Frequently Asked Questions

Sources of human exposure to fluoride have drastically increased over the years. In addition to water, these sources now include food, air, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, dental products used at home and in the dental office, pharmaceutical drugs, cookware (non-stick Teflon), and an array of other consumer items used on a regular basis. Exposure to fluoride is suspected of impacting nearly every part of the human body, and the potential for harm has been clearly established in scientific research. Given the current levels of exposure, we believe in reducing and working to eliminate avoidable sources of fluoride, including water fluoridation, fluoride-containing dental materials, and other fluoridated products, as a means to promote overall health.

Ozone is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. We use ozone gas and/or water in every procedure. This helps with sensitivity and to disinfect bacteria.

We take several safety precautions when removing amalgam fillings that include: Activated charcoal capsules, oral aerosol vacuums, special air filtration system, amalgam separator, covering the patient’s clothes, hair, and skin, having the patient breathe oxygen from an external source, and the use of the Isolite system. The clinical staff will also have the appropriate protective gear and respirators. The dentist will take great care in how he sections the amalgam filling for removal. This is to ensure the least amount of vapor being released.

An antibiotic is usually not needed if the source of the infection (the tooth) is removed. Once the extraction is complete, the dentist will manually remove any remaining infection. They will also use Ozone gas and water for disinfection. On rare occasions, an antibiotic may be warranted.

One of the biggest things that helps with healing is the Platelet Rich Fibrin procedure. This uses your body’s own ability to aid in the healing process. For more information on PRF, visit https://bio-prf.com/science-behind-bio-prf/. To alleviate symptoms after dental surgery, we recommend stella life products. These products are made from natural ingredients like plants and minerals to increase healing time, assist with pain management, and decrease inflammation. Its antimicrobial properties also help with keeping the mouth clean. We also recommend avoiding spicy or citrus foods that can irritate the gums. Ice packs can be used for swelling. Give your body plenty of rest.

Dentist appointments are a unique opportunity to serve as a wellness check on blood pressure. Adding this service to a dental visit allows the dentist and patient to have a baseline of their blood pressure in just a few moments. Blood pressure can impact dental procedures, and also be another indicator of a sleep disorder. Above all else, it is a great service to provide to the patient since there are many correlations between your oral health and cardiovascular health.

We fabricate occlusal guards for the lower jaw to maintain airway health. Upper occlusal guards can obstruct the airway if it is already narrow. There is also less of a lisp when speaking when wearing the guard on the lower jaw.

As a comprehensive dental practice, your health history is very important. Changes in medications and/or supplements can alter the biome of your gut and oral cavity, which can cause problems with your oral health. Certain ailments and autoimmune disorders can also have a big impact on your oral health. We know that each tooth is connected to another part of the body, so our practice takes a whole body approach to your dental care. For more information, look at dental meridian charts.

Dentists are often the first medical professional to notice signs of sleep apnea. Wear on teeth from clenching and grinding can be an indicator. The dentist will also look at the size of the jaw, features on the tongue, and any abnormalities of the throat. The CBCT scan also shows the opening of the airway and whether or not it is too narrow. If a patient has some of these indicators, the dentist will suggest a home sleep study. Correcting any sleep disorders has the benefit of increasing many other aspects of a person’s health. At IHD, we are able to make custom sleep devices to help.

We offer metal-free dental implants as an alternative to metal tooth replacement options. Our metal-free implants are made of ceramic materials that naturally blend with your teeth and also eliminate the presence of metallic atoms in your mouth. We are one of the few practices that replace teeth with metal-free implants. We use Zirconia-made dental implants, which are as strong as titanium and more comfortable They are also preferable for patients who are sensitive to metal implants and occasionally experience inflammation and itchiness around the implant site.

Teeth repair involves healing the connective tissues of the teeth without fully restoring the architecture and structure. Teeth regeneration is regrowing the lost tissues and bones in the teeth back to their original form. At Integrative Holistic Dentistry, our dentist, Dr. Mensah uses Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) as a form of regenerative dentistry treatment to aid tissue regeneration and growth in your teeth and gums.

The healing period of traditional dental surgeries involving periodontal diseases depends on several factors, such as the severity of your condition, the number of teeth treated, and your body's ability to heal faster. However, for most dental surgeries, the recovery time usually averages two to four weeks. But you can reduce the time it takes to recover from dental surgery with our holistic and biological dental procedures. We use ozone therapy to minimize the effect of factors that slow down your healing process after dental surgery.

When you get periodontal surgery to heal your gum disease, you may experience one of these side effects:

• Bleeding 

• Soreness

• Bruising 

• Swelling

These side effects are expected and do not pose any problem. Occasionally, they should be relieved or go away in a few days. However, if these side effects are lingering or the pain becomes more consistent, we recommend you communicate with your dentist.

Certain dental situations can make performing a root canal treatment difficult. For instance, if your dentist needs to access the interior of a tooth that has a crown restoration, they may need to remove the crown before carrying out a root canal treatment, which may damage or weaken your tooth. When situations like this arise, your dentist can still save your tooth through a minor surgical procedure called an apicoectomy.

Tooth extraction, ozone therapy, PRF grafting, and metal-free dental implants are other alternatives to root canal treatment. You can speak with a holistic dentist to learn how to preserve your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Mensah and his team will create a custom treatment plan based on your unique needs. Your treatment plan may include one or all of the procedures below.

Your teeth are made of several layers. The enamel layer, the dentin layer, and the soft inner core can be visible both externally and while looking inward. The soft inner core extends deep into the root and is the part of your tooth that houses the dental pulp, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

It can be quite painful if the soft inner core has been injured or degraded. The pulp can become infected or even necrotic (dead) if not treated immediately. You will know you have an infected root canal when there’s an inflammation in the root canals, which naturally flow through the tooth from the crown to the pulp.

You must consume only cold liquids and avoid hot foods and beverages for the first 24 to 48 hours. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is always vital, but it's especially crucial when recovering from dental implants. Your body will easily recover after surgery with vitamins and minerals. Some soft food recipes you can eat include:

• Peanut butter banana smoothie

• Sweet potato/Cauliflower Mash

• Roasted garlic soup

• Mushroom spaghetti toss

• Potato leek soup

• Tomato bisque

• Shepherd’s Pie

• Creamy Chicken Soup

When applied to the chewing surfaces of the rear teeth (molars), dental sealants can minimize the likelihood of cavities (tooth decay) for a very long time. Sealants defend the chewing surfaces from cavities by encasing them in a barrier that keeps food and germs out. When you chew, the deep grooves in your back teeth help you break apart food. Food and germs can accumulate in these grooves, eventually causing cavities in the teeth. Sealants cover these regions to prevent bacteria from getting to them. 

Answer: Dental anxiety is common among many patients and has stopped them from getting treatments that enhance their smile. However, there are many ways we can help you manage your anxieties to give you the best dental care. Integrative Holistic Dentistry has partnered with Southern Office-Based Anesthesia to make sedation dentistry available to our patients. With sedation dentistry, patients can ease their fears and take control of their oral health! We use Anxiouslysis, general anesthesia, and moderate sedation to help you feel relaxed during your dental procedure.

Statistics show that partial dentures can last up to 15 years, while full dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Your mouth and dentures may experience significant changes over this time, resulting in an uncomfortable fit and an unattractive appearance. Hence, you may need to schedule regular appointments with our dentist to help maintain your dentures. We provide fixed partial dentures, removable partial dentures, and fixed hybrid dentures. Contact us, and let’s recommend the best dentures for your mouth.