always speak to a dentist about whether having them removed and replaced is necessary. To do so, schedule a consultation today.