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What Is Biological Dentistry and How Does It Benefit You?

Posted February 12, 2024 in Biological Dentistry

Biological dentistry is a philosophy of care that considers the patient’s holistic health, avoids toxic materials, and works to remove previous dental materials that contain harmful materials. 

woman caring about her teeth and smile.

4 Min Read:

Many people know the benefits of healthy living: eating whole, organic foods, working out, and limiting exposure to harmful substances. Why not carry this focus to their dental care? 

Biological dentistry is nothing new, yet it’s only recently begun to get traction as a holistic philosophy of care. Biological dentistry considers the impact of oral health on overall health: keep reading to see what it can do for you.

What Is Biological Dentistry?

It may sound a bit complicated, but biological dentistry involves considering a person’s overall health when it comes to dental care. Rather than considering oral care as a separate facet that concerns only the mouth, teeth, and gums, biological dentistry considers other aspects of a patient’s physical makeup and how that plays a role in their dental care. 

Each body process is interconnected. A biological dentist essentially operates under this type of thinking. Suboptimal oral care can (and does) have negative implications for the rest of the body. 

Your biological dentist will care for your teeth just like a traditional dentist, only with more consideration for how dental care affects your health, how procedures and dental materials play a role in the body, and how to approach dental concerns more conservatively. 

With biological dentistry, you can expect the following. 

Holistic Care

The term “holistic” often has connotations of non-traditional medications and techniques, but it really means consideration for the whole. A biological dentist will take a holistic approach, looking at the patient’s whole health profile and will consider the implications of each treatment they perform. 

For example, a biological dentist will care for your teeth and oral hygiene while considering your immune system, gut health, and the impact oral health has on other body systems. More people are starting to realize that dental issues affect overall body health significantly, and a biological dentist can keep you informed as to exactly how this happens and how best to intervene to reach the goal of optimal health. 

Additionally, holistic or biological dentistry rethinks the use of common dental materials and whether they are truly safe for the patient, especially for certain patients who are predisposed to developing sensitivities to these materials. 

Non-toxic Materials

One of the primary aims of biological dentistry is to ensure that all medications, procedures, and dental materials are non-toxic, least reactive, and safe for patients. From anesthesia to dental implants, your biological dentist has a commitment to providing exemplary care that also utilizes entirely safe and non-toxic materials. 

Removal of Incompatible Material

Aside from their commitment to avoiding toxic materials in their patients’ oral care, biological dentists are trained to remove materials that are considered toxic. One of the most common materials that has been used in traditional dentistry is mercury in the form of amalgam fillings. 

Although widely used in dentistry, mercury is classified as a neurotoxin. While the ADA still claims that the small amount of the material in amalgam fillings suggests little risk to dental patients, biological dentistry follows the guideline that there are no safe levels of mercury exposure. Your biological dentist will not use it in their practice. 

This goes beyond generally not placing new amalgam fillings: your biological dentist is trained to follow strict protocols to remove amalgam fillings safely. A biological dentist certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Technology (IAOMT) takes extra precautions to protect their patient, staff, and the environment from mercury exposure while removing amalgam fillings. 

Interested in Biological Dentistry in Riverside, CA?

Dr. Chad Tomazin, DDS., is a member of the IAOMT, incorporating safe, non-toxic practices for all his dental patients. Dr. Tomazin offers various biological dental treatments, including safe amalgam filling removal, fluoride treatment alternatives, activated oxygen-ozone treatments, and VELscope® imaging. 

Schedule an appointment today at (951) 381-8872 and see how biological dentistry can give you more comprehensive oral and health care. 


How to Maintain Your Teeth Whitening Results

Posted December 11, 2023 in Dentistry

White, gleaming teeth can significantly improve the overall look of your smile; healthy teeth and gums are crucial, but radiant teeth can take your aesthetic and, consequently, your self-assurance to the next level. 

