Holistic Dental Services Explained

Living Wellness Dental is a family-based practice that offers holistically focused general dentistry to clients in Calgary, Alberta and surrounding communities. Our model prides itself on collaboration designed to empower clients to make well-informed decisions about their health, based upon their value systems. Most routine dental procedures are offered including:

• Dental x-rays and exams
• Oral hygiene (cleanings)
• Fillings for cavities
• Crowns (inlays, onlays, same day restorations, etc.)
• Implants (single, multiple, full mouth)
• Orthotropics or Orthodontics (traditional and Invisalign)

A primary focus noted by all who visit the practice is a dedication to the concept of collaborative care, which is brought about through establishing trusted relationships built upon the foundation of open and honest dialogue. Individualized care is given to each client through undertaking a discovery of values and preferences. Following the discovery, tailored treatment options, including a clear explanation of potential advantages and likely consequences, are presented allowing our clients the comfort of choosing what best fits their preference.     

When you visit Living Wellness Dental in Calgary, Alberta, you will be welcomed by a team of professionals seeking to empower and educate while helping you make informed decisions about your oral health and wellness. Our biologically focussed team of professionals understand that the mouth is the gateway to your overall health and want to set you on the path to a healthy, confident and comfortable life.

What is a Holistic/Biological Approach to Dentistry? 

To be clear, holistic or biological dentistry is not formally recognized as a specialized field of dentistry. Rather, it is a science-based, clinically-tested, multi-faceted approach to providing general dentistry services in a way that promotes alternative thinking, clientele empowerment, proactive and holistic-centred guidance. Dentistry practiced from a holistic perspective is not defined through or by any one particular service, treatment or product.  It is the result of implementing an integrated dental care model where a combination of cultural, philosophical and technical approaches are applied in a way that targets the achievement of full body health. In the field of Biologics we believe:

• that health is attained by intention, not by accident.
• material and procedural biocompatibility options should be made available to all.
• that people have the ability and the right to decide what is best for them.
• in establishing trusted relationships so we can better serve people we know.
• the mouth is a crucial part of overall health and is the front line of digestive function.
• in looking for and treating the cause, not treating or masking symptoms.
• in open and honest discussions of treatment choices and consequences, as well as fees.
• we have the responsibility to look at oral health through the lens of whole body health. 
• we are compelled to continually re-examine every service we provide and upgrade our expertise and technology for the benefit of our clients.
• in abstaining from offering any services or materials that have the potential to do harm.
• in thorough and complete infection control and sterilization procedures.

Biologics is a proactive paradigm encountered within general dentistry that is based on the notion that there is a significant link between oral health and overall health. This emphasis depends on practitioners who focus on holistic care from a biological perspective with a concerted effort to avoid falling into a reactionary, disease-oriented approach. Clients at Living Wellness Dental benefit from experienced and personable practitioners who are well-versed in offering routine procedures in addition to alternative methods and biocompatible materials.The approach to biological dentistry strives towards the provision of sustainable services and products that minimize risk to clients, staff, and the environment. 

There is a wave of excitement surrounding the huge demand for holistic procedures and products that are provided at practices that offer biological alternatives. Some of those may include:

• Biocompatibility testing
• Orthotropics / Biobloc (treating primary causes of tooth misalignment) 
• Ozone therapy (non-medical applications)
• Myofunctional therapy
• Biological extractions (platelet rich fibrin (PRF)) 
• Biological implants (non-metal alternatives)
• SMART amalgam (metal filling) removal procedure
• Fillings (non-metal alternatives)
• Education on biological options, holistic nutrition, alternative products, home-based care
• Root canal assessment and alternatives
• Cavitations, etc. 

Although a visit to a holistic clinic will offer a combination of these and other services and procedures, the common thread will be the focus on whole-body wellness and the oral-systemic connection. 

Whole Health Evaluation

On your first visit to the clinic, a wellness assessment is performed. Clients are asked to submit a medical history that can identify any historical ailments and ongoing health concerns or potential issues that should be addressed. Habits and behaviors are also analyzed during the discovery to:

• determine potential root causes of ongoing problems,
• identify any educational opportunities, 
• establish a collaborative approach to resolving priority issues, and
• guide the client down a trajectory towards achieving whole-body health.

Following historical and current radiograph interpretation, the initial visit may also reveal concerns that you might not be aware of without the use of these critical images. A plan will be developed to help deal with suspected health complications and to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and other oral health issues. Each treatment plan is fully personalized to the client based on their values and needs.

Dental Evaluation

A dental evaluation will be performed in which the dental health provider will visually assess the oral cavity making observations about the teeth, gums and soft tissues of the mouth and throat. The dentist will scan for cavities, gum disease, damaged teeth, lesions, bleeding, discoloration and other issues that may require some form of professional attention. If any oral health issues are detected, they will be added to what is referred to as a treatment plan. A treatment plan allows for prioritization of the client’s specific health concerns and also integrates their values and perspectives. At this point, a meaningful discussion can take place with a view towards establishing a workable, collaborative journey on a trajectory to achieving whole-body wellness.

Composite Resin Fillings

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT – iaomt.org) along with the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA.gov) have identified that there are sectors of the population who may be more susceptible to potential adverse effects of metal-based dental fillings. Not surprisingly, biologically focused practitioners use alternative materials for fillings such as composite resin, which is made from a mixture of glass or quartz and plastic. 

These composite fillings avoid all-together the metal controversy being 100% non-toxic, offering many of the same benefits as traditional fillings while providing a more natural appearance. 

Orthotropics

Orthotropics should not be confused with orthodontics. The study of Orthotropics is based on the premise that straight teeth do not indicate proper facial structure; whereas, proper facial structure allows for straight teeth. The field of Orthotropics allows for a wholistic view of, and approach to dealing with teeth alignment, jaw placement and breathing disorders. Orthotropics is concerned primarily with the concept of overall health, by focusing on determining the root cause of experienced physical and behavioural problems (crooked teeth, snoring, sleep apnoea, shortness of breath, exhaustion, ADHD etc.) and employing treatments that can bring about life-changing adjustments. Most orthotropic applications are implemented at a young age (less than 10 years old). 

Education

Biological dentists are here to provide restorative care when necessary and emphasize preventive care as a vital component of your health. Becoming informed of your options to prevent health issues will help you take control of your overall wellness and increase the likelihood of living a long and healthy life. Biologically focused health professionals take the time to share information with you on dietary practices that will benefit your whole-body health and, through association, your oral health. Oral hygiene tips are also conveyed to ensure you do your best with your home-based oral care routine (brushing, flossing, etc.). You will also be introduced to a new community of holistic services and product providers that can inform you of alternative care and help you live your life on your terms.