FUNCTIONAL DENTISTRY

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL DENTISTRY?

Functional dentistry is not a separate specialty in dentistry, just a shift in approach and mindset. Dentists using a functional approach have the same dental degree and training as other dentists, endorse brushing and flossing, and recommend having a cleaning at least twice per year. This style of dentistry aims to have a wide variety of treatment options that address root causes, which may be a little different than what you’ve experienced in the past.

WE DO ALL THE NORMAL DENTIST STUFF (WITH A TWIST).

From the safest dental cleanings to complex concerns and cosmetic upgrades, we invite you to trust us for all your oral health needs. Just know that, it’s in our nature to identify and overcome the root cause of your concern and prevent future issues, not just treat symptoms.

PLUS, WE FACTOR IN EVERYTHING ELSE THAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR BODY.

Even though dentistry has typically been treated separately from the rest of your body, your oral health is deeply connected to your overall wellness. So, we’ll look at things like inflammation, Vitamin D levels, bloodwork from your doctor, airway status, and gut health to connect the dots in your whole-body health

THEN, PUT IT ALL TOGETHER TO HELP YOU BREATHE, SLEEP AND THRIVE.

After a thorough analysis, we’ll recommend the most minimally invasive plan to help your TMJ, muscles, teeth, and airway work in harmony so you can sleep well, breathe freely, and have the best shot at living your longest, healthiest life.

SALIVA TESTING

Just like your physician uses bloodwork to help make recommendations to keep you healthy, functional dentists use saliva testing to help diagnose and treat . Taking gum measurements alone does not address the cause of why tissue loss occurred in the first place, and identifies the issue after damage has already occurred.

An ever growing body of literature indicates a link between gum infections and systemic diseases. These include: cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal, colorectal cancer, diabetes insulin resistance, Alzheimer’s, respiratory tract infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Swallowing this bacteria and chewing when gums bleed, can introduce pathogens into the gut and blood to promote systemic conditions. . We may recommend sending off a sample of saliva to learn specifically which bacteria are present. Checking for the 11 most harmful bacteria in the mouth is crucial for determining if our oral health is putting our overall health at risk. With this knowledge of which bacteria are present, we can target therapies that are effective for you, then re-test over time to see if we are maintaining results.

OZONE THERAPY

Ozone is a safe and powerful natural gas that fights bacteria, fungi, parasites, biofilm, inflammation, and viruses and helps tissue regenerate. It is created when oxygen is combined with an electric energy source, thereby adding a third oxygen atom to an oxygen molecule.

Ozone can be used in the mouth in the form of a gas, an oil, or as ozonated water; it’s both antimicrobial and a disinfectant, and within a few minutes, it’s able to strengthen enamel and kill bacteria in your mouth. The oxygen atoms destroy plaque on our teeth and gums without hurting our own healthy tissue; that’s why ozone therapy is so invaluable during dental procedures, it creates a clean environment and prevents further infection. Ozone can be used to reduce sensitivity, treat cavities, gum disease, and infection in a way that does not create resistance. It is one tool used in functional dentistry as a stand-alone intervention or in conjunction with traditional methods like antibiotics.

TLC Dental Spa, is one of only a couple of hundred practices in North America that uses this advanced technology to prevent the need for more complex treatments and costly procedures.