Integrative Health Blog

All dentists are taught to extract teeth. Some hone their skills with advanced training in residencies and internships, and others are mentored by experienced practitioners.  However, biological dentistry brings different principles to the oral surgery procedure and there is a distinction between what is done conventionally vs. holistically to optimize healing following the removal of teeth.  

Oral Surgery Procedures Biological Dentistry vs. Conventional 

A major difference between biological and conventional dental surgery is that we rarely use antibiotics, which may sometimes be overused by our conventional colleagues. We’ve often found that when the source of the infection is removed, the body can handle healing without causing adverse effects to one’s gut microbiome.  

When selecting local anesthesia, biological dentists  prefer to use preservative-free and epinephrine-free formulations. Doing so results in safer injections for our medically compromised and allergic patients. Epinephrine-free anesthesia promotes healing rather than impairing it which reduces post operative complications by eliminating the additive of stress-inducing adrenaline. 

Enhanced Care for Oral Surgery Recovery  

The major differences between biological and conventional surgery begin after the tooth is removed. First, the socket that remains in the jawbone is thoroughly cleaned of all residual infected soft and hard tissue. The socket is then flushed with powerful solvents that remove remaining toxic substances. Procaine has been used to promote wound healing for over a century. Next, we copiously flush the socket with ozonated water, a miraculous antiseptic and bio-film buster. Biological dentists understand the infection-fighting and healing powers of oxygen-ozone and use it routinely in as many dental situations as possible.  

Many dentists have started placing platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the socket to promote healing; biological dentists included. However, a holistically oriented dentist will avoid using artificial bone in the socket; instead, they prefer to use PRF alone or enhance it with natural bone chips.  

Postoperative care is also very different when you choose a holistic dentist for your oral surgery needs.  

1. Vitamin/Mineral or Vitamin C IVs can be immediately administered to boost immune response. 

2. Holistic post-operative supplements are suggested, including:

• Vitamin C and Quercetin, a potent combination that enhances connective tissue cell function and promotes rapid healing 
• Transfer Factor+, an immune-enhancing supplement  
• Arnica, a trauma recovery homeopathic used for centuries 
• A syringe of oxygen/ozone in olive oil for slow release. This is applied topically to the surgical site to enhance antiseptic properties and healing. 
• Routine oral surgery instructions are given for pain and bleeding along with other routine care instructions for healing sockets.
  

3. Biological Enhancements

• A prescription for pain medication is always given, but in our experience, they are rarely needed or used.
• Optimize the nutrition needed to heal the bone.  A combination of Vitamin D3 (5000-10,000iu), Vitamin K2 (100-200mg), and Vitamin C recommendations (1-5g) along with a bone vitamin/mineral supplement as appropriate for the patient containing silica, boron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and others.

To learn more about the distinction between what is done conventionally vs. holistically to optimize healing following the removal of teeth, and the benefits of biological dentistry, use the form below or call our experienced dental team at 202-237-7000.

Dr. Ifueko Obadiaru, DDS, is a biological dentist serving the Washington, DC metro area. She takes great pride  in providing her patients with holistically comprehensive and conservative care while maintaining a high standard of aesthetics. She treats adults and children and her areas of focus include comprehensive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and oral health education for every patient.