As a cosmetic dentist and a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), I take into consideration the entire body even though I am treating the mouth ( whole body dentistry). To make the body as healthy as possible for my Charlotte, NC patients, I want to minimize oral bacteria, use cosmetic dental materials that are minimally reactive with the body, and make sure the joints, muscles, bite (occlusion) are all working correctly and minimizing the chance of future dental disease. The best cosmetic dentist will do this to ensure that their cosmetic treatment last as long as possible for their patients. I also use mercury free and metal free dental materials.

The research is now overwhelming showing the relation between oral bacteria and long term health problems. Proper elimination of oral bacteria starts with a thorough examination for my North Carolina and South Carolina patients before any cosmetic treatment is even started. Along with digital x-rays, digital photos, and laser cavity detection, we do microscopic analysis of each patient's oral bacteria. The bacterial analysis starts by taking a sample of oral plaque from under the gum line. The plaque sample is placed under a high powered microscope. At this point the patient can actually see the type and quantity of bacteria on a computer screen. We then discuss the best way to treat the infection.

Our disinfection therapy along with our patients improved home care has eliminated the need periodontal (gum and bone) surgery for many of our patients. In addition to traditional periodontal (gum and bone) therapy our patients have the option of using ozone to treat the infection in their mouths. Ozone has been shown to destroy bacteria, virus and fungus. Since all these organism exist in the mouth ozone is ideally suited for oral disinfection. All our oral disinfectants contain no artificial chemicals. Finally, we can treat gum infections with laser therapy to further reduce the need for traditional periodontal surgery. Patients also have the option to be referred to a periodontist for their gum and bone therapy.

Ozone therapy can treat newly formed cavities and and help treat more advanced cavities along with traditional treatment.

Ozone is also used in our biologic root canal therapy.

Ozone:

Ozone is an unstable form of oxygen which consist of 3 oxygen atoms (O3). It reacts with other gases, changing their chemical structure. As ozone oxidizes/disinfects, it destroys harmful bacteria & contaminants, then reverts to normal oxygen.

Ozone and Bacteria

As a top cosmetic dentist my cosmetic dental materials need to be of the highest quality and as chemically stable as possible so breakdown and leaching into the body is minimal. We offer all types of metal free and mercury free cosmetic filling materials for our Charlotte, North Carolina and South Carolina patients as well. Also, the Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing (CMRT) is available if a patient requests it.

Before (mercury metal filling)	After (mercury free and metal free filling)

When old amalgam (silver mercury) fillings need to be replace, we always use an alternative protocol to remove them with no additional cost to the patient. This includes a separate oxygen supply to breath, a dental dam, patient face shield and a mercury source-capture filter. Patients can also be referred for supplementary services such as i.v. vitamin C and chelation therapy if they desire it. This is what is recommended by Hal Huggins, Biologic Dentist associations, Holistic Dentist associations, Mercury free dental associations and the DAMS support group.

Another important aspect of whole body dentistry concerns the removal of infected teeth. When teeth are removed we want to best ensure that no residual soft tissue and bacterial infections are left inside the bone. To the best of our ability we attempt to remove all soft tissue (abscesses and periodontal ligament) and infection until only bone remains in the socket.

Alternatives to root canal therapy are also offered to our Charlotte, N.C. patients if they do not want root canal procedures performed.

Nothing is better than having your own natural tooth structure in your mouth. As part of our holistic philosophy we practice minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry. The best way to practice minimally invasive cosmetic care is to do no care at all. This is why we constantly educate our Charlotte, N.C. patients on prevention of dental disease. When cosmetic treatment is required, we like to remove as little tooth structure as possible. So all our cosmetic techniques are geared to this goal. We can even offer non-surgical treatments for patients who have periodontal ( gum and bone) disease.

We use digital X-rays which reduce the radiation exposure to our Charlotte patients.

Finally, we make sure any cosmetic dental treatment we perform allows proper function of the jaw and maximizes the natural cosmetic appearance of our patient's smile (see our page in this website called "TMJ&Bite" page).