The digital age has propelled dentistry into a
new era. The Cerec
System shown above enables Dr. Davis to complete a precision,
biocompatible, non-metal crown or other restoration in
a single dental appointment. |
Today’s health conscious adults look forward to remaining youthful far into the future. A bright smile is part of this picture. But we believe the most important function of the mouth is to chew and begin the digestion of wholesome and delicious foods. The daily pleasure of eating well builds the foundation for a long, vigorous life.
In the past, many have seen restorative dentistry primarily as a remedy for infection, decay, breakage or discomfort. This model of care greatly improved quality of life and health over the days when such care was not widely available. Yet, the absence of infection or pain is only one aspect of optimum health. The mouth is more than a collection of unrelated parts. It is a biomechanical system designed to provide us with the essential fuels for life.
If the system itself is disregarded, dysfunction may set in. The bite may shift, with trauma, cracking and wear to teeth and jaws. There may be a patchwork of dissimilar and non-compatible restorations breaking down. Tooth loss may occur. Chewing then becomes more difficult, with diminishing digestive function. As the bite shifts, so do alignment of head and neck. Often this leads to new stresses, inflammation and infection, dragging down the immune system. There is a better alternative.
For most, a time comes when dental wholeness requires attention. Restoring the mouth as a system is the core of Dr. Davis’ practice. A confident smile is part of the benefit. But more fundamentally, the goal is an interlocking foundation of health and function that will support a lifetime of good nutrition.
Modern science is increasingly confirming what integrative practitioners have taught for a long time. The mouth is essential to whole health. Form, function and biology are each part of the whole.
Co-Diagnosis
The first step toward a lifetime of dental wellness is to learn what is happening in your mouth. This empowers you to formulate a long-term strategy, and thus make the best choices for yourself. This is why we begin with a process of co-diagnosis, to help you and the dentist see the patterns that shape your dental experience. This includes a thorough, individualized examination using advanced diagnostic technologies, a detailed explanation of what is found and what is possible, and time to answer your questions. Dentistry today offers many options – some of which weren’t even available just a few years ago. The choices are yours. Our goal is to help you achieve understanding and a plan for your dental health.
Restoration
We employ the most up-to-date restorative technologies and modern dental materials that are exceptionally similar to natural tooth structure. We are among a small fraction of dental offices nationally with both Cad-Cam robotic technology, which creates beautiful, precision ceramic restorations in one appointment, and laser surgical tools that can enhance comfort and speed healing. Fine golds are another option. We do not place amalgam fillings or nickel crowns.
Because of our concern for whole health, when replacing old dental materials and selecting new ones, we follow the protective protocols of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, a scientific organization that promotes biocompatibility in dentistry and a focus on whole health. The IAOMT advocates extensive precautions during removal of old metals and the use of high quality replacement materials that are compatible with human tissues.
We are guided by three priorities: biocompatibility, engineering factors and aesthetics. For patients with special concerns about metals or chemicals, biocompatibility testing is an option that can help personalize the selection of dental materials.
Prevention
With our culture’s emphasis on beauty, great smiles and fresh breath, it might be surprising to learn that Americans continue to experience an epidemic of bacterial gum disease. Research tells us that 80 percent of the adult population has some degree of this infection, which is a real threat to whole health and the primary cause of adult tooth loss. The risk grows as we age. Our dental hygiene program seeks to prevent this most common form of mouth infection, or to treat it non-surgically when possible. We also follow the Biocompatible Periodontal Therapy protocols of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
It is important to remember that the mouth is a complex biological system and powerful mechanical device bathed in a corrosive salt-water environment. Changes continually occur throughout life. Everyone’s mouth requires periodic re-evaluation, maintenance and repair, for best results, by a dentist who knows you and your mouth well. We recommend a faithful and individualized schedule for periodic care.
Finding and treating a problem while it is small is one of the best ways to head off more serious problems. If you owned a luxury automobile, you would change the oil and keep up with repairs. Your dental health will be precious long after your car is traded away!
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