Turlock patients ask, “what is biological dentistry?”

The people of Turlock, CA are more health conscious than ever, and they know that wellness involves more than eating right and exercising. Quality medical care is an essential pillar of wellness, and that includes dentistry. However, choosing the right dentist can be challenging when you don’t know what to look for. Biological, holistic, biomimetic, mercury-free, and other common terms can be confusing. Here, we answer some of the most common questions.

What is biological dentistry?

The simplest way to describe biological dentistry is oral care for the whole person. It is a science and evidence-based approach to dental care, with every treatment designed to preserve and improve overall health. We recognize that the mouth is not a separate entity, but rather an integrated part of the body.

Chronic inflammation anywhere in the body can have a wide range of negative systemic effects. Research has linked oral disease with stroke, heart attack, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and more. Bacteria or toxins can travel from the mouth to the stomach or lungs, and possibly enter the blood stream. These are just a few of many examples of the oral-systemic connection, which is of paramount importance in biological dentistry, but often overlooked in conventional practice.

How is biological dentistry different from holistic dentistry?

In practical application, there is little to no difference. Patients, as well as many dentists, use the terms interchangeably. Although the words have slightly different definitions, they both apply to patient-centered, whole-health, integrative dental philosophies.

• Holistic is defined as relating to the whole, rather than narrowly focusing on a singular aspect. In medicine and dentistry, it is used to designate an approach that encompasses overall wellness with consideration for the entire body, all known medical conditions, and even metal health.
• Biological is defined as relating to a living organism, including molecular interactions, anatomical structure, chemical processes, and cellular activity. In reference to medicine and dentistry, it describes an approach focused on supporting and enhancing life, with consideration for the impact of any disease or treatment on all tissues, structures, and physiological processes.

What procedures does a biological dentist offer?

Any type of practice, from general dentistry to advanced or specialized services, may be biological. The difference is in the minimally invasive techniques, non-toxic materials, health-focused treatment planning, and overall approach.

Dr. Davoud has the unique skills and training to provide a broad scope of advanced treatment, with board-certification in both integrative biological dental medicine and naturopathic medicine. He treats patients of all ages, offering general dentistry as well as apnea treatment, pinhole surgery, biomimetic dentistry, ozone therapy, dental implants, TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) treatment, and much more.

What is biomimetic dentistry?

Preserving healthy teeth is among the goals of all dentists, especially biological and holistic practitioners. However, some accomplish this goal more effectively than others, depending on their individual skill level, and the importance that they assign to it. A select few dentists have minimally invasive treatment down to a science, quite literally. That science is biomimetic dentistry, using precision techniques and advanced methods to conserve, preserve, and protect natural teeth. For the patient, it means less drilling, less cutting, fewer or smaller restorations, and a naturally healthy smile.

Why don’t you use amalgam?

At one time, dental amalgam was widely promoted as a safe and reliable “silver” filling material. What patients were rarely told is that amalgam is a metal alloy, containing about half mercury. It has largely fallen out of favor due to concerns about mercury exposure, the potential for microfractures in the tooth caused by thermo-expansion, and the wide availability of non-toxic, tooth colored filling materials.

Some dentists continue to use, and even promote, amalgam. Dr. Davoud is not among them. In keeping with his commitment to biocompatible, nontoxic, safe, and environmentally friendly dental care, his practice is strictly mercury-free.

What does SMART filling removal mean?

There are several ways of removing a filling. The simple method is to drill it out, which creates a lot of particulate matter (dust) in the air. It also heats up the filling, increasing mercury vapor emissions. An alternative was developed by IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) specifically for amalgams, which is what Dr. Davoud uses. Known as SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique), this protocol includes steps to protect the patient, dental team, and the environment. The filling is removed in large pieces, minimizing heat and particles. Additionally, exposed skin is covered, a dental dam is used to prevent swallowing particles, a clean air supply is provided, and mercury waste is captured to be disposed of properly.

If you have more questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Davoud, please call our Turlock office at (209) 666-8867

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