'All-Natural' Dentistry

What is 'All-Natural' Dentistry?

Mercury Safe Removal

As a member of the IAOMT and also being a SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified Omaha dentist, Dr. Allen adheres to the organization’s rigorous recommendations for removing existing dental mercury amalgam fillings.  # Omaha Mercury Free Dentist

The process of removing mercury silver fillings from your mouth is done with great care and several additional precautions are in place to minimize any mercury exposure during the procedure. The IAOMT and SMART guidelines do change as new techniques and technology evolves.  Some of the protocols Dr. Allen uses include: 

• Removing the silver amalgam in as big as chunks as possibly to minimize mercury vapors.
• Keeping fillings cool by using cold-water spray.
• Providing an alternative air source during treating via an oxygen mask, while breathing through your nose.
• Use of a high-volume suction tip to evacuate mercury vapor.
• Using an “elephant hose” purifier to further reduce vapor exposed to both patient and staff.
• Using a dental dam so no amalgam is swallowed.
• Covering the patient’s entire body in a medical drape.
• Use of facial covering.
• Post procedure charcoal rinse, to conglomerate and dispose of any residue.

Bio-Compatibility Testing 

Studies indicate that some individuals may develop a sensitivity/reaction to certain types of common dental materials. For those patients we offer Bio-Compatibility testing. This is performed through a blood test to assess what effect certain dental materials are likely to have on your body.? A detailed report (over 40 pages) helps us select the materials to use that will best work with your specific immune system. It stands to reason that you want to utilize materials that are more compatible with your own unique body chemistry, and to avoid materials that are harmful or reactive for you. This also speaks to the Omaha holistic dentist approach to dental care we are able to provide. 

Materials Reactivity Testing is a screening done in a lab, via a blood draw, that helps us detect any sensitivity patients might have to various chemicals and dental materials. This kind of test is performed on clients who have a history of chemical sensitivity. Using this test we are able to determine your sensitivity levels to over 2,000 different dental substances. # Omaha Biological Dentist

Ozone Therapy 

Ozone (O3) therapy is a non-toxic antimicrobial method for treating oral infection.  Ozonated infused water is excellent at breaking up biofilm and may be used to kill bacteria, viruses, fungus, and parasites within your mouth. Without side effect ozone treatment can be used in several dental maladies. #Omaha Ozone Dentist

• Cavities - after removing decay ozone is used to sterilize the area from bacteria and viruses before placing a filling. The ozone also oxygenates the area immunostimulating the tooth pulp for further long term restorative outcomes.
• Extractions - used to disinfect the pores of the bone for optimal healing. This can also be used help clean past extraction sites, called cavitations, that might not have properly healed.
• Implants - ozone will minimize infection while accelerating bone and gum healing.
• Root Canals prevention - deep cavities can be washed with ozone to help minimize oxidative stress and give the nerve a better chance of healing. This may help prevent the need for a root canal or an unnecessary extraction.
• Gum infections - ozone can be used to help with all forms of oral soft tissue ailments such as treating periodontal (gum disease), tooth abscesses, sore throats, and ulcerations.

Cavitation Detection and Cone Beam 3D Imaging Benefits

CBCT offers superior imaging quality compared to traditional 2D X-rays. It provides detailed views of teeth, bones, and soft tissues, enabling dentists to detect issues that might not be visible with standard radiography. This improved diagnostic capability is particularly valuable for some of the following areas.

• Cavitations-  is a hole in the bone, usually where a tooth has been removed, and the bone has not healed/filled in properly. This area may act as a breeding ground for bacteria and their toxins. Research has shown these bacterial waste products may be potent and result in digestion problems, chronic fatigue, general feeling of malaise, and other chronic health problems. Dental cavitations can also cause blockages on the body’s energy meridians and can exert far-reaching impact on the overall system. Cavitations may be a source of low level or high level stress on the entire body and may be addressed with removing these areas of potential infection. They can be removed/treated even years after an extraction has taken place.
• Superior Image Quality - The clarity and precision of CBCT images lead to more accurate diagnoses. Dr Allen Omaha Cone Beam dentist can assess the spatial relationships between structures, which is vital for identifying conditions like tumors, cysts, and bone infections. 
• While any X-ray involves some level of radiation exposure, CBCT emits less radiation than conventional medical CT scans. Dentists can capture detailed images with a lower dose, prioritizing patient safety while obtaining the necessary diagnostic information. 
• Airway Assessment- is one of the significant benefits of CBCT is its ability to assess the airway, which is crucial for diagnosing sleep apnea and other respiratory issues. Dentists can evaluate: The size and shape of the airway, potential obstructions or anomalies, and the relationship between dental structures and airway space.
• Better Dental Implant Outcomes- with the detailed data provided by CBCT, dental professionals can create surgical guides that facilitate precise implant placement. These guides can be used during the procedure to ensure that implants are positioned accurately, reducing surgery time and enhancing overall predictability. This detailed information minimizes the risk of complications, such as nerve damage or sinus perforation, enhancing the likelihood of successful outcomes. 

Saliva Testing

?So much of what goes on in our mouths (whether it is halitosis, gingivitis, decay, etc.) has to do primarily with the presence or absence of specific oral bacteria.  There are as many as 700 species of oral bacteria, and just as in the gut, we want a balance of “good” bacteria dominating over “bad”. The Direct Diagnostics Salivary Test detects the presence of the five most pathogenic bacteria in the mouth, in increasing order of virulence:  Fn, Tf, Td, Pg, Aa (abbreviated).  With this information we are able to recommend care that will respond to therapies such as laser gingival treatment, ozone gas, oxidating rinses, antibiotics, etc.. or a certain combinations of these to bring your oral biome back into balance.

Education & Diet 

Dr. Allen is passionate about All-Natural solutions in her dental practice.  At your appointment she is happy to educate and discuss with patients all holistic options within the dental field.  This could range from diet and how nutrition affects oral health (decay, halitosis, sleep apnea) to what type of products (essential oils, xylitol, toothpaste, etc.) she recommends for home care.