BIOLOGICAL
DENTISTRY FAQs

At Rooted Dental, we are redefining the traditional dental experience by integrating cutting-edge technology with a holistic philosophy that emphasizes total body wellness and personalized care. We focus on treating the root causes of oral issues, not just the symptoms. Our unique approach includes: • Total Wellness & the Whole-Body Connection: We view your mouth as an integral part of your entire physical health. Our treatments utilize non-toxic, biocompatible materials and consider your diet, lifestyle, and unique health sensitivities. • Nature-Driven Dentistry: We incorporate natural, holistic solutions whenever possible, such as ozone therapy and essential oils for gentle disinfection and remineralization, rather than relying solely on harsh chemicals or invasive procedures. • Artistry & Aesthetics: We combine the science of dentistry with an artistic eye to create beautiful, functional smiles that enhance your natural features using high-quality, metal-free materials like ceramic implants and crowns. • State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilize advanced tools like the Canary Scan, 3D imaging, and microscopic plaque analysis for early detection and precise, minimally invasive treatments, ensuring comfort and efficacy. • Patient Comfort & Anxiety Relief: We have created a calming, spa-like atmosphere and offer numerous amenities (blankets, noise-canceling headphones, sedation options) to ensure a comfortable, stress-free experience. Our goal is to ensure we meet your immediate dental needs while empowering you with the knowledge and tools to promote long-term oral health for a beautiful, functional, and healthy smile.

Ceramic dental implants are a metal-free alternative to traditional titanium implants. They are made from zirconia, an extremely strong, durable, and biocompatible material that is white, naturally aesthetic, and highly resistant to plaque accumulation. Here’s a breakdown of why you might consider them and how we determine if they are right for you: Benefits of Ceramic Implants • Biocompatibility: They are a preferred option for patients with metal sensitivities, allergies, autoimmune conditions, or those who simply prefer a metal-free body. • Aesthetics: Their tooth-like color means they look more natural, especially in patients with thin gum tissue that might otherwise show a gray line with titanium implants. • Health Focus: Zirconia is hypoallergenic and has excellent tissue integration properties. How to Know if You Need Them You may be a candidate for a ceramic implant if you have a missing tooth or anticipate an extraction and are looking for a permanent replacement. We determine your need through a comprehensive evaluation that includes: • Consultation: We discuss your health history, preferences, and any sensitivities you may have. • Diagnostics: We use imaging technology (like 3D X-rays) to assess the health and density of your jawbone to ensure there is enough support for an implant. • Compatibility Testing: For patients with high sensitivities, we may perform specific testing to confirm zirconia is the ideal material for your body. Ultimately, the goal is to restore function, appearance, and long-term health using the safest materials available.

Dental anxiety and fear are very common experiences, and there is no reason to feel embarrassed. Our friendly team understands these concerns and takes extra steps to ensure you and your family feel comfortable and safe during every visit. In addition to maintaining a calming, spa-like atmosphere at our office, we offer a range of amenities and solutions to help soothe your mind and make your experience positive: Comfort Amenities & Technology • Relaxation Aids: Enjoy comfort options like cozy blankets and supportive neck pillows. • Entertainment: Tune out the noise with noise-canceling headphones, or enjoy our Wi-Fi and TV entertainment. • Soothing Touches: A warm, steamed towel after your treatment can help you feel refreshed. • Gentle Technology: We utilize modern, less invasive tools like digital X-rays and scans which are quicker and more comfortable than traditional methods. • Sedation Options For those needing extra help relaxing, we offer safe and effective sedation options: • Nitrous Oxide Sedation: A mild, fast-acting gas (laughing gas) that helps you relax during the procedure while remaining conscious. Our priority is to make your dental experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible.

The primary concern for holistic dentists is the potential systemic toxicity of materials like mercury amalgam fillings, which are about 50% mercury. They believe that even small amounts of mercury vapor released can be harmful and potentially lead to other health problems in the body. Solution: Holistic dentists use biocompatible, non-toxic materials such as composite resins and metal-free (zirconia) implants. For patients with existing amalgam fillings, they follow strict safety protocols (e.g., using rubber dams, air filtration, oxygen supply) for their safe removal to minimize mercury exposure during the process.

Some holistic dentists express concern that traditional root canal procedures, which remove the living pulp, may leave behind microscopic bacteria in the tooth's complex structure. They argue that these bacteria could potentially infiltrate the bloodstream, leading to chronic inflammation and systemic health issues. Solution: Holistic dentists may recommend alternative, less-invasive therapies or, in some cases, extraction of the infected tooth followed by a safe replacement like a zirconia implant, if necessary. They prioritize treatments that support the body's natural healing and do not involve "sealing" bacteria within the bone.

