Our Philosophy

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. ‘It is overfull. No more will go in.”

‘Like this cup,’ Nan-in said, ‘you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?’

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones; A Cup of Tea

In A Nutshell

An imbalance originating in the soil can ultimately affect an entire tree, from its roots all the way to its leaves. The resulting symptoms are directly related to that imbalance. The body works in much the same way. Current dental therapies offer only a “quick fix” solution, treating the symptoms of the “leaves” and ignoring their underlying cause. Meanwhile, the untreated cause may become more advanced and affect other susceptible areas.

SYSTEMIC DENTISTRY: A NEW GENRE?

MAINSTREAM BELIEF:

Dentistry is a local phenomenon. The mainstream belief rejects that infections and implanted dental materials travel into the body as systemic infections or toxicity.

LATEST RESEARCH:

Dentistry is a systemic phenomenon. The latest research now demonstrates that infections, toxins and biotoxins (toxins made by microorganisms) can spread beyond the “local” environment of the mouth into systemic (general) circulation. They may then find a susceptible site from which infection or inflammation can result. For some, it could be the heart, arteries, pancreas, lungs, liver, uterus or kidneys.

A SYSTEMIC DIAGNOSTIC PHILOSOPHY: THE PROCESS OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

MAINSTREAM BELIEF:

The “stray bullet” theory of disease. According to this theory, an otherwise healthy person can be afflicted with a disease with no apparent steps or warnings leading up to the condition.

LATEST RESEARCH:

Disease is a process of cause and effect. It is not a “one step” process as is commonly believed. In other words, disease is not just an indication of a biomarker that is suddenly elevated on a test. Rather, it involves a series of steps in which the body is constantly trying to re-establish homeostasis.

A SYSTEMIC THERAPEUTIC PHILOSOPHY: IS THERE MORE THAN ONE METHOD TO TREAT A DISEASE?

THE PROGRESSION OF DISEASE

First, we have the underlying cause of disease, in which case there may be several. At the point where proper function is compromised, we say a disease state exists. If the disease state grows progressively worse, it may become susceptible to a focal infection. A focal infection is an isolated area of infection. When a focal infection enters systemic circulation, it may find a compromised or susceptible tissue, causing inflammation or infection in that tissue. It’s important to note that these systemic effects occur at a site distant from the original focal infection.

A MULTI-LEVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

  1. Preventive Treatment: The healing must incorporate the removal of those steps (cause) which initiate and allow progression to the disease state (effect).
  2. Disease Treatment: Typically, a local course of treatment attempts to compensate rather than to heal. It’s important also to consider the status of the disease state. Is it disease or infection which may spread systemically? This should be done before it has set in.
  3. Systemic Treatment: To be successful, this form of treatment must first determine the systemic effects or resistance factors which are being breached. Second, it must determine susceptible sites in order to initiate a compensatory form of therapy.

TREATMENT VS HEALING

“One needs first to have a healthy doctor-patient relationship before any true form of healing can result.”

This simple, yet powerful, statement is the key to successful healing and disease resolution. Often, strong mental or emotional issues are bundled into a physical problem. Healing is made easier when we address these issues. We always ask our patients to consider any detriment they may have to healing, and we recommend that they address these issues first.

OUR METHODS

A patient-individualized program, designed by our doctors to create true dental healing and systemic (body) health.

ANCIENT WISDOM:

HOLISTIC MODALITIES

  • Acupuncture: non-needle (needle as needed) techniques and applications in dentistry
  • Herbology: the use of herbs for healing
  • Homeopathy: remedies to alleviate pain and inflammation
  • Nutrition: the balance of food and supplementation

MODERN TECHNOLOGY: SCIENTIFIC MODALITIES

  • Testing: genetic testing
    • Immunological Testing (of the immune system)
    • Microbiological Testing (of disease-causing bacteria)
  • Materials: dental material testing (biocompatibility tests) for safe filling selection
  • Laser Therapy: stimulation of tissue and bone regeneration
  • Ozone Therapy: treatment of infections and guided healing

Our PledgeTo You

  • Whenever possible, we will recommend the best natural options for your dental problem, including natural alternatives to fillings, root canals, and pain control
  • We will alwaystake a conservative approach to your treatment (drilling and filling is the last resort)
  • To help prevent future problems, we will provide you with a scientifically designed dental wellness program
  • For your protection, we promise never to use mercury or fluoride in our office