You and Your Dentist… Is It A Healthy Relationship?

Episode 18 of Dangers in Dentistry originally aired on KPRZ in San Diego.

Do you know how often — and to what extent — you’re exposed to highly toxic elemental mercury? From fish to your teeth, the threat of mercury in your body is completely real, and relatively preventable… find out how to protect yourself in this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry.

Also in this episode, Dr. Marvin and guest expert Jared Young give you the inside knowledge you need on how the practice of dentistry can impact your overall well-being. They discuss the often confusing and sometimes frustrating relationship that exists between you and your dentist. Does your dentist listen to the requests you have about your health? And that doesn’t mean just your oral health, but your entire overall body health? Did you know that too many dentists and doctors may not spend enough time educating themselves on new techniques and new research available before they approach you?

Gain a new perspective on your health and relationship with your dentist in this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry, with America’s Holistic Dentist, Dr. Marvin.

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic and Natural Dentist

Proper Removal Technique for Old Mercury Silver Dental Fillings

As awareness of the dangers of mercury amalgam dental fillings increases, so does the number of dentists who perform mercury removal procedures. Unfortunately, this comes with risks.

Many dentists, in their haste to help people, don’t learn the proper and safe method for removing mercury silver fillings. Why does it matter? Because by not following the proper safety protocols, you could actually be in more danger when having mercury removed than you are in just leaving the fillings in your mouth.

When mercury fillings are removed, the mercury is disturbed by the drill, releasing dangerous vapors and mercury particulates in your mouth.

So how do you protect yourself? How do you know if your dentist is following the proper safety protocol when removing your old mercury amalgam fillings? Below is a quick video that should help you better understand the proper protocol (as specified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology’s (IAOMT)) so you can ask your dentist about it and recognize the steps he or she should be taking during your procedure.

The Alternatives to Root Canals

We talk a lot about the alternatives to root canals typically the only alternative mentioned is extraction of the tooth. But is that really the only alternative? Surely there must be other options, right? This was the question posed by Sean after listening to recent podcasts (Root Canals, Infections, Formaldehyde, Oh My!).

The truth is, there are other alternatives depending on the situation. We’ll try to explain it all in detail, here.

First off, if you really need a root canal, then that means the damage has gone too far and you are having serious symptoms (toothache or swelling). At that point, the healthiest option is to extract the tooth and replace it.

Root canals, however, are often recommended for the wrong reasons (such as when a dentist has exhausted or ruled out other sources or causes for tooth pain). A common incident is when the bite is off and the problem tooth is sore and causing pain. Another common example is when the gums have receded and the tooth is painful because of exposed dentin. Of course, taking out the nerve will cut sensation or feeling to the tooth, but it by no means is the source of the problem is cured.

The reason root canals are so often recommended is because many dentists don’t spend enough time diagnosing the root cause of the problem. Diagnosis is time-consuming and inefficient. For every minute a dentist spends diagnosing the source of your dental pain, he or she loses money (because that time could have been spent seeing more patients). While many dentists will dedicate the time to properly diagnose problems, far too many take the easy route and make assumptions in order to quickly provide a solution. Root canals will most often remove the cause of the pain (again, because you’ve removed the nerve), therefore, root canal therapy is often recommended.

Now, if the dentist has properly diagnosed the cause of your problems and if you really have a true need for a root canal (infection or deep cavity), then the damage is too great to reverse. The healthiest alternative to a root canal is simply to take out the infection by removing the tooth.

Does this sound barbaric when you can “save” the tooth with root canal therapy? Probably at first. But what dentists are unaware of are the links between leaving an infected tooth in the body and other systemic illnesses (such as breast cancer). It’s called the focal infection theory. A better question would be, “Would you jeopardize your health to ’save’ a tooth?”

If you have an infection or severe decay that has caused a deep cavity and a root canal is recommended, your only two options are extraction or root canal therapy. That’s why knowledge and prevention is of utmost importance: learn how to prevent decay and the spread of tooth decay and you’ll never have to deal with a root canal.

If a root canal is recommended to you, you should definitely get a second or third opinion to confirm the true need for the procedure. Unfortunately, too many dentists do root canals for the wrong reasons and you may have other, less “barbaric” solutions if you were misdiagnosed and don’t need to undergo the procedure.

