It is quite difficult to decide whom you can place your trust upon, especially when it comes to your health-related matters. So, the best option you can opt for is to go for thorough research that can help you to determine the best dentists in your locality. It is always an ideal choice to ask questions unless you find the best dentist with whom you can feel comfortable as well as confident. Make sure to assess the knowledge, skill as well as orientation you are looking.
Here, we are going to discuss some common questions that you can consider while searching for a biological dentist. Before scheduling an appointment with the dentist, make sure that you check out the questions below. At the same time, you should also find out about the practices and beliefs of the dentist with whom you are planning to consult. Always keep in mind that you should look for the best match for your needs, values, health situation and priorities.
Common questions people ask a biological dentist
What can I expect during the consultation and initial exam?
Well, the initial appointment is just like a type of fact-finding mission. The staffs and dentists conduct many evaluations that are appropriate for your health condition. It includes x-rays and oral health exam. The latest x-rays are wholly digital and exposed people under less radiation as compared to conventional film x rays. Oral cancer screening, Galvanic readings, checking the energetic byte testing as well as diagnostic blocks are some of the other types of tests available.
All dentists do not rely on the tests mentioned above. It is also a common fact that no two doctors will practice in the same way. Well, this does not imply that the treatment you will receive from one doctor will be better or inferior as compared to other doctors. It is just that the practice of two different doctors will be completely different.
The consultation time taken may differ from one clinic to another. The severity of the case also determines the consultation time taken. It is entirely possible that your situation is a little bit complicated from someone else and so more time is required to review as well as analyze your findings than usual. The review and analysis are essential for developing a specific treatment plan. It will include the financial costs, benefits as well as the treatment timeline. These are the crucial details that you need to take particular decision for the treatment to begin.
While removing amalgam what is the best reference? Is rubber dam used?
This procedure is known for preventing particulate mercury from getting inside the throat where mucous membrane absorbs it.
Are the amalgams fillings removed in large quantities or sections?
The amount of skill and time required is understood well by biological dentists for safely removing the metal filling, which is no longer useful. Cutting the filling carefully into large chunks reduces the Mercury vapor amount which generates.
What type of oral rinse is used during the process of amalgam removal?
Several biological dentists use particular kind of oral rinses before starting with the process of mercury removal. Patients are given several rinses after and during the procedure.
Is cosmetic dentistry the best way to improve your smile?
The importance and value of self-confidence are understood well by a biological dentist. An attractive smile makes us feel comfortable. It directly means that attention is provided to balance, aesthetics and functionality. Orthodontics, veneers, implants, and prosthetics like dentures are common cosmetics services. Restoration of preventive periodontal services is appropriate as well.
Is Root Canal Therapy performed in the dental clinic?
That is yet another question, which directly reveals the commitment of a dentist in understanding the relationship between the systemic infections which originate from the oral infection (this often happens after successful completion of Root Canal Therapy) and the whole-body health.
Acknowledging the fact that root canal tooth is nothing but a dead tooth. So, we can ask the question that does it make any sense by allowing the dead tissues to remain inside our body and also not expecting any infection from spreading further.
Do you stay in network with other dentists?
Generally, biological dentists prefer to have a list of practitioners who are involved in their field, including DCs, DOs MDs, nutritionists, integrative doctors and NDs.
What kinds of implants are preferred? Non-metal implants or metal implants?
Some kind of controversy is prevalent surrounding the issue of the metal implants available in the market. Generally, healthy individuals do not seem to come up with the adverse metallic reactions, while various types of health complications pop up in other cases after undergoing titanium implants, amalgam fillings, etc. Many professionals fail to witness the relationship between whole body health and oral health. Integrative practitioners usually prefer to make use of non-metal dental implants. The option of zirconium is preferred for implants mostly.
What type of material compatibility testing is preferred?
There is no doubt that compatibility testing does matter a lot because it is not possible to make out that which dental material is best for a person. The human body is quite dynamic, and it keeps on changing over the time. Any specific product that is not a part of your body is considered as foreign and lead to any reaction. So, it is essential to determine the materials that are least reactive for an individual. It holds further importance in case of patients with allergies and chemical sensitivities. There are some standard techniques that dentists use for testing like blood compatibility, applied kinesiology and meridian stress assessment or electrodermal skinning.
While removing the amalgam fillings, what are the different types of safeguards used in the clinic?
There are some standard protections available for mercury-safe dentistry, and it includes eye protection for staffs and patients accompanied by nasal coverage that comes with alternate air supply facility for the patients. High range volume seduction devices are also available for the mouth along with gas masks designed for the staffs. The biological dentists also make use of ion generator to ensure clean air inside the operation theater.
A considerable amount of water is required because it contains mercury vapor as well as particulate matter that help in keeping the filling fresh.
What is the position on mercury amalgam and is there any option for mercury-free practice? Is the use of mercury safe? How long has the dentist practiced in a mercury-free environment?
The term mercury-free implies that new amalgam fillings and not placed by the biological dental care and the term mercury-safe mean that a strict protocol is followed to protect the patients, environment as well as the staffs.
If the dentist you choose to zero upon is knowledgeable and also understands the mercury biochemistry, there is no doubt that he will take the process of removal seriously. If you get to hear things like ‘I don’t feel that the mercury filling is essential to deal with,’ indirectly it means that the dentist does not understand mercury biochemistry. It also shows that he is not much concerned with the protocols of filling removal as well as safe handling of mercury. If a dentist prefers to provide the techniques, equipment, and skill to protect his self, staffs, and patients, then he will also prefer and keep the same commitment when it comes to proper disposal of toxic products and mercury into the environment.
Shall I talk about the dental situation I am facing over the phone, or it is better to directly visit the clinic and talk one-to-one before making an appointment?
The response you get for this question will help you to determine if the dentist you are planning to settle down with will give that time you need to listen to your problems and consider your concerns and individual requirements. There is nothing to get surprised if you find that they don’t give you any quotation or the exact time for a specific procedure at this time. You should understand the point that every case is unique in its manner, and the factors which make it responsible for that are usually unknown until you undergo the initial examinations accompanied by appropriate diagnostics work.
Is there any need for a dental and comprehensive medical history?
Comprehensive dental and medical history gives a dentist the required insights for the possible concerns. At the same time, it also helps in considering your path as well as the relationship between the numerous dental and medical events. For example, there are a growing number of patients with bisphosphonate use. The problem of weaker bones can be developed with the use of the active ingredient present in osteoporosis drugs like Boniva, Fosamax, and Reclast. Other issues include rare and severe adverse events, which include esophageal cancer, atypical fractures, jaw osteonecrosis and painful crumbling in the bones present in the jaw.
You can keep reading the upcoming blogs on biological dentistry to know more about this topic. That is indeed a vast subject, which is difficult to explain in one go. Here, we have just focused on the common questions that are usually asked a dentist to find out his knowledge and skills in this branch of dentistry.