Oral hygiene, healthy teeth and care. Young woman brushing teeth with toothbrush and looking in mirror in bathroom interior in the morning, closeup, empty space

What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?

Choosing a teeth whitening system that is right for you is critical so that you get the results you want and you can be as comfortable as possible. Each of the following options brightens your smile, but the way they achieve this and the type of application differ. 

Bleaching 

Bleaching is an excellent option for those who want a brighter smile with a more gentle treatment. Targeting stains on the enamel of the teeth (the hard, outer coating), bleaching treatments use hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to break down the stains and gradually make them less apparent. This method is generally regarded as the safer, less expensive option. 

At-home Whitening 

We’re not talking about bleach strips you can buy at the drugstore; at-home whitening in this context combines the comfort of whitening at home, except your whitening trays are custom-made at your dentist’s office. With customized trays, you can be assured that your teeth are getting the full force of the whitening treatment (no more bleach strips slipping off your teeth!). 

In-office Whitening with Venus White® Max Whitening System

This two-hour treatment is the most powerful of the group, which can show improvements 2-4 shades whiter. After your treatment, you will be sent home with six additional syringes of the whitening gel to continue your stellar whitening process. 

How To Maintain Your White Teeth

Be Careful What You Eat and Drink

No matter the choice in treatment, you most likely will want to keep those teeth white. We’re all susceptible to stains on our enamel, but it all starts with what we eat and drink. Certain foods and drinks increase the chance of staining, such as: 

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Red wine
  • Dark chocolate

It’s best to avoid these foods to protect your teeth from staining. Alternatively, you can use a straw for certain beverages or be diligent about brushing your teeth after you eat or drink. 

Avoid Tobacco Products 

We all know the overall health risks of tobacco, but it can also wreak havoc on your oral health as well. Nicotine from cigarettes and certain tobacco products can severely stain your teeth, so for aesthetics (and health), it’s best to kick the habit.

Brush and Floss Daily

Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy–and white!–smile. Plaque build-up is a primary culprit of a dingy smile, and it can create more significant oral hygiene issues down the road. Brushing and flossing at least twice daily keeps the plaque to a minimum and clears out stain-creating food and bacteria. 

Simple Whitening Maintenance

You can also supplement your whitening routine with a gentle whitening toothpaste used a few days a week. This can help maintain your whiter smile without damaging your enamel. 

See Your Dentist Regularly

Last but not least, always keep up with your regular dental visits. Not only will this help keep your teeth healthy, but your dentist can keep an eye on your enamel health. Over-whitening can weaken the enamel, but your dentist can advise you on how often it’s safe to whiten your teeth. 

Your Riverside and Inland Empire Dental Experts

Dr. Chad Tomazin, DDS, is committed to providing comprehensive dental care marked by kindness and honesty and has proudly served the Inland Empire community for years. If you want to learn more about our teeth whitening options or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomazin, call us today at (951) 686-3666.   


Dental Restoration Choices: Exploring Porcelain Crowns vs. Other Treatments

Posted October 20, 2023 in Dentistry

When you dive into the modern world of restorative dentistry, you’re likely to stumble upon many options — everything from porcelain crowns to dental implants to veneers.

Diagram of a crown being placed

Each procedure has a unique purpose and varies in materials, cost, and application. 

Porcelain Crowns, Bridges, Implants: The Fine Line

Dental restorative options aim to bring back the functionality and aesthetics of your mouth. Among these popular options are porcelain crowns, bridges, and implants.

The Porcelain Crown Fix

Porcelain crowns preserve a damaged tooth’s structure, function, and improve its appearance. They cover the entire tooth surface, effectively masking discolorations, fractures, or cracks.

Since they are custom-made to emulate your existing teeth, porcelain crowns blend in to create a natural smile.

The Bridge Between Gaps

Procuring their name from their purpose, dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The standard bridges consist of two crowns on either side of the gap—anchored onto natural teeth or implants—with artificial teeth (pontics) in between.