Holistic dentists focus on the root causes, not just the symptoms. Solution For decay: They emphasize prevention through nutritional counseling (reducing sugar and acidic foods, increasing nutrient-rich foods), proper oral hygiene, and the use of ozone or herbal antimicrobials to eliminate decay-causing bacteria without invasive drilling in some cases. For gum disease: They use non-surgical approaches, often incorporating highly effective lasers or ozone water/gas to clear the area of bacteria and reduce inflammation, in conjunction with lifestyle and dietary changes.

Dental implants are widely considered the treatment of choice for a missing tooth, provided there is enough bone of sufficient density to place the implant. Just like natural teeth, a dental implant provides the necessary stimulation to preserve the surrounding bone. In cases where a tooth or root is fractured, placing the implant immediately into the original socket can provide the best possible healing for the area. Made of titanium or zirconia, which are highly biocompatible, dental implants are well-tolerated by the bone and soft tissue. For patients with dentures, even a few strategically placed implants can dramatically increase comfort and confidence by providing exceptional retention.

Yes, some patients have sensitivities or autoimmune conditions that make them reactive to certain metals or chemicals used in traditional dentistry. Solution: Biological dentists perform biocompatibility testing, often through blood analysis, to ensure the materials selected for fillings, crowns (preferring metal-free ceramic options), or other procedures are compatible with the patient's specific body chemistry, minimizing the risk of adverse immune responses.

Yes, holistic dentistry considers the whole body, including the impacts of stress. Solution: They may suggest a combination of oral adjustments, nutritional supplements, mouth-guards, and stress reduction techniques (such as hypnosis or mindfulness) to manage stress and alleviate associated problems like headaches, migraines, and jaw pain.

Holistic dentistry (also known as biological or integrative dentistry) is an approach that treats your oral health as an integral part of your entire physical and emotional well-being. We focus on the connection between oral issues (like gum disease or infections) and systemic health conditions (like heart disease or diabetes), using safe, non-toxic materials and minimally invasive techniques to support your body's overall health and natural healing processes.

Both follow standard dental education and licensing requirements. The primary difference is the philosophy: Conventional dentistry often focuses on treating immediate symptoms in the mouth in isolation from the rest of the body, using traditional materials. Holistic dentistry considers your whole body, diet, lifestyle, and unique sensitivities when creating a treatment plan. We prioritize non-toxic materials (avoiding mercury and excessive fluoride) and address the root cause of issues, not just the symptoms.

We use non-toxic, metal-free, and biocompatible materials like composite resins or ceramics (zirconia) for all restorations. For sensitive patients, we may even perform material compatibility testing through blood analysis to ensure the chosen materials will not trigger an adverse immune response.

We offer these services but approach them differently. If a tooth is severely damaged, we carefully evaluate whether a root canal is the best option or if extraction followed by a ceramic implant is a healthier, long-term solution. We may use ozone to thoroughly disinfect the area during procedures to minimize the risk of lingering bacteria and infection.

Yes, cosmetic dentistry can have a significant positive impact on your health in several ways: Improved Self-Esteem A beautiful, confident smile can renew self-esteem and outlook, which contributes positively to emotional and mental well-being. Motivation for Better Hygiene This renewed confidence often motivates patients to take exceptional care of their new smile. This improved diligence in oral hygiene leads to less bacterial accumulation, reduced risk of dental decay, and healthier gums. Systemic Health Benefits Better oral health directly contributes to improved overall systemic health, as there is a strong link between healthy gums (less inflammation) and a reduced risk of conditions affecting the entire body. Safe Materials In a holistic practice, we ensure that the materials used for cosmetic solutions (such as veneers or crowns) are non-toxic, metal-free, and biocompatible with your body.

At our practice, we recognize that oral disease is often an infectious disease, and a strong immune system can significantly help prevent susceptibility to these organisms. Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall life balance and immune function. Here’s how we address the root causes: • Customized Hygiene Programs: We help implement a specific dental hygiene program tailored to your needs, often integrating natural tools like essential oil irrigations for gentle disinfection. • Lifestyle Factors: We emphasize that proper diet, adequate exercise, sufficient sun exposure (Vitamin D), hydration, and stress relief all help to build a strong immune system that can fight off oral infections. • Advanced Evaluation Tools: We use modern, diagnostic tools to evaluate your specific oral health and susceptibility, including: • Canary Scan: A low-powered laser that can detect early signs of decay before they are visible to the naked eye. • Microscopic Dental Plaque Analysis: To identify the specific types of bacteria present in your mouth. • pH Testing: To assess the acidic or alkaline balance in your mouth, which heavily influences bacterial growth.

