Did you know that choosing your dentist is just as important as choosing your acupuncturist? I see a dentist who believes in the same holistic principles as the acupuncture community, which is why I will not even consider switching dentists. The funny thing is that I found him by accident and had no idea how great he was until I went in. He has all the latest tools and treats the mouth as part of the whole body. He explained to me at my first appointment that flossing is not only important to prevent gingivitis, but also because the bacteria between the teeth can get into your bloodstream and that means your body has to constantly deal with the influx of bacteria that can be completely prevented by flossing daily. And with that knowledge, I came home with a renewed commitment to flossing.
Another thing that I loved about this dentist is that he doesn’t believe in metal fillings. While the acupuncture community has known for a long time that even trace amounts of heavy metals in the body compromise its optimal functioning, the dental community took awhile to catch up. Not my dentist – he hasn’t used metal fillings for over a decade! Since I had 3 cavities at my first visit (I hadn’t been to the dentist in many years), I had to get them filled. I’m not thrilled about using novacaine and when I had my only other cavity many years before, I had my previous dentist drill with no anesthesia and then fought to have them use white filling material, which I had to pay for as a “cosmetic” choice. My holistic dentist told me right away that he wouldn’t have to use novacaine because my cavities were on the surface and he would be using air abrasion (a sandblasting technique) that is not painful and is more natural. I was super happy. And I became a patient for life!
I had an appointment for another cleaning today. I have been nervous for weeks because my wisdom teeth are finally coming in. Yes, I know they are about 15 years later than what’s usually considered normal, but I figure my body knows what it’s doing. So I’ve been really worried that my dentist would tell me that I have to finally get my wisdom teeth taken out because I’ve been told my whole life that they have to come out due to issues with crowding, cysts developing, and cavities that can’t be filled when they develop. Guess what? That’s totally not true! He explained that the wisdom teeth do not crowd the other teeth (so my previous orthodontic work will not be compromised). He said that the mouth typically has plenty of room for the wisdom teeth, so there’s no need to take them out. And it turns out that only about 1 in 10,000 teeth develops a cyst that requires removal, so as long as it’s being monitored, there’s no need to take it out unless a cyst develops. And finally, he explained that he is proficient at filling cavities in the wisdom teeth, so that’s also not an issue. Wow! I was so thrilled!
I have always been told by the dental community that annual x-rays are necessary and not much of a risk. So I have always had to fight with my dentists to allow me to only have the x-rays every 2 years. When I explained that to my hygienist today and told him that my mom had 3 types of cancer and I always try to limit my exposure to radiation, he said that I am in charge of my body. Then he told me that since I am considered a high-risk patient in regard to x-rays, he would put me on their program of x-rays every 2 years. No harassment. Just notes in my chart so I never have to fight this again. I was amazed.
By the time I left, I was just about skipping out the door. At 33 years old, I am teething alongside my 6-month-old twin nephews, and I’ve never been happier! I swear I’m going to floss every single day.
If you are interested in seeing my dentist, he charges really affordable rates (only $75 for a cleaning). So check him out and go see a dentist who treats your mouth as a holistic part of your body and really cares about your wellbeing.
Advance Family Dental
Dr. Paul Zollinger
651.482.1122
925 E. County Road E, Suite 185
Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
www.advancefamilydental.net