Summary
In this podcast, Dr. Nammy explains how holistic dentists handle x-raying. She outlines the benefits of digital x-rays, and then, she explains why they should be the standard in quality dental care.
John Maher: Hi, I’m John Maher. I’m here today with Dr. Nammy Patel, founder of Green Dentistry in San Francisco, California. Helping patients recognize the vital connection between dental, health and whole body health. And author of the best-selling books, Age with Style: Guide to a Youthful Smile and Healthy Living, and Total Wellness: Understanding the Link Between Your Teeth and Your Health.
Today, our topic is x-rays and holistic dentistry. Welcome, Dr. Nammy.
Dr. Nammy Patel: Hi, John. Thank you for having me.
Do Holistic Dentists Use X-Rays?
John: Sure. So Dr. Nammy, do holistic dentists still use x-rays to examine teeth just like a traditional dentist?
Dr. Nammy: John, so holistic dentists only use digital x-rays to examine the patient. They never use traditional x-rays to be able to examine a patient. The purpose of a digital x-ray is because you’re not exposed to the radiation. And it’s highly specific, we can actually blow things up on a computer screen and really look at the beginnings of cavities.
We can really look at what’s really going on with the gums at the bone level, if there’s any sort of infection that’s starting, and we’re able to really help take care of our patients better because it’s all digital. And with the increasing technology and the advancement in technology, we’re able to really figure out what’s going on with the teeth because we’re able to use AI, artificial intelligence, to be able to evaluate the patient’s mouth very thoroughly.
How Do Digital X-Rays Work?
John: How is it that you’re not exposed to radiation in a digital x-ray? How do they work?
Dr. Nammy: Well, number one, you are using an apron even though you don’t really need it. In my practice, actually, I even stay in the room as I am utilizing the x-ray. And because it’s a digital sensor, you don’t need high amounts of radiation in order to be able to capture the image.
You need very nominal or very low image to be able to capture the image. And when I’ve done the research, what I’ve found is I get more radiation on a cloudy day sitting outside than I do in my practice when I do digital imaging.
Oral Problems That Can be Uncovered With X-Rays
John: Amazing. So what are some of the problems with teeth that can be uncovered by x-rays?
Dr. Nammy: Some of the problems that can be covered on x-rays or digital x-rays is going to be several fold. One is going to be obviously cavities, gum disease. We’re able to see those. The other things we’re able to see, digital x-ray or a digital CT scan, is going to be airway. We’re able to see the sinus cavities, we’re able to see how head posture is related to TMJ, we’re able to see TMJ concerns. We’re able to see airways, how big the airway actually is. We’re actually able to see a lot more than we would’ve thought.
Facial asymmetry, we can actually measure the skeletal structure and really look at how is facial asymmetry showing up and what are the root causes of it and how can we address it. So digital x-rays are a really, really, really key component of holistic dentistry or functional dentistry or even any dentistry, is the way I see it. It should be the standard of care.
How a Holistic Dentist Uses Digital X-Rays
John: Can a holistic dentist then find and potentially even reverse issues with your teeth and your gums that are found in an x-ray?
Dr. Nammy: Absolutely. Absolutely. It’s super easy. If there’s beginnings of cavities, we actually have materials that actually remake the enamel matrix or enzymes, that we can utilize on the teeth that’ll help remake the enamel matrix. So we can use those, and we can actually measure them again about a year to two later with x-rays to make sure that the cavities are not progressing, which is awesome and amazing.
The other things we can look at, obviously, with gum disease, if there’s radiographic calculus, we are able to remove the bacteria and retake an x-ray to test for that again, and we can see that all of the bacteria’s been removed. We can do that with a click of a button. It’s super easy, super quick, and highly valuable.
John: So you’re using the x-rays to discover the problem initially and then also to track the progress of that issue over time?
Dr. Nammy: Absolutely.
Contact Green Dentistry to Talk About Your Oral Health
John: All right. Well, that’s really great information, Dr. Nammy. Thanks again for speaking with me today.
Dr. Nammy: Awesome. Thank you.
John: And for more information about Green Dentistry, visit the website@sfgreendentist.com or call 415-433-0119.