Standalone Dental Implants

Dental implants serve as a complete tooth replacement solution. A dental implant replaces both the lost natural tooth and its root. It involves inserting a small titanium screw into the jawbone, serving as a support for a crown.

Implants offer the most natural feel and function but require a healthy jawbone and are often more expensive than other treatments.

Porcelain Crowns vs. Veneers

Porcelain Crowns 

Porcelain crowns are recommended when there is extensive tooth damage, decay, or cosmetic alteration needs, providing a “cap” for the entire tooth. They are custom-made to match the color, texture, and translucency of your natural teeth, ensuring a beautiful smile.

Veneers 

If the concern is predominantly aesthetic, involving minor shape issues and color correction, veneers could be a fitting choice. A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain bonded to a tooth’s front surface, altering its color and shape.

They require less natural tooth removal than crowns but aren’t suitable for teeth with extensive decay or large fillings.

What’s the Best Dental Option for You?

Understanding the range of restorative dentistry is your first step down the path to a brighter smile. The choice between porcelain crowns, implants, bridges, or veneers will chiefly depend on your dental needs, overall oral health, and budget.

Choosing the right dental procedure is a decision best made in consultation with a professional dentist. With the right information and professional advice, you can confidently get started on achieving your healthier, brighter smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Crowns?

Does teeth grinding affect porcelain crowns?

Teeth grinding can potentially damage porcelain crowns. However, getting a custom-fitted mouthguard could help protect your teeth and the crowns.

Are there any restrictions on eating with porcelain crowns?

No, there are no restrictions. Your dentist will guide you if there are any specific instructions to follow. 

Can porcelain crowns get stained like natural teeth?

No, unlike natural teeth, porcelain crowns are very resistant to staining. But, they can’t be whitened like natural teeth, so you should still brush and floss to keep your natural teeth from staining.

How long will my porcelain crowns last?

Porcelain crowns usually last between 10 to 15 years. Regular dental check-ups and good cleaning habits at home can help your crowns last longer. Regular brushing and flossing, and not eating hard or sticky foods can help keep your crowns in good shape for a long time.

Why do some people choose zirconia crowns instead of porcelain crowns?

Some patients opt for zirconia crowns instead of porcelain crowns because of their added strength. Zirconia is a highly durable material, making it a good option for crowns on the molars and premolars where biting forces are higher.

Porcelain crowns might be preferable for restoring front teeth due to their superior natural appearance.

Can I get a porcelain crown if I have a metal allergy?

Yes, porcelain crowns are an excellent option for individuals with metal allergies, as they don’t contain metal. Pure porcelain or ceramic crowns are biocompatible and should not trigger any allergic reactions.

Although porcelain crowns can have a metal base for durability, crowns made with layers of zirconia and porcelain have been embraced in recent years. This provides a more durable alternative for people with metal allergy.

However, it’s important to discuss your metal allergy with your dentist before any dental procedure.

Learn More About Porcelain Crowns in Riverside

When you’re looking for an expert in porcelain crowns, Dr. Chad Tomazin is the highly skilled dentist to turn to. Whether you want porcelain crowns to cover deep stains on your teeth, or to repair and restore your smile, Dr. Tomazin and his expert team offer the best in general and cosmetic dentistry, from teeth whitening to a complete smile makeover. 

Porcelain crowns give your teeth the strength you need with the natural look you want. Each one is specially made from a cast of your tooth so that it blends seamlessly into your smile. For Dr. Tomazin and his staff, your oral health is their number-one concern, and they dedicate themselves to creating the very best care plan for you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call  951-686-3666 or fill out the online contact form.


How to treat and prevent Cold Sores/Fever Blisters

Posted February 12, 2021 in Oral health, Ozone Therapy

1 Minute Read:

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can cause lip, mouth, nose, and genital sores. Typically, cold sores are spread by sharing utensils, food, kissing, etc. However, in many cases, cold sores can arise during intense cold or exposure to the sun. 

