Once a comprehensive analysis and personalized dental solution, full mouth rehabilitation has transcended into a realm where oral health synergizes with overall well-being. At Kelley Mingus in Bend, Oregon, this concept comes to life in the form of holistic dental care. In this blog post, we will delve into how the practice incorporates holistic approaches into full mouth rehabilitation.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation – A Brief Overview
In the domain of general dentistry, full mouth rehabilitation is a route often taken to offset a constellation of dental health issues. As the name suggests, it encompasses treatments that aim to revamp all or most of the teeth in the lower and upper jaws. From metal-free restorations, orthodontics, porcelain veneers to sleep apnea treatment – a multitude of services weave together as a part of full mouth rehabilitation.
Dr. Kelley Mingus’s clinic in Bend, Oregon applies the principles of neuromuscular dentistry and epigenetic orthodontics and complements them with a holistic approach. This means they consider the entire structure of a patient’s mouth and the function each component plays in their overall health before charting a custom treatment course.
Holistic Dentistry – A Paradigm Shift
Holistic dentistry, also known as biological dentistry, integrates the clinical approach of traditional dentistry with a focus on overall health. It beckons a significant change wherein treatments are not isolated affairs addressing standalone issues but become threads in the bigger web of a patient’s entire health and well-being.
This approach prompts dentists at Kelley Mingus to pause before diving into immediate treatment and look for root causes. For instance, before delving into sleep apnea treatment or root canal therapy, they investigate if there are causes tied to lifestyle habits or systemic health issues triggering these conditions.
Merger of Holistic Approaches in Full Mouth Rehabilitation
The role of holistic principles in full mouth rehabilitation underlines the idea that oral health is not confined within the boundaries of one’s mouth. Thus, as holistic dentists, Dr. Mingus and his team evaluate a patient’s overall health to ensure that the personalized dental treatments they receive are in harmony with their body’s needs.
Here are some examples:
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Metal-Free Restorations
Traditional dental restorations entailed the use of amalgam fillings. However, with the focus shifting to biocompatible materials, composite resin or ceramic are now used. Since they match the natural tooth color, their aesthetic appeal is a bonus. But more importantly, metal-free restorations are safe for those with metal sensitivities and help preserve the tooth structure.
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Neuromuscular Dentistry
At Kelley Mingus, the focus does not deter from aesthetics or the function of teeth alone. Equally important is the relative positioning of the jaw and its impact on muscles and nerves, defined as neuromuscular dentistry. Under a full mouth rehabilitation plan, it can help diagnose and address conditions like TMJ disorders.
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Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder, can be traced back to issues associated with oral health. Holistic dentistry aims to collaboratively treat such disorders and prevent their resurgence by guiding patients through lifestyle changes, and providing tailored dental appliances to keep the airways unobstructed during sleep.
A Smiling Evidence of Success
A successful demonstration of the synergy between holistic principles and full mouth rehabilitation is Marva’s case. A retired law enforcement officer, Marva’s journey with Kelley Mingus started with the familiar struggle of recurring dental issues she did not realize were linked to a TMJ disorder. With a comprehensive full mouth rehabilitation, not only did she find relief from chronic symptoms like sleep interruptions and teeth clenching, but also a life-altering permanent solution to her dental problems.