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Total Oral Dentistry
Morrisville, NC
Total oral dentistry treats a patient’s dental health in connection to their overall health. Each patient is more than just a single condition. Total oral dentistry takes a comprehensive approach to patients, recognizing the ways oral hygiene can affect other parts of the body.
Total oral dentistry is available at Dental Care of Morrisville in Morrisville and the surrounding area. We want to help you be the healthiest you can be. Call us today at (919) 588-3000 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Understanding Total Oral Dentistry
According to the Mayo Clinic, professionals consider oral health "a window to your overall health." Any dental hygiene issues may be indicators of deeper underlying overall health conditions or precursors to further problems down the road. The mouth is the entry point to both the digestive and respiratory tracts.
Severe gum disease (also known as periodontitis), along with the bacteria and inflammation associated with it, may also be correlated to some systemic conditions. Conversely, some diseases (like diabetes and HIV/AIDS) may lower the body’s overall resistance to infection. In turn, dental health problems may be more severe and easier to contract.
“Any dental hygiene issues may be indicators of deeper underlying overall health conditions or precursors to further problems down the road.”
Total Oral Dentistry and Other Conditions
Multiple studies have shown an especially strong correlation between periodontal disease and heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Periodontal microorganisms are also associated with other heart conditions, like dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Research has also confirmed an association between periodontal disease and ischemic stroke, with regular dental care acting to reduce a patient’s stroke risk.
Additionally, periodontal disease and diabetes exist bidirectionally — meaning that treating one condition can also address the other. This only seems natural when considering that diabetes can harm the eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, and other systems in the body. Periodontitis can also affect one’s blood sugar levels. Thus, diabetic patients should pay extra attention to their dental health.
“Research has also confirmed an association between periodontal disease and ischemic stroke, with regular dental care acting to reduce a patient’s stroke risk.”
What Makes Total Oral Dentistry Different
Total oral dentistry differs from regular dentistry in that it focuses on the patient as a whole. Whereas a conventional dentist is likely to treat conditions, a total oral dentist will take the time to look for any underlying, hidden signs of larger health conditions. Total oral dentistry centers on patient education and empowerment, allowing patients to become more active participants in their care.
Many patients make the honest mistake of seeking out dental care only when they believe there is something to address. In reality, proper dental care should be a vital part of anybody’s overall preventive health plans. Without regular checkups from a total oral dentist, many oral health conditions can go unnoticed until it is too late. This can lead to further oral health issues and other systemic diseases later on.
“Whereas a conventional dentist is likely to treat conditions, a total oral dentist will take the time to look for any underlying, hidden signs of larger health conditions.”
What a Total Oral Dentist Can Do for You
Most total oral dentistry practices will walk patients through every step of their treatment process. Patient education is an integral part of this. Consequently, patients will learn the basics of the conditions being addressed. At the same time, the total oral dentist-patient relationship is a collaborative effort.
Our team asks each of our patients what their concerns are, how they want to proceed, and what motivates them to stay healthy. We will consider all these factors while also identifying any potential causes for concern. More specifically, on top of providing personalized dental care, we may be able to prevent gum disease, which can have a domino effect on the rest of the body’s health.
Many systemic diseases improve once overall oral health is improved. However, if our team finds any warning signs of diabetes, heart disease, or other systemic conditions that have progressed beyond what dental care can address, we may refer our patients to another specialist who can better address these concerns.
What to Expect From a Total Oral Dentist
otal oral dentists look at the whole patient, not just their isolated conditions. As a result, total oral dentistry tends to give patients a more involved role in their care. For this relationship to be successful, patients should take careful consideration in picking a doctor they feel comfortable maintaining an open and honest line of communication.
Total oral dentistry looks at not just at a patient’s isolated conditions, but also their overall health. Intake forms for total oral dentistry will typically ask patients for more information to allow the team to best understand the patient’s unique and individual needs. As a result, treatment is able to move beyond a one-size-fits-all method and become more tailor-made for an individual’s needs.
Since total oral dentistry is more involved than conventional dentistry, patients should also expect their initial visits to take about two hours. During this time, the patient will become acquainted with each team member, including the patient coordinator, hygienist, and dentist.
Questions Answered on This Page
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Dental Terminology
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Diabetes
Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affects how the body produces or responds to the hormone insulin and causes high blood sugar.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Heart Disease
Heart disease includes a wide range of cardiovascular issues such as diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an abnormal elevation of the arterial blood pressure.
Oral-Systemic Link
The oral-systemic link refers to the link between oral health and systemic health.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the practice of maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth, teeth, and gums through brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a lethal gum infection that results from poor oral hygiene, damaging soft tissue and destroying the bones that support the teeth.
Total Health Dentistry
Total health dentistry is a form of alternative dentistry that focuses on the total health of the patient.
Wellness Visits
Dental wellness visits are visits that occur at least once annually to ensure that the patient is at a healthy mouth baseline.
Dental wellness visits are visits that occur at least once annually to ensure that the patient is at a healthy mouth baseline.