When you hear the word “holistic” you probably think of the multitude of all-natural juices and supplements sold at your local organic grocer that promote better health. Did you know that there are holistic approaches to dentistry as well as benefits to your dental health in leading a more holistic lifestyle? Dr. Georgaklis is one of the most respected dentists practicing holistic dentistry in San Diego.
Holistic dentistry may also be referred to as biological dentistry, biocompatible dentistry, alternative dentistry, or unconventional dentistry. At Dr. Georgaklis’ office, we don’t consider holistic dentistry to be an alternative or unconventional form of dentistry at all, but rather it is the dentistry practice that is best for the overall health of your entire body and serves you much better than traditional dentistry over the course of your life.
Dr. Georgaklis practices a variety of holistic dentistry practices including:
- Ozone Therapy
- Using Metal Free Crowns and Fillings
- Laser Therapy
- Educating patients on the effects of nutrition as it relates to oral health
- Biological Root Canal Therapy
These are just some of the many ways that Dr. Georgaklis goes above and beyond to provide optimal, holistic dental care to all of his patients. Because many dentists opt for traditional forms of dentistry instead of holistic dentistry, many of these terms and methods may look unfamiliar to you. Keep reading to learn more about these holistic dental practices.
Ozone Therapy
What is ozone therapy? Ozone is a chemical compound consisting of three atoms of oxygen. It is the elemental form of oxygen that occurs naturally as a result of ultraviolet energy or lightning, causing a temporary recombination of oxygen atoms into groups of three. Ozone protects living organisms by surrounding the earth at altitudes of 50,000 to 100,000 feet. The ozone layer absorbs the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, thus allowing for survival of plant and animal life.
Since ozone is a powerful oxidizer, it actually helps clean the atmosphere of these dangerous compounds. Ozone is nature’s way of cleaning up the smog.
The properties of ozone are the foundation of what makes it work so well in dentistry. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer – it effectively kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites at a dramatically lower concentration than chlorine, with none of the toxic side effects. One ozone molecule equals between 3,000 to 10,000 chlorine molecules which kills pathogenic organisms more than 3,000 times faster.
Metal-free crowns and fillings
Mercury is a toxic metal that is used in amalgam fillings and crowns. In 1980 the American Dental Association admitted that mercury is toxic, and it is released into the blood stream by amalgam materials. However, today only 1 in 2 dentists in the US are mercury free. Dr. George’s practice has been mercury free and metal free since 1985.
We promise to only use metal free materials in your mouth and to bring a holistic approach to your dental health. In fact, Dr. George removes and replaces amalgam fillings with new composites on a daily basis. The health of your mouth is integrated with your overall wellness and is an important part of the body system.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy treatment is relatively new, but it is extremely effective in fighting gum disease. Plus, it’s a less invasive alternative treatment option than traditional periodontal disease treatment options.
The introduction of laser therapy has given dentists a tool that will decontaminate the gums through a quick and painless process that can be performed on a regular basis alongside a patient’s typical dental hygiene routine.
For treatment, tartar associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed from the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments. Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy removes a small amount of diseased tissue and kills bacteria. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.
Educating patients on the effects of nutrition as it relates to oral health
The mouth is the entry point of our bodies for the food we eat. However, we spend so much time worrying about our stomachs that few stop and think how their food choices affect their teeth. Everything you eat plays a role in the overall health of your teeth, and it is not enough to simply avoid sweets.
So, what is good nutrition for your teeth? The same as good nutrition for the rest of your body.
Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables at mealtime, moderation when eating sweets, avoid junk food. The same foods that are full of empty calories that are bad nutrition for your waistline and your heart are bad for your teeth. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to chew it, the better it is.
By eating healthy you can make sure that your body has the nutrients it needs to maintain mouth tissue, have resilient gums, and produce saliva regularly. Saliva plays a huge role in the maintenance of good oral health. Saliva has a powerful, protective role in the oral cavity where it preserves the integrity of the soft tissues and increases the cavity resistance of the dental tissues. Minerals in saliva, such as phosphorus and calcium, also play a role in helping to reform the tooth enamel, a process known as remineralization.
Biological Root Canal Therapy
Dr. George offers a safe alternative root canal therapy that utilizes ozonated water, ozone gas, and biocompatible materials to ensure proper disinfection of the tooth, followed by placing a metal-free crown.
Biological root canal treatment with ozone avoids toxic chemicals and focuses on restoring the health of the tooth by healing the immune membrane lining, recovering blood flow to the tooth, and properly removing bacteria. The key to the success of this holistic treatment is ozone. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, at a dramatically lower concentration than chlorine, with none of the toxic side effects.
Holistic Dentist in San Diego
Dr. George continues to expand his holistic dentistry services in San Diego as new, tested and proven materials become available. Visit our San Diego cosmetic dentistry and family dentist office, conveniently located at University Town Center in La Jolla. Call (858) 552-1223 or contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. George today. Stay connected, like us on Facebook!
