Holistic Dentistry
Holistic Dentistry
Your teeth are part of your body. Holistic health with the SMART protocol, resin infiltration, myofascial therapy, dental mesotherapy and biocompatible materials.
What Is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry is a comprehensive dental approach that evaluates oral health in an integrated manner with general body health, prefers non-toxic and biocompatible materials, prioritizes minimally invasive methods and treats the patient's lifestyle and dietary habits as part of the treatment. It is also known as biological dentistry or complementary dentistry.
| Topic | Traditional Approach | Holistic Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Amalgam filling | Can still be used when necessary | Not used; existing ones removed with SMART |
| Material selection | Function-first | Biocompatibility-first (ceramic, composite, zirconia) |
| Systemic disease | Usually treated independently of teeth | Oral-body connection is included in treatment plan |
| Treatment philosophy | Treating disease | Prevention first, minimal intervention when necessary |
| Patient education | Limited | Nutrition, stress management, oral flora preservation |
Safe Amalgam Removal with the SMART Protocol
Amalgam fillings consist of silver, tin, copper and approximately 50% mercury. They release mercury vapor in the oral environment as a result of chewing, temperature changes and corrosion. SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) is the safe removal protocol established by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) that protects the patient and dentist during amalgam removal.
At our clinic, amalgam removals are performed with equipment and methods compliant with the SMART protocol; following removal, the tooth is restored with biocompatible ceramic or composite material.
The working area is completely isolated with a rubber sheet that prevents amalgam particles from spreading inside the mouth.
Mercury vapor and amalgam particles are immediately suctioned with a special high-volume aspirator; inhalation through the respiratory tract is prevented.
The patient protects their breathing with an oxygen mask during removal. The dentist and assistant use special clothing, masks and equipment.
A room air purifier is kept active in the clinic; mercury vapor released into the environment is filtered. Preparation is made with activated charcoal rinse.
The filling is removed in large pieces rather than being ground into powder; this method significantly reduces the amount of mercury released.
After removal, the tooth is restored with ceramic inlay/onlay, all-ceramic crown or composite filling. No metal is used.
No. Safe amalgam removal is a specialized application requiring IAOMT training and knowledge of the SMART protocol. Removal performed without appropriate equipment and protocol can result in much higher mercury exposure compared to a standard removal.
Resin Infiltration – Minimally Invasive Caries Treatment
Early-stage caries in tooth enamel or white/opaque lesions formed after trauma/fluoride traces could previously only be treated with abrasion using traditional methods. Resin infiltration is a modern minimally invasive method that treats these stains and initial caries without any abrasion of the tooth tissue.
Resin infiltration is one of the best practical examples of the "minimally invasive" principle of holistic dentistry: tooth tissue is preserved, aesthetics are improved and caries is halted.
Myofascial Therapy – Jaw and Muscle Treatment
In holistic dentistry, treatment covers not only the teeth but also the jaw muscles and surrounding tissues. Myofascial therapy relieves pain, tension and functional disorders through special manual techniques applied to the jaw, neck and facial muscles.
Myofascial treatment delivers highly effective results in bruxism (teeth clenching/grinding), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and chronic head-neck pain. The connection between stress-induced muscle tension and oral-jaw health constitutes one of the core areas of the holistic approach.
Dental Mesotherapy
Dental mesotherapy is a complementary treatment method in which very low doses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and when necessary local drug mixtures are applied to the jaw and facial muscles with fine needles. It offers a holistic option for patients who wish to avoid systemic medication and want to minimize the risk of side effects.
Systemic Diseases and Oral Health Connection
The mouth is not an isolated region from the rest of the body. Oral flora imbalances and chronic oral infections can create systemic effects in areas such as the heart, diabetes, respiration and pregnancy. Holistic dentistry places this connection at the centre of treatment planning.
Periodontal bacteria and inflammation are associated with heart valve infection, atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Gum health is critical for heart patients.
Gum disease progresses faster in diabetic patients and becomes more difficult to control. On the other hand, chronic gum inflammation can negatively affect blood sugar control. A bidirectional relationship exists.
There is evidence that untreated gum disease increases the risk of low birth weight and premature birth. Oral health monitoring during pregnancy is a priority.
The bacterial load in the mouth can reach the lungs through aspiration. Oral hygiene is an inseparable part of the treatment plan for patients at risk of COPD and pneumonia.
A decrease in bone mineral density can affect the jawbone and implant success. Some medications used in osteoporosis treatment should be evaluated before tooth extraction.
Elevated cortisol increases gum inflammation and suppresses immune response. Stress management is a complementary component of treatment in holistic dentistry.
For this reason, a personalized treatment plan is created at our clinic by evaluating each patient's general health status, medications and systemic diseases.
Oral Flora Protection: Prebiotics and Probiotics
The oral flora is a dynamic ecosystem like the gut flora. The balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is a direct determinant of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Antibiotic use, unhealthy nutrition and stress can disrupt this balance.
All-Ceramic Crowns – Metal-Free Restoration
The fundamental principle in holistic dentistry is that restorative materials must be biocompatible. The metal substructure in traditional metal-porcelain crowns can create a dark line at the gum, react with oral fluids and create a basis for allergic reactions.
All-ceramic crowns (E.Max, zirconia) completely eliminate these problems: there is no metal, biocompatibility is high, and aesthetics are superior with natural light transmittance. All-ceramic materials are also the first choice for restoration of remaining tooth tissue following amalgam filling removal.
Biocompatible Materials Used in Holistic Dentistry
| Application | Traditional Material | Holistic Preference | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filling | Amalgam | Composite resin / ceramic inlay | No mercury, aesthetic, biocompatible |
| Crown / Restoration | Metal-porcelain | E.Max / Zirconia | No metal, gum compatibility, aesthetic |
| Implant | Titanium | Zirconia implant | No metal ion release, white colour |
| Root canal filling | Gutta-percha + traditional sealer | Bioceramic sealer | Higher biocompatibility |
| Temporary restoration | PMMA acrylate | Metal-free BPA-free composite | Toxin exposure is reduced |
Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş
Dentist · Holistic Dentistry · SMART Protocol · Ankara İncekDr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş offers holistic dentistry applications at her Ankara İncek clinic encompassing safe amalgam removal with the SMART protocol, resin infiltration, myofascial therapy, dental mesotherapy and the use of biocompatible materials. Each patient's general health status, systemic diseases and material preferences are incorporated into the treatment plan; oral health and body health are addressed from an integrated perspective.
Holistic Dentistry – Frequently Asked Questions
What is holistic dentistry and how does it differ from conventional dentistry?
What is the SMART protocol — do I have to have my amalgam fillings removed?
Which white spots does resin infiltration treat?
What is the difference between myofascial therapy and dental mesotherapy?
Is there a connection between oral health and heart disease?
Are there metal-free implants?
Are oral probiotics truly beneficial?
Can a diabetic person benefit from holistic dentistry applications?
What is the difference between an all-ceramic crown and a metal-porcelain crown?
What is oral galvanism?
Why Sevgi Savaş Clinic in Ankara İncek for holistic dentistry?
Book an Appointment for Holistic Oral Health
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