The Center for Dental Excellence firmly believes there is a constant interaction between the mouth and the body. The body is a continuous series of biochemical reactions and balance between these reactions is vital to optimal body health. What we take into our bodies through our mouths is a key part of that balance. Nutritional, lifestyle and home care counseling receives the same detailed attention at CDE as do all other.

Silver fillings are made up of several metals which are mixed together in precise proportions.  After mixing, the compounds, which include mercury, react with one another and become another integrated compound.  They are amalgamated together in a solid mass which becomes very hard and durable. Thus the term amalgam filling is used to describe them.

CDE does not routinely use amalgam restorations. The reason is because they can, if large enough, leave the tooth susceptible to fracture over time.  This has frequently occurred.  Many a patient has gone to their dentist with a fractured tooth around an amalgam.  Bonded fillings are better at protecting remaining tooth structure, preventing fractures, and sealing out bacteria which can harm the dental pulp.

Scientific studies throughout the world all validated the fact that mercury (amalgam) fillings are not a danger to the average patients’ health.  All information on this topic is readily available through the ADA (link) website and associated links.  Those patients suspected to be allergic to any of the ingredients of the amalgam fillings should be tested for such allergies.  It is most important that, if allergies to the components of amalgam fillings are found, the removal process of such fillings be done with a rubber dam which prevents the ground up amalgam debris from entering into the body.  Appropriate hi-volume suction must also be used to eliminate any aerosols of the same debris.

Smoking is a habit that has consequences in the mouth separate from the damage it creates in the lungs.  Besides the carcinogenic effects that work throughout the body, cigarettes have the substance called nicotine which is a vasoconstrictor.

A vasoconstrictor reduces blood flow to an area.  Another common vasoconstrictor used in dentistry is epinephrine, which helps reduce blood flow in the area where an anesthetic is given to numb a tooth.  With cigarettes the nicotine effects the entire body and specifically all the soft tissues in the mouth.  With reduced blood flow the body cannot summon enough white blood cells, which fight disease processes, to protect itself.  Gingival tissues are more fibrous and thick.  Any bacterial activity will have the advantage in producing gum disease in a person who routinely smokes. Healing takes longer and is less effective.  It is paramount that, if you smoke, your home care must be perfect.  With no bacteria in the mouth to create disease, the healing process can process, even if it will be slower.

Chewing tobacco creates a more concentrated effect of the nicotine in the mouth.  In addition the carcinogenic chemistry that is so harmful to the body is focused on a small area where the tobacco is routinely held inside the mouth.  Chewing tobacco has been definitely linked to oral cancer.

The Center for Dental Excellence will refer patients as needed to those professionals who specialize in advanced applications of nutritional, lifestyle and psychological counseling to allow each of them the greatest opportunities to have happy and healthy lives.

It is not infrequent that the cure of an illness can have drastic effects on the health of the body, including the mouth.

The body’s reaction to certain materials can be excessive for certain patients.  These allergic reactions, such as latex allergy, may manifest themselves in the mouth as well as the body. The interaction of the body with the mouth through alterations in its normal biochemical balance is a serious issue at CDE.

Appropriate therapeutic measures will be taken to minimize the negative effects of these conditions on the mouth.

Preventive Home Care focuses on the fact that the health of the mouth directly affects the health of the body. Personalized instructions are given to each patient to help guide them to the highest state of health they can achieve.  This will involve other areas of bodily health that are within the expertise of the staff at CDE.

All patients are routinely screened for oral cancer at their periodontal maintenance appointments.  Early detection is always the key to successful cancer therapy.