What is holistic dentistry?
Conventional dentistry may only deal with the dental-related issues. However, modern dentistry tends to treat patients considering their entire body’s health, and even partnering with their other health care providers. Thus, holistic dentistry has gained much attention since it consider your teeth and all your health system as a person. Holistic dentistry is a form of dentistry which is also commonly known as:
Holistic and Biological Approach
General dentists essentially only diagnose and treat the conditions in the oral cavity, including teeth, gums, jaws, and the jaw joint. Yet, holistic dentistry is practiced based on the fact that every part of the body is interconnected; therefore, it addresses the overall health for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Dr. Nico Kamosi
Dr. Nico Kamosi is one of only five accredited members of the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) in the UK, a global leader in science-based, biocompatible and holistic dental care.
Accredited member of IAOMT, SMART Certified
Member of AACD, EFP, AAP, ESCI, IAOT
Using Alternative Therapeutic Methods
Traditional dentistry almost completely relies on evidence-based scientific information, practising only scientifically proven treatments like fillings, root canal treatments, braces, dentures, implants, and improvements in brushing, flossing, etc. Whereas holistic dentistry may go beyond different treatment modalities such as: Homoeopathy; Nutrition therapy; Herbology; Ayurveda; Meditation, etc.
If you consult a holistic dentist to solve your gum problems, or having a dental implant, you will be treated for your gums but also directed to a nutritionist to analyse and improve your nutritional deficiencies, which might have contributed to the dental condition or compromised immune deficiency. You will be informed about the relationship between gum disease and diabetes for you to have a better understanding of the importance of maintaining your dental hygiene to avoid non-communicable systemic diseases.
Using natural materials
Holistic dentists use only biocompatible materials such as Zirconia for dental implants, nano-hydroxy-Apatite for remineralisation, Bioactive paste for root canal therapy, L-PRF for bone regeneration, Ozone and laser for disinfection during their dental treatments. In selected cases such as history to metal allergies, a holistic dentist will perform a biocompatibility test (MELISA) to ensure the use of Titanium dental implants does not pose any harmful reaction to the substance.
Unlike traditional medicine, holistic remedies are all natural.
- Herbal mouthwashes instead of chlorhexidine mouthwash for gum disease
- Herbal toothpastes instead of chemical toothpaste for daily dental care
- Garlic essence, Cuercetin, Q-COA, and Propolis produced by bees to fight infections, in place of large doses of antibiotics
- BPA-free composite fillings instead of amalgam fillings which contain toxic mercury and other heavy metals
- Clove oil, Arnica, or Traumeel for toothache as instead of painkillers
Whole-Body Oral Health Explained (whole-body dental care)
Holistic integrative dentistry focuses on how oral health affects health and vice versa. Dentists who practise holistic dentistry and biological dentistry treat dental conditions after considering the connection and reciprocal biological and physiological impact the general and oral health of the patient.
How are holistic and biological dentistry different from conventional dentistry?
Holistic dentists are general dentists who use holistic techniques during diagnosis and treatment planning. However, there are many differences in the therapeutic protocols, biomaterials, and treatment strategies.
SMART Protocol: Protecting Patients, Team & Environment (SMART: Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal)
The Health Risks of Mercury Fillings: Amalgam is a silver-coloured material that was used extensively to fill cavities. Regardless of many pros of amalgam, containing mercury is considered a major drawback. Even though mercury fillings are approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and backed by the American Dental Association (ADA), holistic dentists refuse to use amalgam, considering it harmful. Mercury is a heavy metal and there is a rare chance of mercury intoxication if overdosed over time.
In selected cases with specific systemic medical conditions; they recommend replacing existing mercury fillings with BPA-free composite fillings if necessary. Composite fillings come in different shades to match the natural tooth colour, and they are resins that are not harmful to people according to available research.
Our specialists are IAOMT & SMART Certified for Safe Care
Biocompatible, BPA-Free & Metal-Free Restorations
- BPA-Free Composite Bonding (BPA-free dental)
- Ceramic Crowns, Bridges & Maryland Bridges
- Zirconia Ceramic Implants
Digital-Implant-Planning and Guided Implant Surgery
Zirconia is the new generation of implant material are the best biomaterial option to replace Titanium dental implants. It offers high material hardness, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. These white-coloured dental implants offer the ultimate aesthetics and appearance of the surrounding gum tissues. As Zirconia dental implants causes no allergic reactions, they are the most suitable biomaterial in patients with metal allergies. It is the safest biomaterial to preserve the oral bio-environment. Due to minimal propensity to chemical corrosion and no electrical conductivity, Zirconia implants offer biomaterial durability and longevity. Thermal Non-conductivity: the non-conductivity of heat and cold offers more comfort during intraoral thermal variations. The lower affinity to bacterial plaque and its higher peri-implant vascularisation enhances the soft tissue integrity while reducing the risk for peri-implant inflammatory diseases and biological complications.
