Natural Dental Arts

Natural Dentistry and your Health

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Dr Andrew Zakarian

Being part of the holistic health movement, for most individuals, is not a choice but a necessity.  In today’s environment, we are constantly bombarded with hazards and toxins. When considering the dietary and environmental health hazards one must navigate to remain healthy, it makes sense to incorporate holistic dentistry into your routine.

Holistic or natural dentistry is also known as biological dentistry. When researching natural dentists, use any of those terms to find what you’re looking for. The number of practicing holistic dentists is growing, indicating that more individuals understand and realize that oral health affects your entire body. Be sure that your dentist understands and utilizes the foundation of holistic dental treatment, including mercury-safe treatment, biocompatibility testing for dental materials, fluoride safety and hygiene, and management of dental infection.

The management of oral health can use many modalities including acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, naturopathic medicine, and chiropractic treatment. These can be integrated with other treatments for detoxifying the body. At Natural Dental Arts, many of our patients utilize these modalities, but most have found, that good health can only be achieved if proper oral health is established.

At our practice, we follow the foundation of holistic dental treatment. Managing dental infections is of the utmost importance when managing health because the infection could spread throughout the body. It’s surprising how many health conditions are actually triggered by oral health problems, such as an unchecked dental infection. We also address oral electro-galvanism caused by multiple heavy metals being in fillings or crowns in your mouth. These electrical currents can potentially cause problems of the natural energy of the body, especially the nervous system. Additionally, we use ozone which is used to kill infections without harmful side effects.

Our practice recognizes how hard you work to maintain your health. Staying healthy allows you to live your fullest life, one where you can attend to your goals, ambitions, family, friends, and responsibilities, without worrying about running out of energy or stamina. Because oral health impacts overall body health, natural dentistry is the ideal solution for a conscientious consumer.

Becoming and staying healthy today is becoming increasingly more difficult, but maintaining your oral health through natural dentistry can contribute a lot to your overall wellbeing.

What is an IAOMT Dentist?

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IAOMT Dentist

Dr. Zakarian is an Associate of the IAOMT, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. This membership shows a strong commitment to biological dental practices.

The IAOMT is not tied to age-old paradigms or by what would stand as the conventional wisdom of general dentistry. As all things evolve, so should the way we practice dentistry. The IAOMT constantly reviews new data from scientific research in order to find innovative solutions to dental problems. Since 1984, when the organization was founded, they have operated by the motto “show me the science.”

This motto has been maintained for the three decades the organization has been educating dentists on safer practices for their patients. The IAOMT now has several hundred members in North America and chapters in 14 countries around the world. Not only has the work of the IAOMT led to mountains of evidence pointing to the dangers of mercury in dental fillings, but the organization has also paved the way for dentists to approach dental care with the use of biocompatible materials and techniques.

Dentists are responsible for the health and wellbeing of their patients. As such, it is our duty to consider new ideas that come from reliable research. One of the methods of IAOMT dentists is to practice using biologically compatible or biocompatible techniques and materials. An IAOMT dentist does not use dental amalgam. Furthermore, this dentist has been trained in the safety protocol set forth for the removal of amalgam dental fillings. This practice is maintained because IAOMT members understand mercury toxicology, fluoride toxicology, and are extensively trained to understand periodontal disease.

Why is Mercury Still Used in Conventional Dentistry?

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Mercury-free dentistry

By now, most people understand mercury is toxic, dangerous heavy metal, one to avoid at all costs. The original mercury fever thermometers are almost entirely banned in the U.S. and across much of the developed world. And on September 30, 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a plan to phase out mercury-containing non-fever thermometers in both commercial and industrial settings.  So why, then, do organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA) state it’s perfectly safe to use mercury amalgams (aka “silver fillings?”)

If it’s not safe to use mercury in glass thermometers, why would it be safe to put it in someone’s mouth?

