
- Tea and / or coffee
- Red wine
- Richly-colored berries or juices
- Medications
- Smoking
- Genetic predisposition
- Poor oral hygiene
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:
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
Across conventional and holistic dentistry, the intent of dentists is to guard the natural tooth structure as much as possible. Dr. Zakarian, when providing restorative dental care, determines the most conservative form of treatment before recommending any specific procedure. This is called minimally invasive treatment, a philosophy that Dr. Zakarian follows throughout his practice.
Our patients benefit from our approach to dental care, which considers the restoration of a damaged tooth or teeth first with composite resin fillings, or custom crafted inlays or onlays, before a dental crown is deemed the most suitable treatment. A biocompatibility test is done to determine which material is healthiest and best tolerated by the patient.
We’re committed to the preservation of natural tooth structure, and whenever possible, the protection of the existing structure. There are some instances when a dental crown is necessary to prevent further damage to a tooth that has been weakened in some way. Several circumstances may call for restoration with a biocompatible dental crown, such as:
Dental crowns act as a layer of protection, fully covering the visible part of the tooth. Made of non-aluminum, fully-tested porcelain, the crowns designed by Dr. Zakarian contain no metal, making them fully biocompatible as well as attractive. There is no worry over a dark line near the gums, or a galvanic effect; just a long-lasting, beautiful restoration.
Crowns may be used as the sole restoration when a tooth has been damaged. A dental crown can also be used on top of a dental implant.
Fixed dental bridges can be a solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Dental bridges, like crowns, have been a longstanding part of restorative dental care. A fixed bridge can restore functionality and an attractive smile after a tooth or teeth have been lost.
Taking precise measurements through dental impressions, two porcelain crowns are crafted in a state-of-the-art dental lab. When there is a space between two crowns, an artificial tooth, created to perfection in size and shape, can be placed. Fused together as a single piece, the bridge is then cemented into place to restore the smile affected by tooth loss.
Serving families with the highest standard of biological dentistry is what we love to do. Dr. Zakarian gets great satisfaction from helping patients of all ages prevent and handle dental problems in ways that will promote health and wellbeing.
We provide excellent holistic care to patients from our vicinity, as well as Central and North San Diego County. Some of our patients come from as far as Joshua Tree or Los Angeles to benefit from our nontoxic dental services. Whether you are looking for a dental home to manage the health of your smile, have problematic amalgam fillings that need to be removed, or want to enhance your smile with conservative cosmetic dental treatment, Dr. Zakarian’s years of experience will provide you with your best dental solution.
From children to seniors, Dr. Zakarian and our friendly dental team provide treatment and assistance to keep teeth, gums, and the body healthy and vibrant. Our office environment is soothing and professional, with a Zen Japanese garden for your enjoyment. By working with an IAOMT dentist, you will discover the most successful ways to care for your smile, and will be able to trust that your needs will be not only met but exceeded through the use of biocompatible materials and gentle techniques.
Our dental family is committed to providing your family with positive dental experiences. With a convenient location and flexible office hours, we strive to make your visits simple and productive, and always stress-free.
Some of the advantages to obtaining care at Natural Dental Arts include:
You deserve to enjoy your healthiest, most attractive smile. Achieving your smile goals, however, should not cost you your health. Dr. Andrew Zakarian uses the most suitable materials for each patient based on his or her precise needs. Our techniques contribute to your good health.