Why Choose Us for Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic Dentistry
Dr. Kathy Zahedi and the team of dentists at Kathy Zahedi, DDS, and Associates in Santa Monica, California, proudly practice biological dentistry. Dr. Zahedi protects patients from the danger of mercury vapors that leak from mercury amalgam fillings by safely removing the old fillings and replacing them with alternative fillings that don’t contain mercury.
What is biological dentistry?
Biological dentistry promotes optimal dental care using safe, non-toxic treatments that won’t cause harm to your body. This whole-body approach is especially focused on the danger of mercury in dental fillings.
Mercury in dental fillings: Even though they’re called silver fillings, dental amalgam fillings are made from a mix of metals and the fillings are about half mercury. Mercury vapors are released from these dental fillings, especially during chewing, tooth brushing, dental cleaning, and when teeth are clenched.
Out of concern over the potential health consequences of inhaling toxic mercury vapor, dentists practicing biological dentistry use alternative fillings and specialize in removing mercury-containing fillings.
How does Dr. Zahedi utilize SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique)?
Dr. Zahedi is IAOMT SMART certified, and when removing mercury amalgam fillings, Dr. Zahedi follows a detailed protocol to ensure your safety as mercury is vaporized during the procedure. Using the most advanced science, experts have developed a step-by-step procedure that includes protective measures such as:
- Patients wear a protective barrier to protect their skin and clothing
- Patients breathe through an oxygen mask to ensure they don’t inhale mercury
- A dental dam is in place around the tooth, and a saliva ejector under the dam prevents leakage into your mouth
- Specialized air purification system in the treatment room sucks up mercury vapors
Dr. Zahedi uses state-of-the-art dental instruments to section the filling into chunks, remove it in pieces that are as large as possible, and finish the job quickly.
What type of fillings are used to replace my old mercury ones?
Once your old fillings are removed, your tooth will be refilled using one of a variety of alternative fillings. Possible choices include:
Resin composite: Made of a plastic resin reinforced with powdered glass filler, and the color blends in with teeth
Glass ionomer: Made from organic acids and other components, sometimes contain a glass filler, is tooth-colored, and works best for small fillings
Porcelain and gold: Both are durable but usually more expensive than other fillings
If you have any questions or concerns about your old fillings, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Zahedi to schedule a consultation and learn about safe dental fillings without toxic mercury.
What Is Safe Amalgam Removal?
Dental amalgam contains mercury, a substance that can be toxic. The silver color also draws attention to your fillings. At Kathy Zahedi, DDS & Associates in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Zahedi can remove your amalgam fillings safely and effectively with the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). To replace your amalgam fillings, call or book an appointment online today.
Why are amalgam fillings harmful?
Mercury comprises up to 50% of amalgam fillings and is linked to a number of health problems. While amalgam fillings effectively repair cavities caused by tooth decay, if they become damaged they may also contribute to an increased level of mercury in the bloodstream, lungs, kidney, brain, liver, and gut.
Studies have shown that mercury can interfere with the normal functioning of some important biological compounds, such as red blood cells, protein hormones, and enzyme inhibitors. Mercury can also affect your muscles and nerve cells.
Amalgam fillings may also expand with time, leading to cracks and breakage in teeth, and they have the potential to negatively affect your nasal cavity, heart, blood supply, reproductive system, musculoskeletal system, and neurological system.
What are the alternatives to amalgam fillings?
The most common alternatives to dental amalgam are composite resin and porcelain fillings. These are healthier options that are easy to clean and maintain. These options are also designed to match your natural tooth color.
Dr. Zahedi will discuss these alternatives with you and help you determine which option is best to replace your amalgam fillings.
What is SMART?
Dr. Zahedi removes amalgam fillings using the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), focusing on your safety and taking special precautions to minimize your exposure to any harmful metals in the amalgam.Before she begins the SMART procedure, Dr. Zahedi assesses your medical and dental history and performs a comprehensive examination of your mouth. She examines your fillings, determines the pressure your dental area can accommodate and assesses your oral hygiene.If she determines that you are a candidate for amalgam removal, Dr. Zahedi performs the SMART chairside protocol, preparing you for your amalgam removal by properly covering you and placing a dental dam that isolates your tooth. This prevents the amalgam from making contact with the sensitive tissues in your mouth.
What Is Ozone Dentistry?
Medical-grade ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that triggers a healing response in your body and can be used as a natural antibiotic. Dr. Zahedi uses ozone in dental care as an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant to kill bacteria, virus particles, fungi, and parasites.
Ozone also improves blood circulation and supply, induces a general feeling of wellness, and clears away hard-to-reach infections, such as those in deep pockets of gum tissue.
It's always a pleasure to go to Dr. Kathy Zahedi,s office. The staff is super great and Dr. Zahedi is amazing. Today I had her work on my crowns and the procedure was painless, I didn’t even feel the needle or the removal of the crowns. I was completely comfortable. Dr. Kathy and her dental assistants asked me many times during the procedure if I was comfortable.
I would recommend Dr. Kathy Zahedi, and her staff to any one that asked me.
Five star plus ⭐️
This is a painless soothing veneer experience. Kathy is indeed exceptional on getting the job done. I have always dream of having big natural smiles and I am thankful I went to her. I am currently getting my veneer done and I love the job Kathy does on my teeth. And I also love the facility and people there for offering a great service. They are so patient so kind and happy there. It’s an incredible experience. I highly recommend Kathy on your veneers. Thank you!! 🌷❤️
I have had the best best best experience with Dr. Zahedi and her team. I visited her after another dentist’s experience caused some major anxiety and fear. She has met me where I’m at emotionally with the deepest empathy, care, and respect. She listens to me, spends time with me, and makes sure I leave her office feeling better than when I arrived. She is like your most caring best friend, your favorite auntie, and the mother you wish you had. She has texted me on her days off to find out how I’m doing and feeling. I will never go to anyone else for my dental needs.
Why choose us as your general dentist?
Providing best dental care for two decades
Improves your overall health, not just your teeth
Get all your dental needs met under one roof