Questions to Ask Your Biological Dentist
The Here for Healing Podcast is honored to welcome Dr. Stuart M. Nunnally, D.D.S., M.S., a board-certified dentist in naturopathic medicine and integrative biologic dental medicine to the show this week. Once I shared my personal experience and success with a natural dentist, I received an overwhelming request for more information on how you can find the right holistic dentist for you. Dr. Nunnally answers all my questions about the how and why of biological dentistry, but also provides specific questions to ask when searching for a practitioner that aligns with you and your beliefs.
As you may know, my experience with biological dentistry was pivotal in my personal journey healing from thyroid cancer. To get all the details on what makes holistic dentistry different, and why it is important, click HERE and listen in on our conversation. Below, however, I am thrilled to share with you all the great information provided by Dr. Nunnally, and help you find the amazing treatment you deserve as well, by asking the right questions, and going into your initial consults informed and confident.
1. What kind of scans do you use, and what kind of materials do you prefer?
It is important to know what analysis tools a dentist may use to measure your health and diagnose problems. For me personally, a cone beam scan showed my mouth was black with infection seven years after an accident in college caused trauma to the bones in my mouth and jaw. Dr. Nunnally points out that all doctors operate under the hypocritic oath, first and foremost pledging to “do no harm.” However, most traditional dentists use harmful materials including mercury fillings and cancer risks resulting from repeated exposure to diagnostic x-rays. A holistic dentist will be more careful about using biocompatible materials and safe diagnostic screenings.
2. What immune-supportive therapies do you use during procedures?
Every procedure has risks. Personally, I continue to use a bridge in my mouth to avoid additional surgeries that could place a burden on my immune system. Ideally, the practitioners we choose to work with should be using techniques and tools that support the immune system. An example would be the use of ozone as an alternative to antibiotics. Other examples would include the practices used at Healthy Smiles for Life by Dr. Nunnally; he uses ozone, vitamin c intravenous infusions, acupressure, and loving prayer to support his patients during procedures.
3. What is your stance on root canals?
During our conversation, Dr. Nunnally explains the pros and cons of root canals. In short, the procedure removes the roots and blood supply to a tooth that is already dead or otherwise unviable. Unfortunately, this creates pockets under the tooth where infection can brew and fester. At an IAOMT lecture given in 2017 by the board-certified cardiologist Dr. Tom Levy, MD, JD, the following statistic was presented: “Over 5,000 extracted root-canal treated teeth were examined and analyzed in a published peer reviewed study. The results were eye opening. Of the 5,000 root-canal treated teeth, 100% had pathogens and highly potent pathogen-related toxins. No single root-canal treated tooth (0.00%) was found to be free of toxins… All root-canal-treated teeth continually produce endogenous toxins as the pathogens proliferate in and around the tooth. Root canals identified as ‘infected’ have been found to have fungi, viruses and over 460 different types of bacteria.”
4. How many meetings have they attended at the IAOMT?
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is a fantastic resource when looking for a biological dentist. A visit to iaomt.org is my recommended starting place to find a dentist near you that meets your needs and aligns with your path. Dr. Nunnally recommends asking about meeting attendance and organization involvement because you should look for practitioners that are up-to-date, properly informed, and active members in the IAOMT. His specific example is of a dentist who is a member of the organization but has not attended a meeting in ten years would be a red flag in your search.
5. Is the dentist SMART Certified?
The acronym SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique; this is a training that teaches dentists to remove a mercury filling in way that is safe for the patient. Many times, when transitioning from a traditional practitioner to a holistic dentist, patients will learn the materials that were used in their fillings, bridges, and other work are not biocompatible. One of the first steps is to replace these materials with non-toxic, natural materials that do not burden the immune system. However, the technique with which the materials are removed is also important. A SMART-Certified dentist or technician is professionally trained in the safest, healthiest way to remove toxic materials from your previous dentist work. You can also find this designation on their listing on the IAOMT website.
6. Does your dental office have a mercury separator on it?
In addition to the proper removal of a mercury filling, a quality biological dentist will be equipped with a mercury separator so that these materials are not released back into the environment through out going suction and water systems. Did you know that dentistry is one of the largest industry contributors to mercury levels in our public water systems? I agree with Dr. Nunnally that equal consideration to our environment should be given, especially in regard with our health, and while the separators are now a mandated equipment, many offices are still not compliant.
Dr. Nunnally explains during his interview that the oral cavity is where we can first see the impact of disease. As a holistic practitioner, he believes, as I do, that health is a comprehensive study, and his focus is on practicing dentistry in a way that supports the overall health of the individual. As he puts it, “overall health is more important than saving every last tooth,” and I could not agree more.
Prior to my cancer diagnoses, I understood that dental health meant more than white teeth and healthy gums, but once I dove deep into the how and why of biological dentistry, I realized just how important my choice in picking a quality, functional dentist was. I have seen many practitioners through my adventures in oral health, including Dr. Nunnally. It is my hope that you will take the questions I share here and use them to find a dentist that makes you feel safe, comforted, and supported in every way.