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Archives for August 2016

How Do I Know If A Holistic Dentist Is Legit?

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I’m wanting to go to a holistic dentist, but I’m not sure how to tell the actual dentists from the phonies. You know, kind of like the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a real one. Does the DDS or DMD tell the difference?

Brooklyn L. – Conway, AR

Brooklyn,

If a dentist has a DMD or a DDS with their name, then they’re a legitimate dentist. There’s no difference in the degree. One is a Doctor of Dental Medicine, the other a Doctor of Dental Surgery. It’s just a difference in how the school they attended titles it.  A holistic dentist is one who simply cares about the whole body, not just the teeth. They’ll work hard to make sure they use materials that don’t contain things like the mercury you find in amalgam fillings.

However, there isn’t a recognized specialty for holistic dentistry. It’s just a philosophy of treatment.

If you’re concerned, then you could ask the dentist about their dental education. Where they went to school. What kind of post-graduate training they’ve done. Things like that.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Choosing A Dentist for Tetracycline Stains

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I have tetracycline stains. I’ve just been offered a great position, but it is contingent on me fixing my teeth because it is a public relations position and I’ll be on television for interviews. They’ve given me a few months to get it taken care of and then they’ll have to go to their next preferred candidate. This is a huge opportunity for me and I’ve always wanted to fix my teeth anyway. My dentist is a general dentist. I know I need a cosmetic dentist. I’ve talked to a couple.  One wants to do all crowns (he’s more affordable). The other only wants to do one crown (the one I already have) and the rest porcelain veneers. He’s a little over my budget, but this job is really important to me. Which would you recommend?

Stacey A. – Michigan

Stacey,

First, I want to clear something up.  A cosmetic dentist is just a general dentist. There isn’t a recognized cosmetic specialty. However, in order to do it well, it does require some additional training.  There have have been many cosmetic dentistry horror stories of patients who’ve had work done by so-called cosmetic dentists.

That being said, let me give you my advice on the two dentists you’ve mentioned.  The one who’s suggesting all crowns, is someone I’d be wary of.  Why is he suggesting that if you don’t need crowns? Why not preserve your natural tooth structure?

The one who is recommending mostly porcelain veneers I would ask a few questions. What are his cosmetic qualifications? Where did he get additional training? Ask to see photos of his work.

If I were in your place, I would go to the mynewsmile.com website. They have a search option to help you find an expert cosmetic dentist in your area. See if that dentist is listed. If he’s not, see who is.  They only recommend the best cosmetic dentists in the area. No one can simply pay to be listed.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Warren Krutchick.