Holistic dentistry is rapidly gaining traction in Bend, Oregon, with more residents appreciating an approach that focuses not only on oral health but also considers the mouth and its connection to the overall health of the body. This way of practicing dentistry is a hallmark of Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team.
A Comprehensive Approach to Dentistry
The holistic dentistry advocated by Dr. Kelley Mingus is centered on using the safest dental materials, minimizing radiation exposure during radiographs, and integrating natural therapeutics into usual dental treatments. This comprehensive approach aims to address oral health problems at their root cause, rather than merely treating symptoms.
Safe Dental Material
Metal-Free Restorations
One aspect of holistic dentistry that has Bend residents turning to Dr. Kelley Mingus is the use of metal-free restorations. Traditional amalgam fillings often contain mercury, which can be harmful when inhaled or ingested. Moreover, these fillings do not blend well with the natural color of the teeth. As a holistic dentist, Dr. Kelley Mingus offers tooth-colored fillings that are not only safer but also aesthetically pleasing. These fillings preserve more of the healthy tooth structure and cause less sensitivity than traditional fillings.
Minimizing Radiation Exposure
Even though the level of radiation exposure during dental check-ups is low compared to other types of X-rays, cumulative exposure can still pose health risks. Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team mitigate this by using the latest X-ray technology called digital radiography, which can significantly lower radiation exposure by up to 90 percent.
Natural Therapeutics
In keeping with holistic dentistry principles, Dr. Kelley Mingus often incorporates natural therapeutics into dental treatments. These can range from recommending dietary changes and suggesting relaxation techniques, to the use of supplements that can benefit oral health. This customized approach helps patients improve their overall health, not just the condition of their mouth.
Overall Body Health and Oral Health
A comprehensive analysis of a patient’s health and lifestyle is a cornerstone of the holistic dentistry practiced by Dr. Kelley Mingus. A strong believer in considering overall well-being for optimal oral health, he often evaluates potential problems such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammation, and high-stress levels that may contribute to oral health issues.
A case in point is Marva, a patient who had a broken tooth. Upon evaluation, Dr. Kelley Mingus discovered Marva had a TMJ disorder, a root cause of her dental issues. By addressing this through a TMJ splint, not only did her dental problems improve, but Marva reported overall improvements such as better sleep, easier eating, and no more teeth clenching. This is the kind of holistic care that patients in Bend are increasingly recognizing and valuing.
Conclusion
At its core, holistic dentistry is about maintaining a connection between oral health and overall health. This field of dental care seeks to ensure that patients not only leave with a healthier mouth but also with a healthier body. As residents of Bend continue to discover these benefits, Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team remain at the forefront of this integrative dental approach, undoubtedly setting the pace for the future of dentistry.