In Bend, Oregon, the concept of holistic dental care is being embraced more than ever before. This revolves around an understanding that oral health is intrinsic to overall health. Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team are at the forefront of embracing this approach in their family dentistry practice.
Holistic Dental Care Defined
Holistic dental care, often referred to as biological or organic dentistry, sees the mouth as an integrated part of the body and focuses on the use of non-toxic restorative materials for dental work. It emphasizes the impact that dental toxins and hidden dental infections can have on overall health. It differs from traditional dentistry in that it doesn’t use amalgam fillings and focuses on the underlying causes of gum disease.
Biocompatible Materials in Holistic Dental Care
An integral part of holistic dental care offered by the Kelley Mingus clinic involves the use of biocompatible materials, such as composite resin or ceramic, in restorations. This means metal-free restorations that appear like natural tooth color are now the norm. These materials not only have aesthetic appeal but are safe for those with metal sensitivities. Besides fillings, these restorations can be used for a variety of dental treatments, such as crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
A holistic approach to dental care often involves a full mouth rehabilitation. This is a highly individualized treatment plan that consists of a series of procedures designed to restore functionality and aesthetics for patients with significantly damaged or missing teeth, periodontal disease, or TMJ disorders. The primary goal of a full mouth rehabilitation is to optimize the health of the entire mouth, including the teeth, gums, and the bite.
A Patient’s Journey
One patient, Marva, significantly benefited from this approach. As a retired law enforcement officer, she had struggled for years with dental issues and symptoms she did not realize were related to her TMJ disorder. After seeking the expertise of Dr. Kelley Mingus, not only was her broken tooth repaired, but she was diagnosed with a TMJ disorder. After receiving a TMJ splint and undergoing a full-mouth rehabilitation, she saw an immediate improvement in symptoms like sleep interruptions, teeth clenching, and chewing difficulties.
Orthodontics & Epigenetic Orthodontics
In their mission to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to oral health, the Kelley Mingus clinic also offers traditional orthodontics and, for a more genetic-centered approach, epigenetic orthodontics. While traditional orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth, epigenetic orthodontics can enhance one’s overall health by dynamically improving the facial profile, airway space, and jaw alignment – naturally.
Teeth Cleaning and General Dentistry
Regular teeth cleanings and preventive treatments form the backbone of any quality dental care plan. Dr. Mingus’s team is trained to provide comprehensive teeth cleanings and personalized cleaning plans that cater to each individual’s oral health needs. Similarly, under the holistic approach, general dentistry includes routine dental examinations, restorative and cosmetic treatments, and preventive oral health services like dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry addresses the hard and soft tissues, muscles, and nerves, enabling the harmonious working of the jaw joints, muscles, and teeth. Kelley Mingus’s clinic extends its services to neuromuscular dentistry, helping relieve patients from symptoms of TMJ disorders through non-invasive methods and orthotics that reposition the jaw.
Smile Makeovers with Porcelain Veneers
In keeping with the holistic approach, Dr. Mingus also offers smile makeovers, with an emphasis on porcelain veneers. Veneers are a quick way to a beautiful smile and are perfect for people with teeth that are stained, chipped, or have gaps. While cementing these thin shells onto one’s teeth might be seen as a cosmetic procedure, it serves a dual purpose by providing a protective shield to the enamel.
Root Canal Treatments
Root canal therapy forms another core part of Dr. Mingus’s practice. Saving natural teeth, while keeping in mind their relation with the body, aligns with holistic dental principles. Infection is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and then filled and sealed, thus preserving the tooth while taking care of the overall health of the patient.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Kelley Mingus clinic also specializes in providing treatment for sleep apnea – a condition that can lead to significant health issues like heart disease and diabetes if left untreated. The treatment involves using customized dental appliances that can improve sleep, restore alertness, and revitalize health.