Holistic Dentistry
The Science of Biological Dentistry: A Systems-Biology Approach to Oral Health at Advanced Dentistry of Richmond
The Mouth-Body Connection: The Oral Microbiome and Systemic Inflammation
The traditional view of dentistry as a localized field is being replaced by a “systems-biology” approach. The mouth is the primary portal of the human body and the second most diverse microbiome after the gut, hosting over 700 species of bacteria.
The Mechanism of Dissemination
When the oral barrier is breached—via gingivitis or periodontitis—oral pathogens enter the bloodstream (bacteremia). Scientific literature, including a landmark study published in the Journal of Periodontology, highlights that pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis do not stay in the mouth. They have been found in atherosclerotic plaques in the heart and amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
By treating oral inflammation, we are not just saving teeth; we are lowering the systemic “inflammatory burden”. Chronic oral inflammation triggers the release of C-reactive protein (CRP) from the liver, a primary marker for cardiovascular disease. At Advanced Dentistry of Richmond, our focus on oral health is a direct investment in your longevity.
Biocompatibility and the Case for Mercury-Free Restorations
The transition from dental amalgam (silver fillings) to biocompatible composites and porcelain is rooted in toxicology and material science.
The Chemistry of Amalgam
Dental amalgam is approximately 50% elemental mercury. While the American Dental Association (ADA) maintains its safety, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Minamata Convention on Mercury have urged a phase-down of its use.
Mercury is neurotoxic. The science of SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique)—which we follow—is designed to mitigate “vapor spikes.” When an old amalgam is drilled, it releases mercury vapor. This vapor is lipid-soluble and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.
- The Protective Science:
We prioritize your safety by utilizing a multi-layered filtration system during amalgam removal. By combining high-power extraoral suction for airborne vapors, specialized intraoral amalgam traps, and advanced isolation techniques (such as rubber dams or Isolite), we effectively reduce patient exposure to mercury vapors by up to 90%. - The Material Science of Inlays/Onlays:
While traditional amalgam fillings act as a wedge—often leading to ‘fracture syndrome’—porcelain inlays and onlays are chemically bonded to the tooth. This process restores structural integrity by mimicking the natural thermal expansion of human enamel, ensuring the tooth functions as a single, unified unit rather than a compromised shell.
Equilibrium: The Neuromuscular Link Between Occlusion and Posture
The science behind our philosophy on equilibrium.
The belief that “unequilibrated biting” relates to “body tension” is supported by the field of Neuromuscular Dentistry.
The Trigeminal Nerve Connection
The Trigeminal Nerve (Cranial Nerve V) is the largest cranial nerve and provides sensory and motor input to the face and jaws. It also has a massive “real estate” share in the brain’s sensory cortex. When a bite is “off” (malocclusion), the muscles of mastication—the masseter and temporalis—never reach a state of physiologic rest.
This chronic muscle firing leads to:
- Lactic Acid Buildup:
Resulting in the “aches” and “limp tension” mentioned in our philosophy. - Descending Pathologies:
The body is a closed kinetic chain. If the jaw is misaligned, the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae often compensate to keep the head level. This can lead to a “tilted shoulder” or “pelvic tilt” as the body attempts to find equilibrium.
By achieving occlusal equilibration, we help reset the neuromuscular system, allowing the head and neck muscles to finally relax, which often resolves chronic migraines and cervical spine tension.
The Biochemistry of Oral Healing: Saline
The Osmotic Power of Saline
Saltwater rinses create an osmotic gradient. By increasing the salinity in the mouth, you draw excess fluid out of inflamed tissues (reducing swelling) and create an environment where harmful bacteria—which thrive in acidic, low-salt environments—cannot survive.
Modern Remineralization:
Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride
For patients seeking a Fluoride-Free path, we utilize Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) alternatives.
The Science of NanoHydroxyapatite nHAp
Enamel is composed of 97% hydroxyapatite. While fluoride works by creating fluorapatite (a harder but more brittle surface), Nano-Hydroxyapatite actually replaces the lost minerals with the exact material the tooth is made of.
Biocompatibility: Because it is “biomimetic” (identical to human biology), it is non-toxic if swallowed and is exceptionally effective at clogging open dentinal tubules, which is the primary cause of tooth sensitivity.
