Holistic dentistry offers the same treatments and services as traditional dentistry. However, holistic dentistry focuses on treating the whole person, including the oral-body connection, biocompatible materials, patient-focused technology, and minimally invasive treatments whenever possible.
A holistic dentist looks at the big picture rather than focusing solely on immediate symptoms. For example, why is this patient presenting with gum disease or which restoration material will work best for the patient’s unique oral health profile?
Yes, all patients are different, and the holistic dentist customises dental treatments accordingly.
In this blog, we investigate the five key differences between holistic and traditional dentistry.
Below, you'll find information about:
- Philosophy: Treating the Symptoms vs. Treating the Whole Person
- Materials: Amalgam and Biocompatibility
- Preventive Tactics: Proactive Care and Nutrition
- Treatment Techniques: Minimally Invasive vs. Conventional
- Diagnostic Approach: High-Tech vs. Low Impact
#1 Philosophy: Treating the Symptoms vs. Treating the Whole Person
Of course, your presenting symptoms are crucial for diagnosing in the dental clinic, but the holistic dentist understands that symptoms tell more than one story.
For example, you have a cavity, but you had two cavities during your last check and clean in Prahran. The holistic dentist wants to explore why you’re prone to tooth decay.
At the same time, the holistic dentist considers how your dental health affects your general wellness and vice versa.
For example, the holistic dentist finds gingivitis during your exam. Is undiagnosed diabetes or hormonal changes the culprit? Will gum disease exacerbate the heart issue written into your medical history form?
Of course, a general dentist can take a similar journey, but a holistic dentist is typically more likely to explore the whole person rather than focus solely on immediate diagnoses.
#2 Materials: Amalgam and Biocompatibility
Typically, a holistic dentist focuses on biocompatible materials and does not use amalgam (silver fillings) or other restorations containing mercury. A holistic dentist can also safely remove your mercury fillings and replace them with more biocompatible materials, such as composite resin.
Additionally, a holistic dentist may also be more likely to offer dental services, such as:
- Non-Extraction Orthodontics
- Mercury-Free Restorations
- Pain-free Sleep Dentistry
- Dental Health Support for Expectant Mums
- Dental Health Support for Overall Wellness
- Laser Dentistry
#3 Preventive Tactics: Proactive Care and Nutrition
The holistic and traditional dentist may often follow guidelines set forth by the Australian Dental Association. However, they may differ in how they approach your care and in the materials they incorporate.
Because the holistic dentist concentrates on the whole person, you can expect customised dentistry, which is the key to proactive care. The holistic dentist aims to educate you about your oral health, including your nutrition, so you have a keen understanding of how what you eat influences your dental health now and in the future.
Consider holistic dentistry as a more rounded approach to dental care.
#4 Treatment Techniques: Minimally Invasive vs. Conventional
A holistic dentist is more likely to offer non-invasive extractions, such as non-extraction orthodontics and laser dentistry.
Traditionally, a dentist uses a scalpel and sutures to perform dental surgeries. They use invasive measures to treat gum disease or recontour the gums.
Our holistic dentist in Prahran, VIC, may instead rely on the gentle dental laser to perform the following treatments:
- Root Canal Therapy
- Laser Gum Disease Treatment
- Infected Implants
- Cavity Detection
- Oral Cancer Screenings
- Professional Teeth Whitening
- Sensitive Teeth Therapy
- Orthodontic Aid
- Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Release
- Facial Pain and Inflammation
- Cosmetic Gum Reshaping
- TMJ and Sleep Apnoea Treatment
Lasers offer precise treatment that doesn’t interfere with neighbouring tissues or teeth. It also promotes faster healing and may mean no bleeding or the need for sutures, as with specific traditional treatment approaches.
# 5 Diagnostic Approach: High-Tech vs. Low Impact
Typically, the holistic dentist approaches treatment with a high-tech, low-impact mindset. In other words, there is an emphasis on safe technology and biocompatible materials.
Examples of safe and biocompatible technologies and materials include:
- Composite Restorations
- Mercury-Free Restorations
- Ceramic Restorations (We offer same-day CEREC crowns)
- Digital Imaging
- Digital Impressions
- Laser Dentistry
These methods are designed to reduce radiation exposure, promote faster recovery, support healing, and enhance patient comfort and well-being.
However, all patients are different, so experience and results will vary. Your dentist can let you know what to expect.
If you plan to remove your amalgam restorations or metal crowns and replace them with composite or porcelain, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) recommends choosing a dentist who follows the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), as does our biological dentist in Prahran.
Despite the approach, our holistic dentist offers the same dental treatments you’d find in a traditional dental clinic—maybe even a few extra advanced services:
- Checks and Cleans
- General Dentistry
- Children’s Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic Restorations
- Digital Smile Design®
- Sleep Dentistry
- Laser Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Dental Implants
- Sleep Apnoea and Snoring Treatment
- Bruxism and TMJ Therapy
- Emergency Dentistry
- And More!
Are You Ready to Contact Our Holistic Dentist in Prahran, VIC?
Our holistic or biological dentist is focused on your comfort and well-being and always considers your unique patient profile when recommending treatment.
So, which approach is right for your family?
To get started with our holistic dentist or if you have questions for our dental team, we welcome your call on (03) 9510 1644.
We accept financing through MediPay.
