Vaca and Kirby Dental embraces an integrative dentistry approach to your care. This means we treat the root of the symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. Our approach gives our patients a higher quality of health overall, and permanent care results.
If your oral health is left to deteriorate while your symptoms are treated, there are incredible risks involved. The risks range from poor oral health and things like gingivitis, to much larger issues such as full-body infection, strokes, and even heart attacks. If your dentist is not addressing your overall health as part of your oral care checkups, you may end up with bigger health issues than a cavity to treat.
Diagnosing and Treating Early
Here at Vaca and Kirby, a central part of our approach is the prevention of issues or early treatment. We use modern diagnostics for early diagnosis. Some of our diagnostic tools include:
- X-rays: X-rays allow us to see signs of deterioration, cavities, and misaligned teeth. They are a great first step in helping us treat issues that are not visible to the eye.
- Oral Cancer Screenings: Oral cancer can be deadly if not caught soon. This is why we do screenings for oral cancer at every visit. If caught early, treatment and removal can be quick and easy!
- Saliva Tests: Saliva tests can help us assess gum disease, bacterial growth, and sometimes the presence of cancer.
- Nitric Oxide Screenings: Nitric oxide screenings help us detect a disease called PCD and can help us determine general lung and sinus health.
These diagnostic tools give us essential information that allows us to treat the root of the problem. They also allow us to treat the problem early on, preventing long-lasting damage and intense symptoms.
Holistic Dentistry Treatments
Beyond typical dentistry treatments, we may also suggest things that increase your overall health, which will aid your oral health. These suggestions will vary based on your oral health concerns and struggles.
We may suggest adjustments in your everyday life such as:
- Diet
- Stress management
- Sleep correction
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
These suggestions will increase your overall health and therefore your oral health, and vice versa.
Aiding your Overall Health
There are several oral health conditions that directly affect your overall health. By approaching concerns such as TMJ, breathing and sinus disorders, and oral inflammation, with a whole health lens we may be able to treat the underlying issues.
TMJ and Occlusion
TMJ can be a very painful condition, leading to intense symptoms such as sore and sensitive teeth, a popping or stuck jaw, nerve pain, and even broken teeth. Leaving it untreated can result in permanent damage to your teeth or joints.
Our integrative dentistry approach is to first diagnose and understand the severity of the issue, using imaging software such as the Dawson Photo Series. We will also use a Doppler auscultation, which is almost a stethoscope just for your jaw! Once we have determined the root cause of your TMJ, we will recommend a variety of things to support your body.
We may recommend an anti-inflammatory diet or medicine, physical therapy, or injections to the area where the joint pain occurs. These lifestyle adaptations may make all the difference in preventing your jaw pain.
Oral and Systemic Inflammation
Systemic inflammation can be caused by a variety of things. It can lead to mouth sores, toothaches, and gastric reflux.
Our first response to systemic inflammation is treating chronic stress as well as shifting to an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and diet. Sleep hygiene and addressing any potentially irritating toxins may also help inflammation.
Sinus and Airway Disorders
Sinus and airway disorders can result in horrible sleep and nasal congestion, just to name a few. These issues make it harder for your body to remain healthy. Long-term sleep deprivation can cause chronic stress and weight gain.
To diagnose airway disorders we do several different kinds of tests, mostly while you are sleeping at home, making them convenient for you. Our treatments depend on what kind of issues we discover. We may recommend an E.N.T. or allergy specialist. We will work with you and the specialist to give your sinuses the care they need to function well.
If you are struggling with sleep apnea, we have advanced technology that helps with tongue ties and expanding posterior airways. We may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss and a change in sleeping position, to promote healthier sleep. By utilizing these lifestyle changes, your oral health may just start improving!
Visit Vaca & Kirby Dental for Quality Care and Full Body Health
Come see the difference a holistic approach can make in your oral health journey at Vaca & Kirby Dental. We want your overall quality of life to improve by visiting our dentistry. If you are in the Longview, Texas, area, come visit our dentistry for an integrative dentistry approach that will change your life.