The new generation of zirconia biomaterials offers a combination of superior aesthetics and biocompatibility, along with excellent strength. It is a promising alternative to traditional titanium implants.
Dr Nico Kamosi is a certificated member of European Society for Ceramic Implantology (ESCI) and uses the Swiss Nobel pearl implants.
Regenerative Dentistry & Biological Healing
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
As an initial phase of our systematic non-surgical periodontal treatment, we implement Ultrasonic EMS PIEZON NO PAIN technology followed by AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master to accomplish Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol, the pioneer concept of modern biofilm management
Ozone therapy
To deal with dental infection the antimicrobial effect of Oxygen/ ozone therapy in dentistry is implemented utilising multiple protocols and clinical applications in combating dental disease. Localised and systemic Ozone therapy is a non-invasive
disinfecting technique to eliminate harmful bacteria while enhancing the tissue healing by stimulating the body’s natural immune defence mechanisms.
Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)
We use the antimicrobial effects of Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy at 445um. This minimally invasive technique helps remove bacteria within the infected tissue while promoting the regeneration of healthy gum tissue. LAPT is particularly effective for treating deeply infected gum pockets as an adjunct to mechanical ultrasonic debridement.
Photo-biomodulation (PBM)
Photo-biomodulation therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses red light to promote cellular healing and reduce inflammation. For decades, PBM or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) therapy has been effectively used in the treatment of gum disease, joint disorders, and post-surgical healing. PBM improves oral health and enhances well-being by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Extra-oral and Intra-oral application of the PBM
Ozone Therapy & Photo-biomodulation
Ozone therapy and PMB can be incorporated into periodontal treatment to support the body’s natural healing processes. Ozone helps disinfect the affected areas, while PBM uses light to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation, contributing to faster recovery and improved gum health.
Gum Grafting for Receding Gums
For patients with significant gum recession, gum grafting can restore lost gum tissue and protect the roots of teeth from further damage. By regenerating gum tissue, this treatment helps reduce tooth sensitivity, prevent further gum loss, and improve the smile’s aesthetics. One of the primary treatments we offer for receding gums is gum grafting. This procedure restores lost gum tissue and covers exposed tooth roots, protecting them from further damage, sensitivity, and decay. Gum grafting not only improves the health and stability of your gums but also enhances the appearance of your smile, making it an ideal solution for both functional and aesthetic concerns.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) for Faster Healing
L-PRF stands for Leucocyte Platelet Rich Fibrin, extracted from individual’s own blood in concentrated form of platelet using a dedicated centrifuge. Regenerative cells and tissue growth factors are concentrated in a blood clot are placed into the tissue defect during the regenerative surgical procedure to gradually enhance the tissue healing. Dentist in London Dentists Specialists combined L-PRF with different graft replacement materials to restore the hard tissue defects caused by a significant bone loss in different regenerative surgical procedures.
Guided Tissue Regeneration for Periodontal Regeneration
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) is a specialized technique in the field of periodontology to stimulate and enhance the regrowth of reduced tooth-supporting periodontal tissues (bone and gum). GTR promotes the stimulated tissue healing and regeneration of the tooth-supporting structures via placement of a biocompatible membrane over the bony defect. Growth factors such as Emdogain® (EMD) could also be additionally used to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative processes, encouraging the re-growth of lost tooth-supporting tissues (cement-attachment-bone).
Education and Maintenance
We promote patient education in our preventive and maintenance oral health care by providing insights on optimising our patient’s diet, oral hygiene, and environmental well-being. We aim to support and empower our patients to actively prevent dental and gum disease daily. At the same time, we provide them with continual individualised supportive maintenance care.
Comprehensive Care for Gum Health and Well-being:
Combining these advanced holistic treatment modalities in our holistic approach ensures that each patient receives individualised integrative periodontal care to achieve the most optimised treatment outcome.
Holistic alternatives to root canal treatment
Holistic dentists may adhere to root canal alternatives and strategies to avoid the need for root canal treatment including:
Early Intervention with Remineralisation Therapies: Ozone therapy, Topical remineralising agents (calcium phosphate,), Proper dietary modifications may help to remineralise enamel and reverse early decay, avoiding pulp involvement altogether.
Conservative Biological Restorative Dentistry: When cavities have progressed but not yet reached the pulp, biological restorative techniques such as Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART); Use of biocompatible materials (BPA-free composites, ceramic restorations); Minimally invasive caries removal (Smart Caries Removal techniques). Allowing for maximum preservation of tooth structure, reducing the risk of needing endodontic therapy later.
Pulp Capping and Pulpotomy Techniques: If caries extend close to the pulp chamber but the pulp remains vital, pulp capping or vital pulp therapy can be considered. Materials such as Calcium hydroxide, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), or Biodentine can promote pulp healing and reparative dentin formation, helping avoid the need for full root canal treatment.
