functional dentistry and occlusion from new generation
There is Never Only One Root Cause of Dental Health Problems
When a patient complains about jaw clenching, my diagnosing process goes beyond X-rays, articulators, or brux checkers. I investigate their overall health, posture, blood markers, stress levels, sleep quality, and dietary habits.
It is very rare that there is only one root cause for any condition. Often, it is a combination of multiple factors that trigger a cascade of processes, leading to imbalance, pain, or illness.
The idea that each symptom or health condition has a single root cause is an oversimplification and can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
Health and well-being are influenced by a complex interplay of various systems and factors.
Varying Treatment Plans for Similar Conditions
Treatment plans for the same condition can vary significantly. If a person’s sports injury led to a cascade of misalignments, eventually resulting in TMJ problems, we would focus on recovering the person’s bones and ankles, perhaps supporting them with physical therapy.
However, TMJ problems can also arise due to hormonal changes impacting bone resorption, malnutrition leading to a lack of nutrients vital for neurological or hormonal health, and stress causing muscular patterns that lead to jaw misalignment. In such cases, our approach would involve several interventions targeting different parts and systems of the body.
That’s why it’s crucial to diagnose holistically, gathering as much information as possible and never attributing the entire problem to the first issue detected using devices, imaging, or other procedures.
The Limitations of Conventional Medicine and Dentistry
Sometimes, people who struggle with pain, fatigue, or other symptoms don’t receive meaningful help from conventional medicine or dentistry. This is because, in the search for one root cause, doctors often overlook many small, seemingly unrelated causes, imbalances, and misalignments.
In dentistry, X-rays and other forms of imaging are standard—and we couldn’t work without them—but they are not enough.
The Importance of a Nuanced Understanding of Health
The complexity of human health requires a nuanced understanding of how various bodily systems interact.
At Coldy Dent, we routinely perform blood tests and work side by side with osteopaths, psychologists, and other doctors to get a 3D view of a patient’s health.
Although blood and biochemical tests are not always part of dental checkups, we consider them irreplaceable because they can highlight underlying issues, such as inflammation or hormonal imbalances, which can trigger a wide range of disorders in the mouth—from saliva production to bone resorption to nerve problems.
Uncovering Hidden Health Issues
A complete blood analysis can reveal connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms and help us adjust or even postpone therapy to allow the person to recover. Some health conditions can interfere with or complicate recovery from dental interventions, and in such cases, it is wiser to address them first.
Osteopaths help us understand the skeletal system and identify any issues that contribute to TMJ disorders, while psychologists help us address mental and emotional well-being.
Many pains, misalignments, and discomforts have psychological roots, and no amount of drugs, drilling, or braces will successfully address them.
The Complexity of Stress and Its Role in Health Problems
Even when a person shows high levels of stress, stress is not always the only source of the problem. We need to look beyond the first symptom we find.
The good news is that, while root causes of problems may be numerous, they are often treatable. By improving one issue at a time, we allow the body to regain balance and activate its natural healing mechanisms.
Coldy Dent's Holistic Approach to Dental Care
At Coldy Dent, we strive to diagnose thoroughly and provide all necessary treatments, working side by side with other doctors. We also educate our patients on how to take care of their overall well-being. After all, dental health does not exist in isolation—it is part of a larger system, where overall health impacts and is impacted by all other systems in the human body.