Teeth are constantly undergoing remineralization, and saliva plays a key role in this process by naturally supplying calcium and phosphate to strengthen tooth structure. MI Paste offers a fluoride-free option for supporting remineralization; however, it contains milk-derived proteins, so patients with casein allergies should use it with caution. While we do not claim that any one remineralizing agent is superior, we are happy to educate and support patients who have specific preferences or questions about fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite, or other options.
Safety in Diagnostics:
We recognize the concern regarding ionizing radiation, the radiation received from body and tissue imaging. Digital Radiography has revolutionized the risk-to-reward ratio, significantly reducing the radiation received from dental x-rays.
A digital full-mouth series (FMX) uses approximately ~0.005 mSv of radiation. To put that in perspective:
- Natural Background Radiation: depending on where you live, you receive about 0.001-2 millisieverts (mSv) per day just from the earth and sun.
- The Flight Comparison: A flight from NYC to LA exposes you to about ~0.03 – 0.05 millisieverts (mSv) due to the thinner atmosphere.
- The Verdict: They key to low radiation is with our modern digital technology. The diagnostic value of catching an abscess or bone loss early far outweighs the negligible radiation dose, which is now at an all-time low, thanks to the modern technology of high-sensitivity digital sensors.
The Out-of-Network Quality Model
The “concierge” model is a clinical necessity for holistic care. Insurance companies often dictate “Least Expensive Professionally Acceptable Treatment” (LEPAT). This usually favors amalgam over porcelain, large composite filling over an inlay or crown, or “wait and see” over proactive biological intervention.
By remaining independent, we ensure:
- Time for quality care:
We can spend 60-90 minutes on an evaluation that an insurance-based clinic must finish in 30. - Purity:
We select the highest-grade name brand, biocompatible materials
. - High-end partnerships:
We work with boutique dental labs that employ master ceramists, ensuring your restorations are as biomimetic as they are natural and beautiful.
Conclusion
At Advanced Dentistry of Richmond, we do not just treat teeth; we manage the gateway to your health. We provide a dental experience that supports your body’s natural desire for balance, health, and equilibrium.
Frequently Asked Questions: Biological & Holistic Dentistry
While traditional dentistry focuses primarily on the teeth and gums, Biological Dentistry treats the oral cavity as an integral part of the entire body. We consider how dental materials, infections, and even the alignment of your jaw affect your body’s system, posture, and nervous system. Our goal is to use treatments that are “biocompatible,” meaning they work in harmony with your body’s natural chemistry.
Dental amalgams are roughly 50% elemental mercury, a known neurotoxin. Scientific research shows that these fillings release low levels of mercury vapor, especially during chewing or brushing. At our office, we don’t just “drill them out.” We utilize the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol, which involves high-volume suction, specialized filters, and barriers to ensure you do not inhale or swallow mercury particles during the replacement process.
Your jaw joints (TMJ) and the muscles of your face are part of a closed kinetic chain. When your teeth don’t meet properly, the muscles of the head and neck must work overtime to compensate. This chronic strain can lead to “descending” issues—where your neck muscles pull on your shoulders, eventually affecting your spinal alignment. Equilibration is the process of fine-tuning your bite to allow these muscles to reach a state of rest, often relieving chronic tension and headaches.
Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol or harsh antimicrobials that kill all bacteria, including the “good” microbes that help with digestion and heart health.
- Saline (Salt Water): This is a natural isotonic solution that reduces tissue swelling and promotes healing through osmosis, making it safer and often more effective for sensitive or inflamed gums.
We provide Hydroxyapatite (HAp) as a science-backed alternative to fluoride. While fluoride creates a protective layer on the tooth, Hydroxyapatite is actually the mineral your teeth are made of. Nano-HAp can penetrate deep into the enamel to remineralize it from the inside out.
Being out-of-network allows us to practice Quality-Driven Dentistry rather than “Insurance-Driven Dentistry.” Most insurance plans limit the time a doctor can spend with a patient and often only cover the cheapest materials (like mercury amalgams). By remaining independent, we can spend more time on your diagnosis, use the world’s best dental laboratories, and select the safest, BPA-free materials available today.
Absolutely. Digital sensors are far more sensitive than old-fashioned film, requiring up to 80% less radiation to produce a clear image. To put it in perspective, the radiation exposure from a full set of digital X-rays is roughly equivalent to the “cosmic radiation” you would receive on a flight from NYC to LA. The diagnostic benefit of catching a hidden infection or bone loss early is far greater than the negligible exposure.
Call us today at (804) 282-7260
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