Selecting a Total Health Dentist San Ramon, CA
Poor oral health is often indicative of health problems elsewhere in the body (and vice versa). Unfortunately, many conventional dentists treat isolated conditions instead of addressing the root causes. If you are looking for a more integrative approach to oral healthcare, you may want to choose a total health dentist as your primary dental care provider.
Total health dentistry is available at Aaria Dental in San Ramon and the surrounding area. Our team knows how to keep a close eye on the oral-systemic link to ensure your overall health. Call us today at (925) 967-2444 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Benefits of Total Health Dentistry
Total health dentists vary from traditional dentists in that they work collaboratively with their patients. Typically, patients go in to see the dentist on an "as-needed" basis. They usually do not receive any basic education on their condition, how it manifested, what other health issues it may be indicative of, and how to address its root causes. Total health dentists deal with all of this and more.
Total health dentists see the patient first, not just the condition. This is crucial since, according to Mayo Clinic, dental health is frequently reflective of overall health. Since the mouth acts as an entryway into the digestive and respiratory tracts, it is also a natural breeding ground for bacteria. While most bacteria are harmless and kept at bay by the body's natural defenses, poor oral hygiene practices may cause the bacteria to multiply at dangerously high levels, leading to several different oral infections.
“Total health dentists see the patient first, not just the condition.”
Insurance Coverage for Complete Health Dentistry
Complete health dentistry is an approach to general dental care. Professionals who provide complete health dental care are considered general dentists. Although the philosophical approach and materials may differ in complete health dental treatments, insurance companies often code them the same as treatments from a general dentist.
If a treatment from a total health dentist has the same code as one from a general dentist, it means they will have the same coverage. However, every insurance plan is different. People interested in complete health dentistry should contact their insurance provider for specific coverage information before seeking treatment.
“People interested in complete health dentistry should contact their insurance provider for specific coverage information before seeking treatment.”
Primary Dental Care Provider
A primary dental care provider is typically the first point of contact a patient has with the dental system. Primary dental care providers care for common oral health needs with continuing, patient-centered dental care and treatment. They focus on managing overall oral health, diagnosing and treating various dental issues.
These dental care providers provide dental care at a basic level rather than a specialized level for people initially seeking dental treatment. Primary dental care is where people receive care for most of their everyday dental needs. Our team provides comprehensive, coordinated, and readily accessible dental care to promote dental health, treat illness and injury, identify diseases, and refer patients to specialists when necessary.
“Primary dental care providers care for common oral health needs with continuing, patient-centered dental care and treatment.”
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Total Health Dentistry and Inter-Provider Communication
As we have already established, the oral-systemic link necessitates that doctors treat patients' health from a more integrative standpoint. To see the best results from total health dentistry, an individual's healthcare providers must keep in communication with each other. Unfortunately, primary care physicians rarely ask patients about their oral health, making it all too easy for certain signs of disease to be overlooked.
Additionally, several conditions exist bidirectionally with oral health. In other words, treating one can also effectively treat the other. Thus, it is imperative that all healthcare providers have an integrative understanding of the patient's conditions and adjust each treatment plan accordingly. We can work together with each patient's medical team to formulate the best plan for their unique needs.
“To see the best results from total health dentistry, an individual’s healthcare providers must keep in communication with each other.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What can a total health dentist do for me?
Q. Does insurance cover complete health dentistry?
Q. What is a primary dental care provider?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the differences between a total health dentist vs. a regular dentist?
Q. How can proper oral care prevent systemic disease?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Ideal Candidates for Total Health Dentistry
Though total health dentistry can help virtually anybody, some patients may benefit more than others. Typically, these involve those with chronic conditions. Just as severe gum disease (also known as periodontitis) may be correlated to various systemic conditions, several chronic diseases may lower the body's resistance to infection. In either case, oral health conditions may be more easily aggravated and common.
According to multiple studies, there is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and various heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Other systemic conditions correlated with oral health include, but are not limited to, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. Often, the symptoms of periodontitis are not obvious until it has already progressed. Keeping regular appointments with a total health dentist can help ensure that patients are staying in good health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I minimize the number of dental appointments I need?
A. The best things to keep dental appointments to a minimum is to have a proper oral hygiene routine. People should make sure to brush their teeth twice and floss once a day. Routine dental appointments are still important to maintain oral health.
Q. What services does a primary care dentist provide?
A. Primary care dentists provide various services that are vital to people's continued health. They provide treatment and care for the teeth, gums, and mouth. These dental professionals can provide routine exams, X-rays, teeth cleanings, sealants, and some restorative and cosmetic services.
Q. What happens during a routine dental visit?
A. During a routine dental visit, our team will clean the patient's teeth and examine their mouth for cavities and gum disease. We will also evaluate their face, neck, and mouth for abnormalities and check for the risk of developing other oral issues. The visit may also involve taking X-rays and photos.
Q. Why do people with diabetes need to see the dentist more often?
A. People with diabetes have high blood sugar that affects the teeth and gums. Managing blood sugar levels is key. The higher a person's blood sugar level, the greater their risk of developing gingivitis, gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth.
Q. What is a general practitioner?
A. A general practitioner is a doctor who offers preventative care and health education. They can perform routine exams and treat common medical conditions. They may refer patients who require specialized care to other care providers.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Total health dentists see you as a patient first, not just as a condition. At Aaria Dental, we will take the time to understand how your unique lifestyle affects your oral and overall health. 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
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