Whole-Health Dentistry

Your dental health is closely related to the health of your entire body. Dr. Ura and the team at the Center For Dental Excellence believes that this approach to whole-health dentistry allows us to provide the least-invasive and highest-quality dental care. In addition to being a metal-free, mercury-free practice, we use biocompatible materials for fillings and restorations, and our prosthetics are BPA-free. Dr. Ura also provides safe removal of amalgam fillings, for the benefit of our clients and staff. Upon request, blood tests are available to determine whether you are allergic to any of the materials we may use.

Holistic Dentistry Relates to Whole-Body Health

Whole-health dentistry takes into account a patient’s overall health, not just the health of teeth, gums, and oral structures. This means that we look at the big picture, and we begin by creating a healthy environment with the processes and materials we use in our dental office. Dr. Ura takes pride in incorporating elements of holistic dentistry at his practice in Nashua, NH, so that his patients’ overall health is supported by the care he provides.

The Whole-Health Dentistry Philosophy

In our office, sterilization takes center stage because your safety is imperative to our quality of care. In addition, Dr. Ura and our team are proud to use biocompatible materials for restorative dentistry. Biocompatible simply means that a material will be accepted by the human body, without causing potential harm. For example, the dental implants we often use are made of titanium, an extremely durable, biocompatible metal that provides a safe and effective replacement for a natural tooth root. In some cases, a zirconium implant may be available.

Our practice is also mercury-free, meaning that we do not place dental amalgam, which contains trace amounts of the heavy metal mercury.

Dental composite resin, or tooth-colored fillings, as well as sealants, commonly contain bisphenol A (BPA). We place BPA-free dental composites and sealants, because BPA, which is found in many plastics and dental materials, has been shown in research to contribute to health issues. Because BPA is similar in structure to estrogen, it can cause confusion for the body’s processes that involve production of, or response to, estrogen. Just ten minutes after a BPA-containing filling is placed, evidence of BPA is present in saliva.

Our practice is also mercury-free, meaning that we do not place dental amalgam, which contains trace amounts of the heavy metal mercury. Instead, we always use materials that have been proven safe, reliable, and long-lasting for dental restorations. Our lab understands and respects our preferences in this area.

Amalgam Filling Removal

Amalgam fillings are composed of a mix of metals, and you can spot them due to their dark color. For years, and today still, amalgams have been a common filling material in dentistry. It is inexpensive, readily available, and effective. However, as mentioned above, dental amalgam contains mercury. The FDA changed its stance on amalgam fillings a few years ago, and the organization now states publicly that amalgam is unsafe for pregnant women, elderly patients, and those with a sensitivity to the material. Upholding our core values of full disclosure, the American Dental Association states that dental amalgam has an established record of safety and effectiveness. While they acknowledge mercury vapor can be released, no correlation has been made between the mercury vapor and adverse health effects. The FDI World Dental Federation has made similar statements. However, we believe people should have choices when it comes to their health. The FDA has stated that the small amounts of mercury found in swordfish and tuna is safe but despite these assurances, many health conscious people have decided not to incorporate these fish in their diets. We believe you should have the same choices when it comes to your dental health.

Because amalgams were commonplace for years, many people still have these dark gray fillings. Removing amalgam fillings creates a concern because of the mercury vapor that is released during the process. However, Dr. Ura and our team offer a safe removal procedure for amalgam fillings that controls and captures this vapor. Our procedure includes using Isolite Evacuation System and copious water to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Oxygen is available for those clients who desire it. We replace amalgam fillings with BPA-free, tooth-colored, composite resin fillings and cement, for a natural-looking result that contains no metal or mercury. Importantly, we take the time to create a contaminant-free environment and use full and proper light curing so restorations will have a long life.

Protection from Allergens

Some patients are uncertain whether they have allergies to materials used in dental care. For this reason, we offer blood serum testing. This simple assessment shows antibodies to many metals and chemicals found in dental materials or products used in the dental office. You and Dr. Ura can review the results together, and we will note them in your file. This way, we can make sure that you are not subjected to those materials while in our office.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Dr. Ura treats chronic snoring and sleep apnea, which can have a detrimental impact on whole-body health, with safe, non-surgical oral appliance therapy.

Make An Appointment Today

If you’re interested in a whole-health approach to dental care, or if you’re concerned about potential allergies or mercury, contact us now to schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Ura. We are gladly welcoming new patients.