Materials Matter: What Goes in Your Mouth
Traditional Materials
Traditional dentistry commonly uses:
- Mercury amalgam fillings (50% mercury content)
- Metal-based crowns and bridges
- Titanium dental implants
- Standard composite resins (may contain BPA)
These materials have long track records. However, concerns exist about mercury toxicity and metal sensitivity in some patients.
Holistic Materials
Sydney Holistic Dental Centre prioritises:
- BPA-free composite resin fillings
- Ceramic or zirconia crowns and bridges
- Metal-free zirconia implants
- Biocompatible materials tested for individual reactions
These alternatives eliminate concerns about mercury exposure and metal allergies whilst providing excellent durability.
Treatment Approaches: The 4 Major Differences
1. Diagnostic Process
Traditional: Visual examination, X-rays, and specific problem assessment (typically 15-30 minutes).
Holistic: Comprehensive health review including nutrition, stress, sleep, medical history, plus traditional dental examination (typically 60-90 minutes for initial consultation at Sydney Holistic Dental Centre).
2. Cavity Treatment
Traditional: Remove decay, place amalgam or composite filling.
Holistic: Assess why the cavity developed, use ozone therapy if appropriate, place biocompatible filling, and address dietary and lifestyle factors contributing to decay.
3. Gum Disease Management
Traditional: Scaling, root planing, possible antibiotics or surgery.
Holistic: Above treatments plus nutritional support, stress management, assessment of systemic inflammation, and ozone therapy for natural antimicrobial action.
4. Prevention Strategies
Traditional: Regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and home care instructions.
Holistic: Regular cleanings, nutritional counselling, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction, sleep optimisation, and airway assessment.
Which Approach Is Right for You?
Both traditional and holistic dentistry have value. Your choice depends on your health priorities and values.
Consider Holistic Dentistry If You:
- Have concerns about mercury or metal sensitivity
- Want to understand connections between oral and overall health
- Prefer minimally invasive, preventative approaches
- Have chronic health conditions possibly linked to oral health
- Value extended consultations and comprehensive assessments
- Want to actively participate in treatment decisions
Common Misconceptions Clarified
Misconception 1: Holistic Dentistry Rejects Science
Reality: Holistic dentistry is evidence-based. It uses modern diagnostic tools and proven techniques whilst considering broader health impacts. All holistic dentists are registered with the Dental Board of Australia and maintain the same professional standards.
Misconception 2: It’s More Expensive
Reality: Initial consultations may cost more due to the extended time required. However, the preventative focus can reduce long-term dental costs. Most standard procedures cost about the same as traditional dentistry.
Misconception 3: Holistic Dentists Don’t Do ‘Real’ Dentistry
Reality: Holistic dentists perform the same procedures (fillings, crowns, extractions, implants) but with different materials and a broader health perspective. They’re fully qualified dental practitioners with additional training in biocompatible materials and whole-body health connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I still get X-rays at a holistic dental practice?
Yes. Holistic dentists use digital X-rays, which emit 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays. Diagnostic imaging remains essential for comprehensive care, but holistic practices minimise radiation exposure whilst maintaining diagnostic quality.
Q: Can I switch from traditional to holistic dentistry if I already have dental work?
Absolutely. Many patients come to holistic dentistry specifically to have mercury fillings safely removed and replaced with biocompatible materials. Sydney Holistic Dental Centre uses the SMART protocol for safe mercury removal.
Q: Do holistic dentists work with my other healthcare providers?
Yes. Holistic dentistry emphasises integrated care. At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, we communicate with GPs, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and other specialists when oral health is linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Q: Is holistic dentistry suitable for children?
Yes. Holistic dentistry can be particularly beneficial for children, focusing on proper jaw development, airway health, and the establishment of preventive habits. Early intervention can prevent issues like crowding, mouth breathing, and sleep disorders.
Q: Are holistic dental treatments covered by insurance?
Most standard dental procedures are covered the same way as in traditional dentistry. Some specialised treatments, such as biocompatibility testing or advanced ozone therapy, may not be fully covered. Check with your provider about specific treatments.
The Bottom Line
Traditional dentistry effectively treats teeth and gums. Holistic dentistry treats teeth and gums whilst considering your whole body health.
The difference lies in scope and philosophy. Traditional dentistry focuses on immediate oral health problems. Holistic dentistry addresses those same problems whilst considering how dental treatments affect your entire body and how your overall health affects your oral health.
Both approaches are valid. Holistic dentistry offers a more comprehensive path for those seeking integrated healthcare that honours the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing.
With 89% of Australian adults experiencing dental decay (AIHW, 2024), the preventative focus and whole-body perspective of holistic dentistry represent an important option for comprehensive health management.
Ready to experience the holistic difference? Contact Sydney Holistic Dental Centre: (02) 8188 3718
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Oral health and dental care in Australia. Canberra: AIHW.
