1. Introduction
The work that functional dentists do often goes hand in hand with the practice of biological dentistry: an approach to oral care that considers your teeth and overall health and eliminates or reduces exposure or contact with toxins like harmful metals or chemicals not only used in dental procedures or most common teeth restoration approaches. While there’s plenty of confusion about what constitutes biological dentistry, the only way to truly understand what it shapes can mean for your oral health is to quiz a functional dentist. To ensure safe and effective treatment, it’s important to note that not all general dentists are holistic, organic, or functional dentists.
If you’re tired of the conventional dental care cycle of repeated fillings, root canals, crown replacements, or cutting the gums for veneers and implants, then next time you’re back in the dentist’s chair, you may want to seek out a more functional tooth doctor. From composite fillings to periodontal treatments, medical dentists take a more holistic approach to oral health, addressing your overall health during your teeth cleaning appointment and considering additional proactive steps or preventive dental care. While every dentist is a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD), whose scope of services is the same, functional dentists complete additional training and consider their expertise to be a super-specialty that makes them dental professionals.
1.1. What is Functional Dentistry?
But what is functional dentistry? Is it trying to cure toothaches without the powerful modern drugs we have? Is it trying to avoid root canals and use only natural products for teeth whitening? In essence, functional dentistry is to try to go to the root cause of the problems, and repair them the best possible way. Often this involves collaboration with other medical specialists such as the internist, dietitian or the orthopedic facial surgeon. Before surgical procedures, collaboration with medical doctors to rule out medical conditions or allergies influenced by the patient’s history, diet or environment are explored. Also proved health assessment methods are used to study the state of health or to confirm the success of oral procedures. Moreover, patient education is carried out to understand all the options, risks and the realistic probable outcomes that can be envisioned.
When people hear of holistic healthcare, they usually think of food or body treatments. The topic of ‘holistic’ dentistry is quite under discussed. Yet, functional dentistry encompasses not only our teeth health, but not so obviously, our overall health. Moreover, our mouth is a very important part of our body. It allows the body to eat, drink, breathe, digest and speak – all functions very important to our healthy lives. If the importance of the mouth is so great to our wellbeing, then it only makes sense that our overall health should include oral healthcare as part of the whole.
1.2. Why Choose a Functional Dentist?
Sensitivity for whole-body health – Pharmaceuticals are designed to treat symptoms at face value and don’t consider a patient’s whole-body health. Functional dentists use corrective procedures and medications only as a precursor to a broader recovery process aiming to correct imbalances that underlie a health issue. Treatment interventions should address both the symptoms (pain, inflammation) and deeper imbalances that may have promoted the condition in the first place (stress, gut health, inflammatory pathways).
In-depth dietary recommendations – Traditional dentists don’t place any focus on how diet relates to your oral health. On the other hand, functional medicine dentists will provide you with comprehensive recommendations. A patient that complains about cavities or plaque buildup can expect a conversation about dietary sources of sugar and chemical constituents of processed foods and/or drinks, which could erode their health over time.
Determining the root cause of your issues – Traditional dentistry is focused on treating your issues, not trying to figure out why you have these issues in the first place. As Sarah talks about, a traditional dentist would just remove and replace your mercury fillings. A functional dentist works with your primary care provider to understand why you have amalgams in the first place and works with you to create a strategic plan for your health.
Why not just see a regular dentist, you may be asking? The functional medicine approach differs in several significant ways from traditional dental care.
2. Criteria for Selection
Are you interested in finding the right functional dentists? Continue reading and discover who will be able to help you. Although well-known non-invasive dental treatments will improve appearance, the functional dentist takes care of this, in addition to dental restorations, gingival, periodontal, occlusal, or temporomandibular alterations, sleep syndrome, and bruxism treatments. All of them with advanced and cutting-edge technology, respecting the anatomical characteristics of each patient. The selection of dentists should not be done lightly since the professional will be responsible for several tasks, but also due to the professional-patient relationship that is almost always created, which must be natural and built on mutual trust. This brings good energy to the equation, always achieving trust and well-being.