Why Mercury-Free Dentistry is the Safest, Best Option

Mercury accumulation in the environment continues to be a worldwide problem. The mercury used in amalgams can change into methylmercury which is an even more toxic substance. After amalgams are removed, or after dental mercury waste is released into the environment, microorganisms transform the waste into methylmercury. This substance is even more toxic than the original mercury which then accumulates in fish, affecting humans and the animals that eat fish. (That’s why in our offices, we utilize a mercury scavenging system in our suction equipment.)

This is problematic because fish is incredibly healthy food and the mainstay of many traditional diets around the world. Consuming fish with mercury can negate the health benefits of fish and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. (Check out this chart to see which fish have the highest levels of mercury.) However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), mercury absorption from amalgam fillings is approximately four times higher than mercury absorption from consuming fish. So, if you have mercury amalgams, you’re at a higher risk than those that don’t of accumulating mercury in the body.

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) explains further how the mercury used in dental amalgams and general dentistry is released into the body and the environment.  (The WHO has found that the dental industry contributes 340 tons of mercury to the environment, yearly, and the EPA has found that dental offices are by far the largest source of mercury disposal at sewage plants in the U.S.) When considering the toxin-related health issues many of us are experiencing today (rates of autistic children increasing, more and more state-mandated, mercury-filled vaccinations, a tremendous increase in autoimmune diseases) it makes sense to limit the use of mercury both inside and outside the body.

Having seen the effects of mercury poisoning, and having seen health return after the removal of mercury amalgams, we believe that everyone should insist upon mercury-free dentistry. While government entities may be behind on establishing legislation for harm-free dentistry, the power is still in the consumers’ hands. Insist upon mercury-free dentistry! Ask your dentist what they use for amalgams, and if they think mercury is safe for their clients.  Want to get rid of mercury amalgams? Learn more about our protocol for mercury removal here.

 

 

Nontoxic Teeth Whitening

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Nontoxic teeth whitening
Dark stains or even the dulling of your smile can leave you feeling embarrassed or just plain dissatisfied. We are a society that appreciates attractiveness in the smile, with research showing that the majority of adults find this feature vital to personal and professional success. If you are not satisfied with the brightness of your smile, there is a proven way to handle stains, and Dr. Andrew Zakarian can provide the ideal treatment for you.
Our teeth naturally tend to discolor over time, faced with a variety of elements and substances such as:
  • Tea and / or coffee
  • Red wine
  • Richly-colored berries or juices
  • Medications
  • Smoking
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Poor oral hygiene
Taking care of your teeth and receiving regular cleanings from your friendly hygienist may enhance the brightness of your smile somewhat. When stains are affecting how you feel about this important facial feature, professional teeth whitening from your San Diego dentist can get you back on track.
Teeth whitening is a simple treatment that needs no bells and whistles. What is necessary for effective whitening is simply professional grade whitening solution, custom-fitted whitening trays, and a few weeks of your time. At Natural Dental Arts, we help patients achieve their smile goals using convenient home-whitening trays, designed to fit against the teeth perfectly.
Getting rid of stains is as simple as visiting your San Diego holistic dentist. During your first visit for teeth whitening, an experienced member of our dental team will take impressions of both upper and lower arches. The molds of your teeth will be sent to a dental laboratory where your teeth whitening trays will be made. In a subsequent visit, your trays will be evaluated for fit, and you will purchase your supply of professional-grade teeth whitening gel.
Teeth whitening trays may be worn for a few minutes a day, or as long as all night, while you sleep. Within a few days of regular use, you will notice your best smile starting to emerge as years of stains are lifted from within the deeper areas of enamel. Typically, two weeks of treatment is all it takes to transform a dull smile into one that is brilliant and youthful.
Many people crave a brighter smile. This is evident in the mass production of whitening products found in most stores. While these products are regularly purchased, this trend speaks nothing of the effectiveness of over the counter teeth whitening systems. As many people have discovered, the most effective, most comfortable way to remove stains from teeth is through professional treatment.

