Environmental dentistry as a solution for chronic diseases
at the Center for Biological Dentistry and Implantology in Vienna
In many chronic diseases, such as allergies, joint and muscle pain, diabetes, thyroid disorders or gastrointestinal diseases, the cause often cannot be determined properly. Research has shown that some of these diseases are also due to or at least strongly associated with diseases and substances in the oral cavity (teeth, jaw bones, dental foreign materials). A healthy immune system responds to inflammatory processes in the body and can in most cases, if not eliminate them, at least keep them in check for a long time in a stable manner. However, if these processes are chronic, the immune system is exposed to an excessive permanent load that ultimately overtaxes it. A large number of inflammatory messengers are distributed in the organism and can cause various symptoms away from the oral cavity.
The relationship between dentistry and chronic diseases
Many materials that have been used in dentistry and are sometimes still used today are substances that are perceived by the immune system as foreign to the body and therefore cause defense reactions. In biological dentistry, these foreign substances, such as metals, but also dead tissue or root-treated teeth that are diagnostically conspicuous, are systematically removed. Only biocompatible material is used for the reconstruction. This is perfectly tolerated and does not cause any defensive reactions.
There are many names for this chronic inflammatory disease:
- chronic inflammation in the jaw area,
- aseptic osteonecrosis,
- ischemic osteonecrosis cavity-forming osteolysis of the jaw bone,
- Maxillary ostitis,
- Restostitis,
- Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis (NICO),
- Fatty degenerative osteolysis/osteonecrosis of the jawbone (FDOK),
- degenerative bone destruction:
Classic signs of inflammation and pain are usually absent, which is why it is not always diagnosed. However, in certain cases, it can also cause discomfort in the trigeminal area. Laboratory findings as well as diagnostic tools such as 3D examinations or ultrasound can provide clues. The bony structures in the jaw slowly dissolve and cavities form in the jaw bones. Untreated maxillary osteitis can be a massive amplifier of many chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmune diseases, rheumatologic diseases and others.
Environmental dentistry as a help for chronically ill patients
After a thorough examination and questioning of the patient, it can be determined whether an inflammatory process originates from the oral cavity. If the focus of inflammation has been identified correctly, appropriate measures are taken. The insertion of new, more suitable dentures is planned and the old material is subsequently removed and replaced. Environmental dentistry as well as biological dentistry are not only an optimal alternative for chronically ill patients, but are also recommended for people who value gentle and healthy dental treatment.