Apollonia Dental Wellness provides holistic dentistry in Oconomowoc, WI. Call to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What is Natural Dentistry?
Here at Apollonia Dental Wellness, we provide holistic dental care that aligns with nature. Natural, holistic, or biological dentistry recognizes that oral health is a key part of overall whole body health. Signs and symptoms present in the mouth are often a manifestation of systemic imbalance, while many problems that start in the mouth eventually affect the rest of the body if they are not addressed. Dr. Knabe understands this intricate oral-systemic connection and firmly believes that a biological approach to dental care is not just a growing niche in dentistry, but the fruit of truly comprehensive dental care.
Education is Key
At the heart of the practice of natural, biological dentistry is a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptation. Dr. Knabe is invested in quality continuing education to provide her team and her patients with the best avenues in oral health. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, discuss concerns, and learn about the fascinating biological interplay of mouth and body. In our practice, there is no such thing as a silly question or an invalid concern-we are here to listen, explore possibilities, and guide you on your health journey.
Treatments Include
- Fluoride-free materials
- Metal-free prosthetics
- Biocompatible restorations
- Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocol
- Laser bacterial reduction
- Ozone
Preventive Care
The crux of prevention in biological dentistry is nutritional status of our patients. While conventional dentistry is prone to the “brush and floss” mantra, we dig a little deeper. Nutrient availability and absorption, microbial balance, and hormonal signaling all play a significant role in orodental health, in addition to proper hygiene. Under our care, we monitor your oral health for signs and symptoms of imbalances beyond hygiene and we have specialized tests to determine your individual preventive needs.
Restorative Care
In the realm of dental restorations, biological dentistry emphasizes material biocompatibility and biomimetic function. Our dental office is equipped with non-toxic options for all restorative treatment needs, carefully selected to perform well for the body just as well as the mouth. We value early treatment to minimize cost, conserve tooth structure, and avoid a cascade of interventions down the road.
OZONE
What is ozone?
Ozone is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It's naturally produced by our immune system as a defense against microbes. The same gas forms the protective layer in our atmosphere that shields us from excessive UV radiation.
Since the early 1900s, ozone has been used medically to sterilize wounds and combat infections. Today, it's gaining popularity in natural healthcare settings due to its potent ability to kill harmful bacteria, stimulate the body's immune response, and safely revert to stable oxygen when unused. Unlike traditional antibiotics, ozone therapy offers powerful infection-fighting benefits with minimal to no side effects.
How is ozone used in dentistry?
Ozone has many applications in dentistry. Most dental diseases are associated with an overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. Ozone gas can destroy these microorganisms in seconds by disintegrating their cell walls, while also facilitating the restoration of a stable environment by triggering the natural healing process of the body.
In a dental setting, ozonated water can be used to irrigate the mouth, or the gas can be applied directly to specific areas using a syringe. Biological dentists often use ozone to treat cavities and periodontal disease, and to disinfect extraction sites and crown preparations. This treatment can be very effective in re-balancing an unstable oral microbiome.
How does Ozone work?
Ozone directly kills bacteria by causing oxidative stress. The molecule's third oxygen atom makes it highly reactive. When ozone encounters pathogenic microorganisms, it oxidizes and perforates the cell membranes, causing the cell to collapse and die in just seconds due to the compromised structural integrity of the cell.
Ozone therapy also provides a gentle, temporary boost to your immune system by creating a controlled stress that "wakes up" your body's natural defenses. It stimulates the production of immune cells as well as molecules that act as messengers, and this in turn improves the efficiency of your immune system, leading to a faster and more effective response and allowing your body to restore itself to balance.