Safe Mercury Removal

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Safe mercury removal
There is no way to ignore the mountains of evidence that show us the potential dangers of mercury (Hg). This naturally occurring element is one of the most toxic found on earth. Many countries have taken notice, removing mercury from various products such as standard thermometers. It is interesting that, facing all of the current data against mercury use; conventional dentistry continues to use this substance in men, women, and children regularly.
Many people do not realize that the “silver” fillings placed by their dentist even contain mercury, let alone the amount of mercury in each filling. An amalgam filling has at least a 50 percent mercury content, a statistic that California dentists are now required to disclose to their patients, thanks to Prop 65. A holistic dentist is one who understands the immediate and long-term danger of mercury exposure.
Dr. Zakarian, a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, does not use dental amalgam to repair cavities. He also understands the importance of safe mercury removal.
Many dentists today may offer the removal of mercury fillings. There is a great advantage to receiving treatment from a holistic dentist. There are precautions that must be taken to avoid the excessive exposure to mercury during the removal process. Simply removing a filling without these precautions places the patient, dentist, and staff at risk.
The issue with mercury is that this substance vaporizes. This is how the body becomes poisoned. If an undisturbed amalgam filling emits mercury vapor, then the drilling of a filling will produce excessive amounts. Drilling on an amalgam filling releases mercury particles so tiny that they are easily breathed deep into the lungs.
Recognizing mercury as a dangerous neurotoxin, your holistic dentist will not simply drill out an amalgam filling. To minimize exposure, Dr. Zakarian uses a special protocol that involves the placement of a rubber dam around the tooth, isolating particles and keeping them from reaching any other part of the mouth. As amalgam fillings are being removed, patients breathe oxygen through a comfortable nasal cannula, and high-volume suction is used to remove any particles immediately as the filling is carefully removed. In the treatment room, protection from exposure in increased with the use of an Ion Scavenger.
Dr. Zakarian also recommends vitamin C as an added defense against mercury exposure. To ensure a restful, productive experience, oral conscious sedation is offered to patients to help them feel relaxed during their treatment. Following the removal of amalgam fillings, recommendations for detoxification, or a referral to a naturopathic care provider may be made.
The protocol followed at Natural Dental Arts in San Diego is intended to minimize the exposure to mercury during the filling removal process. Mercury is a neurotoxin that accumulates in the body. Follow up with a specific detoxification regimen is also suggested, together with a detailed before treatment. Your San Diego holistic dentist can help you rediscover health and vitality. Contact us at (619) 296-6899 for your appointment.

Ozone Treatment

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Ozone treatment
Oxidation is a term that most people associate with free radicals or even smog. Oxidation, for many, is a reminder that we must guard our bodies with antioxidant-rich foods and supplementation. In the clinical setting, oxidants have been shown as exceedingly beneficial, successfully treating conditions ranging from viral infections to arthritis and chronic joint pain. Among the most powerful therapies, used for ages, is ozone. Used in the dental setting, ozone therapy provides a path towards healing.
 
Ozone is a natural element, formed when oxygen meets electrical energy, such as when lightning strikes or when it rains. This interaction causes oxygen atoms to restructure with a third atom (O3) temporarily. In clinical settings, ozone is created using state-of-the-art equipment that simulates lightning via an electrical charge.
 
Research studies on ozone have led to the discovery of various properties that make it an ideal inclusion in integrative therapies. This powerful oxidizer is capable of destroying parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria on contact. In comparison to chlorine, another anti-bacterial, ozone is non-toxic and far more powerful, having thousands of times more power per molecule than chlorine. This power destroys pathogenic organisms at a rate of 3,500 times more rapidly than chlorine.
 
So why use ozone in dentistry?
 
Dentists are continually battling infection, both in the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. Oral infections occur because of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and may develop from a single organism, or a combination of various types. The problem with oral infections is that, as research shows, they are not isolated to the teeth and gums. These infections are caused by living organisms who are willing and able to travel to various other organs and tissues. The oral-systemic link is clear, and it is startling.
 