If you already have a root canal and are wondering if there’s a link with that tooth and the rest of the body, view a tooth meridian chart (we have an interactive meridian chart here: Tooth Meridian Chart) or visit a natural or holistic dentist. A lot of times, extracting the problem tooth can help alleviate or eliminate problems (not always, so again, get a second or third opinion before taking action).

The short answer to the alternatives to a root canal question is… If you really, truly need a root canal, you have only two options: root canal therapy or extraction. However, there is always the chance that you have been misdiagnosed and have many, safer, more appealing options available to you.

October Specials At The Center for Natural Dentistry in Encinitas, CA

For Immediate Release: Discover Higher Quality Dental Care at a Recession-Proof Price!

All New Patients During October 2009 Will Receive $50 Off Their First Appointment at The Center for Natural Dentistry in Encinitas, CA (online at http://NaturalDentistry.us)

October 8, 2009 – Did you know that dentistry doesn’t have to be painful? That cavities can be filled without drilling? Did you know you can receive higher quality dental care at a lower price than what you’re used to? Did you know that — even without insurance — your dental checkups don’t have to be expensive? It’s true!

The Center for Natural Dentistry — founded by Encinitas natural dentist Dr. Marvin — is altering perceptions… and providing a special offer for all new patients: $50 off your first visit if scheduled in October 2009!

So how is The Center for Natural Dentistry different (and why should you visit)?

When you visit Dr. Marvin’s dental practice in Encinitas, CA, you won’t see a sterile, cold office. He won’t “drill first, ask questions later.” He doesn’t take needless (expensive) x-rays. He won’t rush you out of the office so he can move on to other patients. He uses the highest quality materials and the most advanced techniques with every patient.

And just because his office is inviting, his techniques advanced, and his materials the highest quality, it doesn’t mean he’s more expensive. In fact, his prices are more affordable than many other dentists’!

The bottom line: When you visit the Encinitas dental practice of Dr. Marvin you will receive higher quality care for a lower price.

So why haven’t you heard about him yet? Because The Center is a new, progressive dental practice in an old, stodgy field.

Most dentists prefer to use outdated, antiquated materials and techniques because it’s what they know. It also provides the highest profit margin. (For instance, did you know there are high and low quality filling materials and you could be receiving low quality but paying high prices? Did you know your dentist doesn’t have to take expensive x-rays every visit?)

The Center for Natural Dentistry is different. The affordable, progressive dental practice in Encinitas, CA provides a stress-free, safe, affordable, effective alternative to traditional dentistry in San Diego County.

“I definitely recommend (The Center for Natural Dentistry). It doesn’t feel like a dentist office and it’s shaping up to be the first positive dental experience I’ve ever had.”

Brian D.
Patient at The Center for Natural Dentistry

Come experience the difference. Experience The Center for Natural Dentistry, San Diego’s premier dental practice.

Special Offer: Book your first appointment in October 2009 and receive $50 off your first visit! Call 888-825-5351 to schedule your appointment today!

About The Center for Natural Dentistry:
The Center for Natural Dentistry provides safe, effective, affordable dental care to San Diego County residents. For free videos and information visit http://AmericasHolisticDentist.com or call (888) 825-5351.

Contact:
The Center for Natural Dentistry
888-825-5351

http://naturaldentistry.us/

http://AmericasHolisticDentist.com

###

Download the PDF of this Holistic Dental Press Release Here: The Center for Natural Dentistry in Encinitas, CA Reveals Huge October Specials!

Root Canals, Formaldehyde, Infections — Oh My!

Episode 15 of Dangers in Dentistry, originally aired on KPRZ in San Diego.

No one wants a root canal. But are there medical reasons to avoid the painful root canal therapy that so many people undergo?

The bacteria left in the tooth after a root canal can infect the mouth, the jaw, the blood stream, and the entire body. The chemicals used to sterilize your canal during the procedure (including formaldehyde) can also cause serious damage to your overall health.

So why are root canals performed? Do they really “save the tooth,” as endodontists and dentists like to say?

Discover the truth about the dangers — and benefits — of root canals in this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry, with America’s Holistic Dentist, Dr. Marvin.

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic and Natural Dentist

Next Page »