I was young and usually had no idea of what they were going to do and was much too shy to ask. My appointment would begin in the hygiene chair, where I would do my usual gagging on the fluoride tray, followed by the general, thirty-second look-over by the dentist.

As I got older, I began to ask questions about what was happening. I don’t recall ever getting a straight answer to any of my questions – even the simple ones. The usual answer was, “It’s supposed to be like that.” But I couldn’t see how every person on every continent could possibly have the same issues with their teeth as I did.

I used to think that every dental office was similar, for they all seemed to mimic the mold of years past: a stark, dark, and smelly office. When I first walked into a holistic dentist office I was trying here in Anchorage, however, I knew I had found something better. I immediately felt welcomed and put at ease by the helpful, friendly staff. Even the view of the spectacular Alaskan mountains provided a bit of unexpected comfort. But most impressive of all was the comprehensive care and focus on total health that I experienced.

Although my first was for a “cleaning,” this was like no other hygiene appointment I had ever had before. The appointment was an hour and a half and included a thorough periodontal exam to check for bleeding, infection, and bone loss. The hygienist told me that 85% of Americans are in some stage of periodontal disease. She explained that bleeding is due to unhealthy gingival tissues that are filled with infectious toxins and microorganisms. Healthy gums should have the appearance of hard, pink plastic, and flossing should not cause them to bleed.

During the periodontal charting, my hygienist found that I had a few areas that bled and a few pockets that were up to 4mm in depth. She explained to me that I am actually in the beginning stages of periodontal disease! I was incredibly surprised to hear that, since former hygienists had always told me that I was “doing fine” and “had a beautiful smile.” The holistic hygienist informed me that I should have periodontal therapy in the near future – a procedure that would remove calculus and toxins below the gum line. Once the root surfaces and tissue are cleared of toxic debris, the gums can then begin to heal.

The appointment was an eye opener for me. And, for once, when I asked a question, I got an answer! I quickly made an appointment to have a session of periodontal therapy. Once that procedure was complete, I left the office feeling like my whole mouth was clean – and I don’t mean toothbrush clean, I mean really clean.

During these appointments, my hygienist also noted that I had quite a bit of popping from my joints each time I opened my mouth. I explained that I had orthodontic braces several years earlier and that, ever since, my jaw had continually “popped.” I also had daily recurrent headaches since getting my braces off. (Until that moment, I had always connected the headache to some other problem – lack of caffeine, disturbed sleep, environmental changes.) My hygienist explained that during an upcoming exam, a full analysis of my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) would be done as well.

A few weeks later, I had my first exam with the dentist. It was the most thorough dental exam I have ever had. The assistant took my blood pressure, checked the Ph level of my saliva, and tested the levels of Vitamin C in my system. When the necessary x-rays had been developed and tests completed, the doctor came in to begin the exam.

The exam included a review of the x-rays to look for any unhealthy bone, abscesses, cysts, recession, root trauma, or other anomalies that might be present. My dentist then went on to review the x-rays for possible areas of decay. He examined the panoramic x-ray to determine the size of my sinuses and to see if there was any current congestion in them and then went on to check my carotid arteries and jaw joints. He continued with a soft tissue and periodontal exam, checking my mouth for any anomalies that could develop into something else, such as oral cancer. He checked every tooth for cracks or crazing, areas that have been worn into the dentin, and mobility. He made note of any teeth that were rotated or extruded and then continued to do a thorough check of all of the muscles and tissues surrounding my head, face, neck (lymph nodes), jaw muscles, and sinuses.

As the doctor checked the range of motion of my jaw joints, he noted that the popping noise was due to an occlusion that was not correctly aligned; thus, my joints and muscles were overcorrecting the difference. (It’s no wonder I always had a headache!) He explained to me that an extensive “bite study” and “bite balancing” would be beneficial.

Once these procedures were completed, I had immediate relief from the headaches that had plagued me for years. While the bite balancing alone worked to relieve my headaches, I knew that other people continue to have problems with headaches and health problems. Perhaps the ongoing controversy between amalgam (silver) fillings and composite (non-mercury) fillings plays a part.

The word is spreading about mercury and its effects on the human body. Memory loss, depression, and headaches are just a few of the many side effects that have been linked to mercury toxicity. Mercury is more toxic than arsenic and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a toxic waste. When placed in the body as an amalgam filling, shouldn’t it still remain a toxin?

I learned that during amalgam placement and removal, toxic mercury vapors are at their highest levels for absorption into body tissues. My holistic dentist told me that when removing a failing amalgam filling, he takes multiple steps to protect the patient, himself and his staff from mercury exposure. This may include IV Vitamin C chelation, high-speed vapor suction, rubber dam placement and mercury traps, along with specific mechanical techniques during the procedure.

I am looking forward to my next appointment and getting my mercury fillings removed in the near future. It was a wonderful experience to be in a holistic dental office that was willing to answer all of my questions. I think their mission statement sums it up perfectly. It reads, “We are a team of health centered professionals dedicated to excellence and wellness. Our mission is to share information of wellness with our clients, so that they may make informed choices about their dental health.”