First, let’s talk about what holistic dentistry is and how it differs from standard dentistry. In short, holistic dentistry focuses on your dental health as part of your overall wellness, while typical standard dentistry focuses on just your teeth and gums. If you have some serious dental problems that need more than just a quick cleaning or filling, root canal treatment may be necessary.
Now, a holistic dentist like Dr. Shauna Palmer in West Kelowna will sometimes recommend root canal treatment over tooth removal because they understand all the consequences and true impact that your oral health has on your overall health. Simply put: Holistic dentistry is about looking at the bigger health picture, taking into consideration the whole body, not just your teeth and gums. That’s why it’s also called: Whole body dentistry.
What is a root canal procedure anyway?
A root canal procedure is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. A root canal procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it. A root canal can be performed by either a general dentist or an Endodontist (a specialist in performing root canal treatments).
Below the most common steps during a root canal procedure:
Anesthesia.
In most cases, local anesthesia is given to numb the infected tooth and the surrounding gums.
Dental dam placement.
A dental dam is placed on a ‘frame’ so that the top of the dam is even with the top of the frame.
Access hole.
A small access hole is drilled through the biting surface of an affected back tooth or from behind a front tooth, allowing access to the pulp chamber and root canals for treatment.
Pulp removal.
A pulpectomy provides a complete removal of pulp from the crown and roots.
Shaping the canals.
This involves removal of organic tissue and enlargement of the canal to create a suitable shape.
Disinfecting the canals.
Here is where holistic dentistry differs from traditional. Holistic dentists use more non-toxic substances to disinfect the canals. Typically, ozone gas and laser treatment are used. These types of procedures also are more effective at accessing tiny accessory canals to remove harmful bacteria before filling the canals.
Filling the canals.
After the space is cleaned and shaped, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
Sealing the tooth.
The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive sealer to ensure complete sealing of the root canals.
Placing the final restoration.
In general, a dental crown is placed to complete the restoration.
Do root canals hurt that bad?
Most people think of root canals as being painful and expensive, but they don’t have to be. A holistic dentist like Dr. Shauna Palmer can provide you with a comfortable root canal treatment.
Plus, there are many benefits to choosing a holistic approach, such as avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and promoting overall health and wellness. When treated correctly, the tooth will heal faster, and there will be minimal pain or discomfort.
Why Choose Holistic Dentistry Over Conventional Treatment Procedures?
If you’re considering a root canal, you may be wondering if holistic dentistry is the right choice for you.
Here are seven reasons why holistic dentistry may be a better option for you:
- Holistic dentists focus on preventing dental problems, rather than just treating them.
- They use non-toxic materials and avoid mercury fillings.
- They believe that oral health is connected to overall health, so they take a whole-body approach to treatment.
- They use natural therapies in addition to traditional dental treatments.
- They believe in treating the underlying cause of disease, rather than just the symptoms.
- They offer minimally invasive treatments whenever possible.
- They help educate patients about how to improve their own oral hygiene habits at home.
A holistic dentist like Dr. Shauna Palmer in Kelowna, could give you greater peace of mind when it comes to your oral health and that of your family’s as well, knowing that you are getting treatment from someone who focuses on prevention rather than just treating problems after they occur.
Tooth Aching in West Kelowna? Contact Our Office Today!
If you think you might need a root canal or another dental procedure, or if you just want to know more about the benefits of holistic dentistry and how it differs from traditional dentistry, feel free to call our office any time and we’ll be happy to help you answer any more questions you might have or to book an appointment with Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry in West-Kelowna.