A functional dentist is a professional who is responsible for ensuring the aesthetics and functionality of the teeth. Also, they take care of being a specialist in assessing the relevance of each intervention as well as proposing alternatives that will be as minimally invasive as possible. Both ethical and professional principles, applied to the philosophy of natural biology, along with scientific advancement, make these doctors the perfect professionals to promote dental health and overall well-being while improving the quality of life of the patient.
2.1. Qualifications and Training
Because it is possible to practice as a general dentist with just a BDS, or the equivalent, you may find that your dentist only has a general qualification. There are, however, dentists with a general qualification who have gained an interest in the holistic methods that a functional dentist uses. These dentists will have undergone further training in order to use a more natural approach to solve problems. Some dentists choose to do some postgraduate study in functional dentistry on top of their qualification in order to improve their skills. However, if you are looking for a functional dentist with access to all the latest technology, including some that might be considered a bit more out there, or you want a specific natural treatment, you will require a dentist who has the training to provide it.
Functional dentists should first qualify as dentists. This means that they will have spent several years as undergraduates, and then several more at dental school, in order to qualify as a health professional with the skills required to perform dental procedures. Dentists can then gain further qualifications to become a specialist in a specific area of dentistry, such as orthodontics or periodontics. Once they have qualified as specialists, they will gain further knowledge through postdoctoral training.
2.2. Patient Reviews and Testimonials
What experiences with which dentists were patients sharing? Was there high praise, professional attention to detail, easy accommodating staff, individualized treatment plans, next-level oral health specialists, unbelievable transformation stories, true bio-individual care which means custom solutions expertly treated holistically, and/or an outstanding overall environment? What type of concerns, issues, conditions, and disorders are being gently holistically resolved by the dentists? Types of dental care, ministries, specialties alleviate such pride and respect the bio-individuality of all the patients’ unique needs.
Not surprisingly, since top-notch denotes the most favorable experiences, testimonial-driven dentists hold a special place in my heart. I trust these breathtaking smiles and would, in a heartbeat, refer loved ones to these professionals to take special care of them. The times, advice, and insight they have so graciously shared for specific needs deeply resonate with their patients and myself. The top-rated reviews, detailed experiences from others just like you, and the types of diseases, disorders, and conditions patients personally were treated for are in my personal original list of the top 20.
While certifications and advanced credentials are invaluable to consider as a patient looking for a high caliber functional dentist near you, it’s almost even more important to find out what other patients’ experiences have been. Happy, satisfied, deep healing smiles aren’t just about your oral health but also the overall experiences: extraordinarily high expert care, high quality attention, forms, service, and follow-up support everyone receives. Lucky for you, I belong to private groups with over 300,000 holistic practitioners, so I have my finger on the pulse of the best of the best.
3. Top 5 Functional Dentists
Functional dentists treat oral conditions by looking at the body as a whole and using organic or less invasive remedies that heal the mouth. This fantastic functional dentist directory will cover the practice philosophies of a selected bunch, their locations, and what treatments one may receive. There is more to their philosophies than just what is listed. At our office, the basic philosophy is that we don’t want to put you in danger from a toxic mercury filling, pull your tooth at all costs, use dangerous fluoride-infested materials, or risk any chances of any bacterial infections with any of the treatments. We want to make your teeth and mouth food processing and digesting machines. We want you to take veggies and meats and break them down and mix them with beneficial oral bacteria while tasting scrumptious flavors, and comfortably swallow the food without any obstruction. We will contribute to protecting the teeth and mouth hosting us while you’re enjoying life’s experience.
From mercury fillings, root canals, and cavitations to the countless other questions about how to improve oral health and treat chronic health conditions, these biological dentists are truly the best choices, as they share the ideals on ancestral health trends that everyone can enjoy for optimization. The mission of Dentistry is to show patients finding dentists who follow a similar philosophy. Sometimes this is not in the cards for everyone, as many biological and functional dentists are far away and charge an arm and a leg for procedures or tips. The biocompatibility and less invasive protocol of these approved doctors are what makes these top choices. You won’t have to gamble your health to start working with any of the biological dentists, and this is an opportunity to feel like your holistic view can be put into play to better your mouth, overall health, and underscore the connections between health and the mouth.