Holistic Orthodontics & Jaw Health
Holistic orthodontic treatment approach can promote the health of teeth and gums, optimize chewing, and alleviate jaw pain in case of deflective teeth contact interferences. Creating a holistic treatment plan based on appropriate diagnosis is essential to improve both bite and jaw alignment while offering you a pleasing natural smile.
Before embarking on orthodontic treatment, a comprehensive full-mouth assessment should be undertaken to examine your gum health, the integrity and health of your wisdom teeth, the causes of possible existing gum recession, ongoing tooth surface loss, or other dental diseases, e.g., caries.
Non-Extraction Orthodontics should consider preserving intact teeth, growth and integrity of the arches.
Holistic orthodontic treatment should aim to optimize your bite functionality, jaw positioning, and the alignment of the Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect the lower and upper jaws.
Functional Appliances for Airway Health
Chronic snoring could lead to mental health deterioration and exhaustion. As a result increased risk of stress, depression, daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration and serious relationship problems lead to serious adverse health consequences for sufferers, and their bed partners including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, etc. Severe snoring could lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) if left untreated.
Holistic dentists play an important role in practising sleep medicine by assessing and screening patients and managing sleep disorders. Dentists who are specialised or trained in sleep medicine could assess the risks of suffering from OSA to make an initial diagnosis and treat snoring. If you suffer from chronic snoring please refer to a certified clinician at London Dental Specialists clinic who makes a difference for our patients, raise awareness, and solve their snoring problems.
TMJ Support & Bite Rehabilitation
Repositioning, and Relaxation splints are full-coverage heat-cured hard acrylic occlusal appliances designed to treat conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD), bruxism (teeth grinding) and related issues. These splints benefit individuals suffering from TMJD, bruxism, or related conditions. They aim to alleviate symptoms, protect teeth, and improve jaw function and comfort.
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Dr. Nico Kamosi
Dr. Nico Kamosi, is a holistic and biological dentistry leader. With his extensive training and innovative approach, Dr Kamosi offers comprehensive care that prioritises both oral health and overall well-being, all while utilising safe and biocompatible materials.
Renowned for incorporating advanced technologies and techniques, Dr. Nico Kamosi ensures optimal patient outcomes and is dedicated to mercury-free dentistry. As a senior clinical teacher in periodontology at King’s College, Dr. Kamosi also contributes to the education of future dental professionals.
At his practice, Dr Kamosi’s commitment to patient-centred care and holistic principles ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of tailored care.
Dr. Nora Cumiskey
Dr Nora is a fully qualified dentist with a special interest in holistic and biological Dentistry. She focuses on dental treatments that consider whole body health, rather than focusing on just the health of the mouth. It will involve a more comprehensive look at how your oral health can impact the rest of your body, and how your lifestyle could be impacting the health of your mouth.
Dr Nora is very passionate about and conscious of your overall health; in that aspect she provides a different perspective on your care to what you can expect to find in general dental clinics. We do not use amalgam (silver) filling material, that is approximately 50% mercury, a highly polluting neurotoxin.
FAQs: Common Questions Patients Ask About Holistic & Biological Dentists
Holistic dentistry, often referred to as biological or integrative dentistry, takes into account the patient’s entire well-being, including the health of the teeth and gums. Unlike traditional dentistry, which mainly focuses on oral health, holistic dentistry recognises the connection between oral health and the body’s overall wellness. At London Specialist Dentists, we prioritise non-toxic materials and seek to minimise interventions that might affect the whole system. We strongly believe in a comprehensive approach that includes attention to nutrition, lifestyle, mental well-being, and the use of biocompatible dental materials to reduce potential toxic reactions.
Yes, the treatments and materials utilised in holistic dentistry are selected with the patient’s complete health in mind. At London Specialist Dentists, we steer clear of materials like mercury amalgam fillings, concentrating instead on materials that are in harmony with the body. We place a strong emphasis on preventive care, nutritional guidance, and the application of minimally invasive techniques. It’s always recommended to consult with one of our trained and experienced holistic dentists here in London to discuss individual concerns and needs. Our team is committed to recommending treatments that align with your oral health and overall well-being.
The concern over using Bisphenol A in consumer products has grown since the early 1990s.
Bis-GMA, and similar dental materials, are derivatives of Bisphenol-A and may not share the same xeno-estrogenic effects associated with Bisphenol- A,. However, a growing number of patients have raised health concerns about BPA and its derivatives as dental materials.
The new dental composite materials apply di-methacrylate, free from Bisphenol-A, while maximizing stress relief during polymerisation.
At London Specialist Dentists, we offer you a full range of advanced, safe, BPA derivative–free products such as adhesives, composite and resin cement dental restorative materials manufactured from novel, stress-realising methacrylate monomers like AFM and AUDMA.
We strive to educate our patients who demand BPA-derivative-free products and procedures.