Selecting a Total Health Dentist Los Angeles, CA
Poor oral health is often indicative of health problems elsewhere in the body (and vice versa). Unfortunately, many conventional dentists treat isolated conditions instead of addressing the root causes. If you are looking for a more integrative approach to oral healthcare, you may want to choose a total health dentist as your primary dental care provider.
Total health dentistry is available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Our team knows how to keep a close eye on the oral-systemic link to ensure your overall health. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Make a Complete Health Dentist Your Dental Provider
There are many benefits to receiving care from a complete health dentist. Complete health dentists have a holistic approach to dental care. We treat dental issues by considering the connection between oral and overall health.
Conventional dentists focus on identifying and treating dental issues related to the jaws, teeth, gums, and parts of the head and neck. In contrast, complete health dentists treat patients by taking a comprehensive look at all the elements that can impact oral health. Our team focuses on the whole body to provide the right guidance and treatments for patients.
“Complete health dentists have a holistic approach to healthcare.”
Total Health Dentistry and Insurance
Many patients hesitate to try out total health dentistry because of insurance concerns. Fortunately, however, many practices are covered by various health coverage plans. Just as with typical dentists, total health dental exams and cleanings may be covered without any out-of-pocket costs. Cosmetic and restorative treatments, however, may fall outside of insurance coverage.
While dental coverage is considered an essential health benefit for children, it is not considered essential for adults. In other words, all children with health insurance will have dental coverage, but adults may not. All insurance plans are different, so it is important for patients to confirm their coverage with their provider before making any plans.
“Just as with typical dentists, total health dental exams and cleanings may be covered without any out-of-pocket costs.”
Understanding Total Health Dentistry
Unlike traditional dentists, who tend to treat patients as passive recipients of care, total health dentists work collaboratively with their clients to set realistic goals and improve overall health. By providing the patient with a basic education of the state of their oral health, total health dentists empower individuals to make informed choices about their care.
To get the full benefits of their care, patients must shift their view of dentistry as something they seek on an "as-needed" basis and realize instead that it is a vital part of maintenance care. The oral-systemic connection means that proper dental care is an integral part of preventative health.
“By providing the patient with a basic education of the state of their oral health, total health dentists empower individuals to make informed choices about their care.”
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Total Health Dentistry and Inter-Provider Communication
As we have already established, the oral-systemic link necessitates that doctors treat patients' health from a more integrative standpoint. To see the best results from total health dentistry, an individual's healthcare providers must keep in communication with each other. It is rare for primary care providers to ask patients about their oral health, making it all too easy for certain signs of disease to be overlooked.
Additionally, several conditions exist bidirectionally with oral health. In other words, treating one can also effectively treat the other. Thus, it is imperative that all healthcare providers have an integrative understanding of the patient's conditions and adjust each treatment plan accordingly. We can work together with each patient's medical team to formulate the best plan for their unique needs.
“To see the best results from total health dentistry, an individual’s healthcare providers must keep in communication with each other.”
Questions Answered on This Page
People Also Ask
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. How can proper oral care prevent systemic disease?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Ideal Candidates for Total Health Dentistry
Though total health dentistry can help virtually anybody, some patients may benefit more than others. Typically, these involve those with chronic conditions. Just as severe gum disease (also known as periodontitis) may be correlated to various systemic conditions, several chronic diseases may lower the body's resistance to infection. In either case, oral health conditions may be more easily aggravated and common.
According to multiple studies, there is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and various heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Other systemic conditions correlated with oral health include, but are not limited to, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. Often, the symptoms of periodontitis are not obvious until it has already progressed. Keeping regular appointments with a total health dentist can help ensure that patients are staying in good health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I minimize the number of dental appointments I need?
A. The best things to keep dental appointments to a minimum is to have a proper oral hygiene routine. People should make sure to brush their teeth twice and floss once a day. Routine dental appointments are still important to maintain oral health.
Q. What services does a primary care dentist provide?
A. Primary care dentists provide various services that are vital to people's continued health. They provide treatment and care for the teeth, gums, and mouth. These dental professionals can provide routine exams, X-rays, teeth cleanings, sealants, and some restorative and cosmetic services.
Q. What happens during a routine dental visit?
A. During a routine dental visit, our team will clean the patient's teeth and examine their mouth for cavities and gum disease. We will also evaluate their face, neck, and mouth for abnormalities and check for the risk of developing other oral issues. The visit may also involve taking X-rays and photos.
Q. Why do people with diabetes need to see the dentist more often?
A. People with diabetes have high blood sugar that affects the teeth and gums. Managing blood sugar levels is key. The higher a person's blood sugar level, the greater their risk of developing gingivitis, gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth.
Q. What is a general practitioner?
A. A general practitioner is a doctor who offers preventative care and health education. They can perform routine exams and treat common medical conditions. They may refer patients who require specialized care to other care providers.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Total health dentists see you as a patient first, not just as a condition. At Vatan Dental Group, we will take the time to understand how your unique lifestyle affects your oral and overall health. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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