Modern dentistry is evolving beyond simply treating teeth and gums to encompass a more comprehensive understanding of how oral health is connected to the entire body. Holistic dentistry represents this paradigm shift, focusing on the interconnected relationship between your mouth and your overall well-being while using biocompatible materials and minimally invasive techniques that support your body’s natural healing processes.
At Club K Dental, we practice holistic and preventative dentistry that combines the best of Eastern and Western medicine approaches. Dr. Joshua Knapton believes in treating you as a whole person, not just a mouth, using safe, non-toxic materials and techniques that work in harmony with your body’s natural healing abilities, rather than against them.
Your oral health serves as a window to your overall health, with research consistently showing strong connections between dental problems and systemic health issues. The bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout your body, potentially affecting your heart, brain, and immune system. Holistic dentistry recognizes these connections and addresses the root causes of dental problems rather than simply treating symptoms.
Traditional dentistry often focuses on fixing problems after they occur, while holistic dentistry emphasizes prevention and supporting your body’s natural ability to maintain health. This approach considers factors such as nutrition, stress levels, sleep quality, and environmental toxins that may be impacting your oral health. By addressing these underlying factors, we can often prevent problems before they start and support your body’s healing processes when treatment is necessary.
One of the fundamental principles of holistic dentistry involves using materials that are compatible with your body’s natural chemistry. Many traditional dental materials contain metals or chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or contribute to systemic health problems in sensitive individuals. We prioritize the use of ceramic implants over metal ones, composite fillings instead of mercury amalgam, and other biocompatible materials that support rather than compromise your health.
Mercury amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for over 150 years, but growing awareness of mercury’s potential health effects has led many patients to seek safer alternatives. If you have existing mercury fillings, we offer safe mercury removal using specialized protocols designed to minimize your exposure during the removal process. This includes using rubber dam isolation, high-volume suction, and providing you with supplemental oxygen during the procedure.
Our metal-free approach extends beyond removing existing problematic materials. We use ceramic dental implants, which offer excellent biocompatibility and aesthetic results without the potential concerns associated with titanium implants. Ceramic implants integrate seamlessly with your jawbone and gum tissue, maintaining the natural appearance of your smile.
Holistic dentistry utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to provide a comprehensive picture of your oral health. Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure while providing detailed images of your teeth and supporting structures. We also conduct biocompatibility testing to ensure any materials used in your mouth are compatible with your individual body chemistry, thereby reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health, influencing everything from cavity formation to the progression of gum disease. We provide personalized nutritional guidance to help you make dietary choices that support strong teeth and healthy gums. This includes recommending specific vitamins and minerals that support oral health, discussing the impact of acidic foods and beverages on your tooth enamel, and providing guidance on timing meals and snacks to minimize bacterial growth.
We also recognize that factors like stress, sleep quality, and environmental toxins can impact your oral health. Our comprehensive approach includes lifestyle recommendations to support your overall well-being, which in turn supports your oral health goals.
Holistic dentistry offers a comprehensive approach to oral health, taking into account your overall well-being, rather than just focusing on your teeth and gums. By utilizing biocompatible materials, safe removal techniques, and addressing the root causes of dental issues, we can help you achieve optimal oral health while supporting your overall wellness objectives. Dr. Knapton’s commitment to combining Eastern and Western medical approaches ensures you receive the most effective and safest care possible.
Ready to experience the difference that holistic dentistry can make for your health and well-being? Contact our Springfield, Missouri, practice at (417) 397-7700 to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and discover how our unique approach can benefit your smile and your health.
At Club K Dental, we offer a distinctive dental experience that you won’t find anywhere else. We are a Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Biologic office committed to holistic dental care. Our practice focuses on finding and preventing the root cause of disease or damage rather than simply treating symptoms. We offer specialized services including Allergy Elimination through NAET, Ozone Therapy, and SAFE Amalgam removal. We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, holistic care that addresses your overall wellness, not just your dental health.
Your first visit with us will be approximately 90 minutes, during which we conduct a thorough assessment of your dental and overall health. We’ll take a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or 3D radiograph to examine your airway, bone structure and density, teeth, sinuses, and other anatomical landmarks in your upper and lower jaws. We also perform a Vitamin D test and a Saliva pH test to gauge your overall health status. You’ll receive a dental cleaning using ozonated water and meet with Dr. Knapton to discuss your health goals and treatment options. This comprehensive approach enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) is a non-invasive, drug-free method for treating allergies. This holistic approach helps identify and eliminate allergic reactions through a combination of techniques derived from traditional Chinese medicine, kinesiology, and chiropractic principles. Dr. Knapton is certified in NAET and has personal experience with its effectiveness. He sought NAET treatment for his own hands that were cracking and bleeding, with remarkable results after conventional treatments failed. He has also successfully treated his children for allergies using NAET, resolving his son’s sandpaper skin and his daughter’s persistent leg rash.
Our SAFE Amalgam Removal process adheres to strict protocols to safeguard you from mercury exposure during the removal of old mercury fillings. As members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), we adhere to scientific safety measures throughout the procedure. This includes using specialized equipment to minimize mercury vapor, providing oxygen during the procedure, using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, and employing high-volume suction to capture particles and vapor. We follow these protocols to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances while replacing your amalgam fillings with biocompatible alternatives. After removal, we may recommend detoxification support to help your body eliminate any mercury that may have accumulated in your system over time.
