If you are familiar with holistic medicine as an alternative to the care that mainstream doctors in Connecticut provide, you may be interested to know that there is such a thing as holistic dentistry too.
Just as holistic medicine takes a naturalistic, whole-body approach to curing disease, holistic dentistry avoids many traditional dental techniques. Instead, the emphasis is on all-natural treatments tailored to the individual patient, based on their overall physical, emotional and spiritual condition.
Sound intriguing? Before you book an appointment with your local holistic dentist, you should know that giving up mainstream dental work is not without risk. Here are some potential drawbacks to holistic dentistry.
It may not help tooth decay
People with a history of tooth decay might not benefit from holistic dentistry. Most holistic dentists do not use fluoride, despite the fact that it has been proven to prevent decay. The alternatives they use might not work for you.
Holistic dentists do not perform root canals
If you develop a severe dental infection, a root canal might be the only way to save the tooth. But holistic dentists believe are unsafe because of the chemicals involved. They likely would recommend pulling the tooth instead, which may not be in your best interests.
Conflicts with prescriptions
Some of the herbs that holistic dentists “prescribe” could interact badly with prescription drugs you might be taking and give you serious side effects. A careless holistic dentist might neglect to ask you about your medications before recommending what herbs to take.
Possibly unsafe for people with chronic illnesses
There has been very little research into holistic dentistry. Experts do not know if it is safe for someone living with a chronic illness.
Harmed by a negligent holistic dentist?
Whether your dentist practices mainstream dentistry or uses a holistic approach, he or she owes you a duty of due care to provide reasonably competent care. A negligent holistic dentist can harm your teeth, gums or jaw at least as easily as a traditional one.
If that happens to you, you may be entitled to substantial compensation through dental malpractice litigation.