3.1. Dentist 1: Name and Location
The first dentist in our list is in Pleasant Hill, California. He has been practicing as a dentist for more than three decades, and he is known for specializing in periodontics. This is a dental field that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems and diseases that affect the gums and other surrounding structures of the mouth. As a periodontist, this dentist offers services in implantology and regenerative periodontal therapy. With his long experience, he is able to keep diagnosing issues better and better, refining his treatments so that patients can enjoy greater success and satisfaction. He is truly knowledgeable in the field, and he always seeks more knowledge, taking up to 150 hours of continuing education on a yearly basis. If you are looking for advanced periodontic therapy or dental implant-related services, this is the dentist to contact.
If you are looking for a functional dentist near you, it can be difficult to identify experienced professionals. With the widespread misinformation about oral health, it is even more difficult to tell who is genuinely a good dentist or who just claims to have the expertise. To give you expert recommendations for functional dentists near you, we at Dental Dorks have researched the best dentists around the country. These functional dentists know how to restore your teeth in a health-promoting manner, and they are true experts in their field.
3.2. Dentist 2: Name and Location
Going by the same indicators, this center has been given a clean bill of health by the Free Holistic Center Review. In addition to specialized dental treatments, this clinic investigates the correlation of the jaw to the rest of the body, identifying and addressing common macro-problems with gentle care and attention. They deal with the aftermath of tooth loss, oral myofascial pain conditions, sleep apnea, TMJ, and TMD, neurological ADHD (ADD), headaches, migraines, and craniofacial conditions, to name only a few. This center also sees some patients who are about to begin chemotherapy. They have dental visits two hours before chemo to prevent inflammation and possible bouncing infections. In Dentistry 4, as Dr. Danenberg dispels the phantom of the health-plus-Learning-area complementary therapies should be, the main purpose of his dental treatments is to enhance a person’s overall health. But always, he believes, the patient’s welfare should come first.
3.3. Dentist 3: Name and Location
During my first visit, I was welcomed by a very friendly and professional staff at the front desk. The whole check-in process was digital and very efficient with the modern software that the office was using. I believe I had never filled out my entire health history on the registration form before, but I am very happy to provide my doctors with necessary medical information conveniently. The digital workflow at the office minimized human interaction since forms were signed through the iPad after filling out the paperwork online.
The third functional and biological general dentist that I visited was Dr. Name of the Dental Care Office. The office was located at full address of the dental care office with easy on-site parking. Going to the beautiful neighborhood was very peaceful in itself as I felt relaxed before getting the dental treatment. The office was open on weekdays and the hours were very convenient since I could visit an appointment after work. So far, none of the dentists that I visited had similar open hours on weekdays for their patients’ convenience.
3.4. Dentist 4: Name and Location
Specialties: Dental implants, sedation dentistry, general anesthesia, dentures, sleep apnea treatment, and bridge work. Products from Cosmetic dentistry: Dermal fillers, teeth whitening, Black Tongue Removal, Iron Reduction, Non-surgical Face Restoration, and Laser Scar Removal. They are also known for their facial filler and sedation dentistry services, allowing them to provide their patients with both a natural and glowing smile. They use dental porcelain to reshape and reconstruct teeth, resulting in a more attractive appearance that better suits each of their patients. Dr. Malik will be pleased to assist you in achieving your desired aesthetic goal.
Elite ENT LLC, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. As a licensed, experienced, and passionate dentist, Dr. Akram Malik, DDS, AAID, FAGD, practices integrative dentistry and is aware of the mouth-body relationship. He is primarily concerned with the patient’s overall well-being, which is why he created his integrative wellness practice, Elite ENT, LLC. He and his team make every effort to offer the finest and most cutting-edge dentistry practical. They work with New York-trained dentists, dental surgeons, periodontists, and consider professional dentistry to provide elite professional dentistry services.