A dental plaque analysis offers a clear window into your oral health and, subsequently, your overall health. We take a small sample of your saliva and plaque and examine it together with you under a microscope. This is the best way to treat disease—by understanding its source. As part of our biological approach to dental treatment, we can identify unhealthy microbes and assess whether the issue is local (hygiene) or systemic. Additionally, your acid-alkaline balance is a crucial barometer for oral health. If your system is acidic, you may be more prone to cavities and gum disease. This simple, non-invasive test allows us to better understand your system's balance and work towards a more alkaline state for optimal health.

Research shows that cavities result from an acid/alkaline imbalance. Acid, which is produced by bacteria that consume sugars and carbohydrates in our diet, demineralizes the tooth and creates cavities. Your saliva should have a pH of over 7 to effectively buffer these acids. To prevent decay, it is important to: • Minimize sugar intake and acidic foods. • Maintain a more alkaline diet. • Ensure proper oral hygiene protocols. • Maintain a healthy host susceptibility (less acidic internal environment). • Use a Canary Scan for a detailed report on the health of your teeth.

Gum disease is a complex issue influenced by diet, systemic health, and oral hygiene. It is a reflection of your body's immune response and microbial activity. Research indicates that 93% of North Americans suffer from some level of gum disease, often due to a combination of weakened immunity and microbial overload. At Rooted Dental, we will guide you on the proper hygiene protocols to effectively target unhealthy microbes. We have found that ozone treatment is incredibly effective in combating gum disease, as it kills bacteria, fungus, and parasites. It can be used for in-office irrigations and can also be used at home in ozone oil. Ultimately, regulating inflammation is key to controlling gum disease. We believe that balancing sun, sleep, exercise, stress, water, and diet will reduce inflammation and encourage ideal immune function.

Dry mouth, or Xerostomia, is a common issue affecting a significant portion of the adult population, often as a side effect of commonly prescribed medications. This condition can lead to increased cavities and gum disease and can negatively impact your overall health and quality of life. Here are some helpful tips: • Home Care: Dr. Schecter recommends frequent sips of water throughout the day. Remineralizing toothpastes, like those without fluoride, can also be very effective. • In-Office Care: We can perform a Canary Scan to determine the extent of any existing decay. We can also institute an antimicrobial and remineralizing program, which may include spot ozone treatments. Regular hygiene appointments and gum evaluations are also critical, as dry mouth can contribute to inflamed gums and bone loss.

The use of amalgam fillings is a well-researched topic in dentistry. Many people are concerned about the potential for continuous mercury release and the generated electrical currents in the mouth. While we cannot predict how amalgam fillings may affect you as an individual, we are committed to providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision. When the time comes to replace older amalgam fillings, it is crucial to do so in a safe manner to minimize mercury exposure. Dr. Schecter was one of the first dentists in Toronto to embrace advanced protocols for safe amalgam removal. We can discuss these specialized techniques with you and can help you connect with a knowledgeable primary practitioner to address any systemic concerns.

Root canal therapy has become a controversial topic in holistic circles. While organizations like the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario maintain there are no adverse effects from a successful root canal, many holistic practitioners express caution regarding potential systemic issues. At Rooted Dental, we believe it is essential to have an individualized conversation that considers your overall health, the location of the tooth, and your personal health philosophy. We are committed to educating our patients, protecting their well-being, and respecting their choices.

Ozone therapy is an innovative treatment that amplifies our body's own natural healing responses. Research shows that our white blood cells produce ozone gas to combat disease. As a gas, ozone can penetrate into hard-to-reach areas, effectively killing bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Its negative charge acts like a magnet, drawing it toward inflammation and infection. Ozone therapy is a cornerstone of our practice, used daily in our gum and cavity prevention protocols. We can infuse ozone around the gums, spray it onto decayed surfaces, and use it to fumigate root canals before they are filled. This versatile therapy helps to reduce infection and can even help prevent root canal therapy and reduce temperature sensitivity.

Homeopathy is a research-based, scientific method of treatment that is based on the law of similars. Homeopathic remedies, derived from natural sources, are used to provoke a healing reaction in the body. While conventional medicine often addresses the symptoms with pharmaceuticals, homeopathy works with the body to encourage a self-healing response. It is important to understand that homeopathy is not a stand-alone solution. It is most effective when paired with a balanced lifestyle, including proper diet, exercise, stress relief, and sleep. We can help you find balance in these areas, as they are crucial for optimal health. We have found that when combined with healthy habits, homeopathic remedies can offer long-term benefits in resolving underlying susceptibility to conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride is a highly debated topic in the dental world. For decades, it has been used to help prevent tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acid. However, some research has raised concerns about its effectiveness and potential health risks, with some studies suggesting a link between high fluoride exposure and various health issues. At Rooted Dental, we are committed to staying current with all available science and providing you with balanced, sensible guidance. We understand that this is a personal decision, and we will always prioritize your health and well-being.