When a cold sore forms on the mouth, a tingling sensation occurs before a blister forms. Once the blister forms, it becomes very painful and leaks fluid. Cold sores can also spread to other parts of the mouth and body. Once the sore is leaking, it can take up to two weeks to heal completely.

There are many ways to be proactive in preventing cold sores from flaring up. These ways include:

  • Not sharing utensils or food
  • Applying sunscreen on lips and face
  • Avoiding sharing towels or toothbrushes
  • Washing hands often
  • Not kissing individuals with active cold sores

When it comes to treating cold sores, ointments and antiviral medications have seemed to be the golden rule. 

However, here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office, we recommend using oxygen-ozone therapy to treat cold sores. This treatment targets the infection areas by using oxygen gas or oxygen-infused water to disrupt the bacteria’s life cycle. The oxygen-ozone technology allows us to treat the affected area(s) so that the cold sore will not develop into a blister. 

For those suffering from constant cold sores, multiple treatments may be necessary to remove the virus from the infected areas permanently. 

Interested in Learning More About Treating Cold Sores/Fever Blisters in Riverside, CA?

If you are interested in learning more about the ozone treatment of cold sores/fever blisters, please call our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office at (951) 686-3666 or fill out our online contact form


What Is Oxygen-Ozone Therapy?

Posted July 30, 2020 in Ozone Therapy

2 Minute Read: 

Oxygen-ozone dental therapy (or ozone therapy) is a procedure where oxygen gas and other components (usually water) are used to sterilize areas of the mouth. It works by targeting areas of infection with highly concentrated oxygen gas or oxygen-infused water. This high concentration can disrupt the life cycle of bacteria and many other infectious particles without negatively impacting the surrounding healthy tissues. The use of concentrated oxygen helps destroy biofilms, which are colonies of bacteria, fungi, or other microscopic organisms growing on or beneath teeth. Such treatment may also wash away the toxic aftereffects of such infections before they can further damage your teeth. This provides better health benefits compared to other forms of oral cavity sterilization.

A dental hygienist holding a medical tool that can be used to deliver highly oxygenated water

When performed alone, oxygen-ozone therapy is not proven to have significant health benefits. For this reason, ozone therapy is often used in concert with other procedures where significant benefits have been observed. 

What Does Oxygen-Ozone Therapy Treat?

Oxygen therapy can be used to disinfect areas, such as cavities, with fewer side effects than more traditional treatments. It can also be used to assist in the treatment of issues such as:

  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay (usually before a filling)
  • Sores and open wounds in the oral cavity
  • Root canal

What Are the Benefits of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy?

One of the most significant reasons to choose oxygen-ozone therapy is that it carries less risk of side effects than many other sterilizing techniques within the mouth. Because oxygen is something the body naturally absorbs, excess oxygen does not harm human tissues. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that excess oxygen may speed wound healing and cellular regeneration among human tissue.

As a sterilization technique, oxygen-ozone therapy is cheap, fast, and effective, which is challenging to match with other more traditional treatment options. It is more effective at treating infections beneath the gum line than antibiotics due to infectious particles clinging to enamel, bone, and other materials that antibiotics have trouble reaching. Studies suggest that oxygen-ozone therapy is highly effective at reducing the risk of infection during and after implanting osseointegrated dental implants.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Chad Tomazin?

Dr. Chad Tomazin offers cosmetic and general dentistry services for patients in the Inland Empire. He is SMART certified (for the safe removal of mercury fillings) and a practitioner of biological dentistry, a concept in dentistry that strives to put the overall health of the patient above all else. Dr. Tomazin seeks out and applies treatments and practices that create the least toxicity and potential harm to your health. 

Interested in Learning More?

If you would like to learn more about oxygen-ozone therapy, contact Dr. Chad Tomazin by calling (951) 686-3666 or filling out our online contact form.