Holistic dental practices such as our San Diego office incorporate ozone into treatments as a way to:

  • Eliminate pathogens
  • Restore the proper metabolism of oxygen
  • Increase circulation
  • Activate immune function
  • Simulate the humoral antioxidant system
  • Create a more friendly oral environment

Being so closely related to oxygen, ozone is admired for its safety and efficacy. Our patients can experience the benefits of ozone treatments, and can learn more by discussing this therapy with Dr. Zakarian during their initial consultation

Huggins Protocol

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Huggins Protocol
There are problems with conventional dentistry, but not every dentist or patient is aware of them. Polls show that millions of people around the world suffer needlessly with health problems for which modern medicine can find no cause or successful treatment. Imagine living in poor health and feeling – or being told outright – that your problems are really all in your head. The truth is, there is a known cause for many of our common ailments, and that means a treatment can be found.
Dr. Hal Huggins is a veteran dental practitioner who linked mercury in amalgam fillings to serious, unexplained symptoms and diseases many years ago. His research also led to the discovery that many of the standard practices in modern dentistry, including root canals and dental crowns, can be highly detrimental to general health and wellbeing, leading to conditions for which medicine has no clear answers.

Who Is Dr. Huggins

Dr. Hal A. Huggins is a holistic dentist with a post-doc master’s in immunology/toxicology. Dr. Huggins has been practicing dentistry since 1962, and received his Master’s degree in 1990. He is most known for his persistent campaigning against the use of mercury in dental fillings. Throughout his career, he has treated over 5,000 patients suffering from toxicity and has pioneered innovative treatment protocols for autoimmune disorders brought on by dental toxicity.
Dr. Huggins is the author of several books and countless articles appearing in professional journals. He is a national and international speaker and has been interviewed on radio and television, including 60 Minutes in New Zealand (2007) and Australia (1989).
His protocol for the removal of amalgam fillings is used in several countries around the world.

Huggins Protocol

  • Use of rubber dam during amalgam filling removal
  • Amalgam fillings are removed in precise sequence
  • The 7-14-21 day immune cycles are avoided
  • Patients can be treated with conscious sedation
  • Replacement restorations planned for biocompatibility with the use of blood serum immunology testing
  • Blood chemistry can be used to establish the Ancestral Diet
  • Blood chemistry is also used to determine appropriate supplementation if any, and as a means to monitor varied needs
  • Acupressure is used to reintroduce interaction between nerves and muscles
  • Massage is used to create balance within calcium metabolism and white blood cell function
  • Administration of intravenous vitamin C, by your medical doctor, assists in detoxification and supplies mitochondria with the electrons needed for ATP formation
  • Consistent monitoring of the healing process, chemistries will show if the body is over-correcting, under-correcting, or is healing as it should

Invisalign

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Invisalign consultation

The first thing most people envision when they think of braces is metal covering the entire smile. The image of “metal mouth” is enough to keep many people from achieving their smile goals through orthodontics. The development of the Invisalign system has changed the way dentists can treat misalignment and certain bite issues. Now, teen and adult patients can feel good about their smiles, and the treatment that accomplishes their goals.

What sets Invisalign apart from conventional braces is the elimination of metal brackets and wires. Actually, there are no brackets and wires at all in the Invisalign system. Instead, teeth are straightened through the consistent but gentle pressure applied by BPA-free plastic aligners worn day and night. There are several benefits to these clear, discreet aligners. Not only are they more comfortable than sharp-edged metal braces, but they are also better at preventing gum problems because oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing is made much easier.

If you are ready to straighten your smile, you are welcome to schedule your personal consultation with our holistic dentist, Dr. Andrew Zakarian. During your visit, your orthodontic needs will be determined, and your dentist will discuss whether Invisalign will achieve the desired results. Once Invisalign has been determined suitable, innovative technology will simulate a replica of your current bite and alignment.

This high-tech impression will be taken of both arches, and sent to the Invisalign lab where ClinCheck software aids in the creation of custom fitted aligner trays. Different from conventional braces, Invisalign moves teeth gradually, with consistent pressure. The necessary pressure is applied through the wear of subsequent aligner trays, which are switched every few weeks. Over time, you will see the beginning of your new and improved smile.