3.5. Dentist 5: Name and Location
No matter your circumstance, young or mature, everyone deserves that feeling of strength and confidence that exudes from a radiant smile. It’s essential to begin with a consideration of the whole patient to protect your smile and the body it represents. To ensure maximum oral health by integrating oral and general health, dentists establish a standard of care that employs a focus on prevention, utilizing innovative technology and a comprehensive understanding of systemic oral health. Holistic, comprehensive care occurs in a positive, happy environment caring for patients as family that promotes health and patient privacy. A unique approach includes a commitment to delivering the ultimate experience, efficient and convenient care, a caring team devoted to helping patients achieve maximum health and a value-based fee structure ensuring a variety of financial possibilities. With a concentration on environment and attention to your care plan and peace of mind, it is a genuine environment created for patient-centered treatment. We expect that this groundbreaking path to health is a rewarding and exciting experience for you! Note that another city provides the best overall holistic dental care in the highest-rated city and has not been considered here as well.
Functional dentistry is the practice of oral health services and treatments in the context of the overall health and wellness of the patient. Functional dentists, or holistic dentists, consider the health of the entire body, not just the oral symptoms, so that their diagnostic techniques and treatments don’t have any adverse effects on the bodily function and development. They also prefer natural, minimally invasive procedures to toxic ones with possibly harmful side effects. Location offers the best care within a 25-kilometer area. Since this location offers holistic, compassionate, patient-centered dental care that’s better for the body, it has pioneered a unique approach to dentistry. From its environment to the team’s commitment to delivering the ultimate experience, a care plan based on you to remove physical or psychological constraints and the simple, hassle-free payment process.
4. Conclusion
Today, healthcare consumers in the food industry advocate for a diet free of added sugar and truly understand the effects sugar consumption is having on not only their dental health, but so many other issues becoming illnesses of the Western diet. These foods have far-reaching effects and have built a compelling case for the role of “functional dentistry” in the healing of the entire body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that preventing dental cavities will lead to healthier adults and children. In the interest of aiming for an optimal state of health, instead of getting by on the minimum level of health that is considered “acceptable”.
In summary, the functional medicine model of dentistry begins with the fact that dental health is connected to whole body wellness. Recognizing the impact that chronic oral inflammation can have on the many systems in the body enables the dentist to really address the cause of a problem, as opposed to just treating the symptoms, and that it makes sense to test for risk instead of waiting for a cavity or a symptom to appear. The modern diet has a very real impact on our oral health, as well as every other system of our body. Patients are more aware than ever that the food choices they make can have a positive impact on their overall health.
4.1. Making Your Decision
– Although dental X-rays involve very little radiation, so you should attempt to minimize the number you receive. Every two to three years, functional dentists typically advise a combination of checkup X-rays and a panoramic X-ray every four to six years. To protect the lower jaw from radiation, they employ lead protection shields. – Periapical dental X-rays, which are sometimes required, are thought to provide the most comprehensive info for a specific tooth and hence help in diagnosis. – The advantage of a digital dental X-ray is that instant pictures are available, which allows quicker diagnoses and therapy. Their higher sensitivity minimizes the necessity for repetitive exposures.
– You care about the road and manner of detoxing and today’s options. – When they relate to dental care, you prefer a compassionate person. – You care about current trends in dental care as well as their connection to bodily and root health. – You’re in for a workplace environment that is gorgeous and not toxic.
The following are some symptoms of dental conditions or character traits that indicate the need to visit a functional dentist:
The majority of practical dentists are focused on holistic dentistry. A big concern in the field of practical dentistry is the use of mercury in the form of “silver” amalgam fillings. In addition, functional dentists seek the association between dental operations and long-term health effects.
A consultation with a physician can provide you with further information on the functional practitioners in your region, as they frequently meet and refer clients. A referral from family, friends, or somebody you trust, such as a chiropractor, masseuse, or aromatherapist, can also be beneficial.
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The Impact of Choosing a Functional Dentist on Your Oral Health
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