Holistic Dentist?

[zulupetalz]

I've seen the term "Holistic Dentist" used multiple times in this forum. What are the differences between a "Holistic Dentist" and a regular ole dentist?

I'm currently nursing a 17 mos old toddler and I need to have an amalgam removed. My current dentist said it needs to be done soon, because the tooth is cracked. I had hoped to maybe wean my daughter before having it done, but I'm having a hard time getting her to wean. I've already had one done, about 6 mos ago, because of another cracked tooth. I didn't think a ton about it beforehand. I asked the dentist whether it was ok, and he said it was. He used a couple of dental dams to isolate the tooth, but I don't think he followed any strict kind of protocol. I'm grateful he at least used the dams, though.

If a holistic dentist would be better, how do I go about finding one? I'm in South Carolina, I'm not thinking there would be one closeby to me.

[tanyalynn]

For your purposes, there may not be a difference. Holistic dentists, who sometimes advertise as mercury-free, should use a good protocol to remove amalgams (not a requirement, but generally they are more cautious), but conventional dentists may as well, you'd need to ask to know.

If you google mercury free dentist, you'll get lists by location. Some folks that advertise as holistic or mercury free are more expensive than conventional dentists, but the two I've seen were comparable and dealt with insurance just like any other dental office I've experienced. Though both had distinctly happy, upbeat office staff, interestingly.

Holistic dentists should have multiple suggestions for things like cavities other than just filling the tooth. Some can suggest diet changes, various approaches so that the cavity heals (see the sticky in Dental if you want more ideas on that one), but there's a lot of variation, it seems.

The iaomt.org website has a description of the appropriate way to have amalgam removed, with safety measures for you and for the dentist and any assistants that are involved. I weaned my son before I got my amalgams replaced AND had a safe protocol used.

I'd probably look at the iaomt.org site and then call dental offices and ask, what do you do, in terms of safety precautions, during an amalgam removal? That may get a more complete answer than, "do you do X? do you do Y?" where the person answering may not really know and may just say yes--always a bit tricky to get answers from a HCP's office before an actual appointment.