There are additional ways in which Invisalign differs from metal braces. By wearing clear, plastic aligners, you will be able to enhance your smile in the most comfortable, discreet way. Unless your teeth are observed up close, no one will notice you are wearing a dental appliance. Your speech and eating habits remain as they always have been, as well. Invisalign aligners can be removed, which aids in the enjoyment of meals, and in successful oral hygiene.

Your smile can become your best asset with just a bit of enhancement

Oral Hygiene

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Oral hygiene

Our dental team understands that each of our patients has individual needs. Dr. Zakarian and our friendly hygienist encourage patients to discuss their dental care routine as well as their concerns. In order to keep teeth and gums as healthy as possible, regular exams and cleanings are recommended as a complement to daily at-home care.
 
We believe that your smile deserves individualized attention. The instructions that we provide to one patient for optimal oral health may differ slightly from those given to another patient. For instance, those with dental restorations like bridges will care for their teeth differently than a patient with an all-natural structure.
 
The two most common habits people hear suggested by their dentist are to brush and floss daily. Although the practice is the same for everyone, the way in which teeth and gums are cared for, and the tools that are used to complete brushing and flossing, may differ from person to person. We may recommend specific all-natural products for the successful management of gum disease, and other products for those who have sensitive teeth.
 
What our patients can count on is that they will be advised on oral hygiene in a way that will extend health-giving benefits to the entire body.
 
During consultations, Dr. Zakarian discusses existing oral hygiene practices with each patient and may make recommendations for enhancements as needed. Our patients may learn that they can achieve greater results with a toothbrush tailored to their needs, or an oral irrigator as an alternative to conventional floss.
 
The goal of oral hygiene, both in and out of your dentist’s office, is to keep harmful bacteria from posing problems to teeth and gums. We understand through ongoing research that oral bacteria reach other areas of the body, causing system-wide inflammation and chronic health issues. How lucky are we to have the tools to protect our health, starting in the mouth!
 
Holistic dental care is more than routine dental exams and silver fillings. Our method is to promote healthy smiles and bodies through individualized, biocompatible treatments.

Biological Dentistry

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Biological dentistry

Your dentist is considered your primary care provider for your healthiest smile. General dentistry is focused on the prevention and treatment of a variety of dental problems, including cavities and gum disease. Holistic dentistry understands that dental care affects the health of the entire body. Dr. Andrew Zakarian, with a Master’s degree in immunology/toxicology, and over 25 years of dental experience, is proud to offer San Diego patients excellent dental care that seeks to promote whole-body health.

More and more, people are seeking to learn more about integrative medical and dental treatments as a way to gain control over their health. We are proud to offer the knowledge and services that will help patients reach their health and smile goals. It is our practice to empower our patients with information and biocompatible care. We do not harm their health by “restoring” teeth with harmful substances such as dental amalgam. In our holistic approach, we look for the cause of dental problems so that their effect is stopped quickly, while general health is guarded.

Recognizing the direct connection between the mouth and the body, our team performs our various dental services with great attention to detail. Our office is equipped with specialized equipment designed with the wellbeing of the dental patient in mind. We have traded conventional x-rays in favor of digital imaging that reduces radiation exposure by more than 90 percent. Dr. Zakarian not only avoids the use of mercury but also avoids fluoride and other toxic substances regularly used in conventional dentistry.
Some of the other advantages of biological dentistry include:

  • Laser gum surgery
  • Electronic pulp testing
  • The use of loupes
  • Ozone treatment
  • Fiber-optic, hand-held devices
  • Safe removal of amalgam fillings using the IAOMT protocol
  • Serum biocompatibility testing

Our patients come from as far as Los Angeles and Joshua Tree because they trust our uniquely supportive holistic dental care. We listen to the dental concerns that you are facing, and work to find the most suitable solutions based on your unique chemistry. Together, we’ll achieve your healthiest, most beautiful, confident smile.

OUR LOCATION

 
 
Natural Dental Arts
3501 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103

619-296-6899 

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