Comprehensive Dentist San Ramon, CA
A comprehensive dentist recognizes the oral-systemic health connection and treats patients in their entirety, taking into account pre-existing conditions, personal needs, and individual risk factors. Oral health can play an important role in your overall well-being. This type of dentist offers a range of services from basic to specialized treatments all in one location.
A comprehensive dentist simplifies the process of maintaining a healthy mouth. Comprehensive dentistry is available at Aaria Dental in San Ramon and the surrounding area. Call us at (925) 967-2444 to schedule an appointment with our total health dentist.
Why Comprehensive Dentistry
Unlike traditional dentists, comprehensive dentists work in collaboration with their patients. Most patients of traditional dentists only go into the office on an "as-needed" basis. Moreover, when they are there, they typically will not receive any education on their condition. Their dentists do not tell them how their symptoms manifested, what other health problems they could indicate, or how to address the root causes of their condition.
In contrast, comprehensive dentists take a more integrative approach. They focus on treating a patient's total health through treating their oral health. By looking for the root cause of a patient's symptoms, comprehensive dentists can often identify signs of broader health conditions. As such, they are more directly involved in their patients' care — and provide them with the necessary education needed to do the same.
“By looking for the root cause of a patient’s symptoms, comprehensive dentists can often identify signs of larger health conditions.”
Choosing a Comprehensive Dentist
Many people are hesitant to see a comprehensive dentist because they do not know if it will be covered under their insurance. However, comprehensive dental offices operate just as conventional dental offices do. Many practices are covered by various health insurance plans, though some cosmetic and restorative treatments may need to be paid for out-of-pocket. As insurance carriers consider dental coverage to be a non-essential benefit, it is always best for patients to confirm with their insurance company and healthcare provider before making any plans.
As several conditions have direct relationships with oral health, all members of a patient's medical team should have contact with each other. This allows for a more thorough understanding of a patient's total health. However, primary care providers rarely ask a patient about their oral health. With a patient's permission, a comprehensive dentist can alert any relevant healthcare providers about any warning signs indicative of disease and work together to create the best treatment plan for their unique needs.
“With a patient’s permission, a comprehensive dentist can alert any relevant healthcare providers about any warning signs indicative of disease and work together to create the best treatment plan for their unique needs.”
Lifestyle Changes
Comprehensive dentists work with their patients to set realistic goals to improve their overall oral health. Educating patients about any conditions they are experiencing empowers them to make informed choices about their care. Learning about the oral health connection to overall health reinforces that dentistry should be a regular part of their preventative health plan.
Lifestyle changes are an important part of improving oral health. A comprehensive dentist will ask about a patient's daily habits to see if there are any areas of concern. Quitting smoking and other tobacco products along with reducing consumption of alcohol can dramatically improve one's oral health. It is also important to eat a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables.
Several things can be done to achieve a healthier mouth at home. Of course, it is important to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily helps remove plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease. Lastly, routine dental appointments that include examinations and professional cleanings help keep the oral cavity clean and healthy throughout the year.
“Comprehensive dentists work with their patients to set realistic goals to improve their overall oral health.”
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Understanding the Oral Health Connection
According to the Mayo Clinic, a patient's dental health often reflects the state of their overall health — primarily because the mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Though most of these bacteria are harmless, poor oral hygiene can allow them to flourish at dangerously high levels. At that point, it may cause various oral infections or enter the digestive and respiratory tracts. Consequently, any oral health issues should be treated as potential signs of underlying health problems. This is known as the oral health connection.
Cardiovascular conditions and diabetes are two of the most common systemic health issues associated with oral health. Diabetes and periodontal disease even exist bidirectionally with each other — meaning that treating (or aggravating) one condition will effectively do the same to the other. Furthermore, research shows that patients with periodontitis are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events. Other systemic conditions linked to oral health include, but are not limited to, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjorgen's syndrome.
“According to the Mayo Clinic, a patient’s dental health often reflects the state of their overall health — primarily because the mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How is comprehensive dentistry different from traditional dentistry?
Q. What should I know before choosing a comprehensive dentist?
Q. What lifestyle changes should I make to improve my oral health?
People Also Ask
Q. Why should I see a complete health dentist for dental aesthetics?
Q. What are the benefits of complete health dentistry?
Establishing a Healthy Mouth Baseline
Seeing a comprehensive dentist is a great step to maintain one's overall health. During the initial consultation, the dentist will show the patient a graph of the healthy mouth baseline. This model identifies any oral health irregularities that the patient and comprehensive dental team will work together to eliminate. A regular visit to a comprehensive dentist is not just a "checkup" — it is a wellness visit.
Before the patient meets the dentist, they will first overview their concerns with the dental hygienist. Afterward, the hygienist will take the patient's vitals, conduct an oral cancer screening, and ask about sleep and lifestyle habits. This will allow the doctor to create the best treatment plan for the patient's unique and individual needs. From then on, they will work together to set realistic health goals and discuss how to achieve them.
“A healthy mouth baseline identifies any oral health irregularities that the patient and comprehensive dental team will work together to eliminate.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can my oral health affect my overall health?
A. Studies suggest oral bacteria and inflammation from severe gum disease can put you at high risk for stroke and heart disease. Conversely, certain diseases such as diabetes can increase your risk for oral health problems. Patients who dedicate themselves to good oral health can also reduce their risk for other health complications.
Q. What can I expect at my first appointment?
A. During your appointment, a comprehensive dentist will ask about your health history and identify any possible risk factors such as tobacco use. The dentist will do a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding soft tissue. Comprehensive dentists will work with you to set realistic goals to improve your oral health and, conversely, your overall health.
Q. What is the healthy mouth baseline?
A. A comprehensive dentist uses the healthy mouth baseline to see where your oral health currently stands. It also identifies areas of concern. It helps set patient goals and develop customized treatment plans.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Improving your oral health is an integral part of boosting your overall wellness. Our total health dentist at Aaria Dental may be able to help. Call us today at 925-967-2444 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
About our business and website security
- Aaria Dental was established in 2023.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Contra Costa County
- We serve patients from the following cities: San Ramon, Norris Canyon, Danville, Blackhawk, and Dublin
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