Dentistry and Systemic Health

Holistic Practitioner Spotlight with Dr. Lane Freeman, a Holistic Dentist

We are speaking with Dr. Lane Freeman, DDS, on the relationship between dentistry and overall systemic health.

Tell Us How Dental Health Impacts  General Health

I see many patients who suffer from autoimmune issues that either have a specific diagnosis or that show up as a collection of symptoms that have not been given an official diagnosis. This can include skin and joint issues, digestion issues, chronic fatigue and other unresolved conditions. What is so often overlooked is their dental condition. Many of these patients have jaw imbalances, heavy metals and chronic infections in their mouths.

Most of these patients have exhausted their efforts with conventional medicine and are now doing their own research or following a more holistic path with a functional medicine doctor/naturopath/chiropractor etc. to look at non-conventional or alternative approaches to their health. Dental-systemic health is a big part of the puzzle.

What Are the Dental Things You Look For That May Have a Systemic Impact?

We diagnosis each patient individually, based on their medical and dental history and what currently presents in their mouths. Of particular concern would be mercury fillings and other metal restorations, root canal treated teeth and/or dead, abscessed teeth, and cavitations (areas in the jaw bone that didn’t heal properly, resulting in dead tissue and chronic infections).

What Dental Treatments are Appropriate for Restoring Health?

Many times, treatment involves replacing mercury fillings, using safe removal techniques, and other metal restorations (crowns and fillings) with biocompatible materials. We also remove infected teeth and infected bone in order to mitigate any challenges to the immune system present in the mouth.

Why and When Did You Choose the Holistic Path?

I was blessed to become part of a world-class biological dental practice right out of dental school. I have been practicing in this manner and in the same practice for 18 years. The science behind the way we practice and the treatment we recommend to our patients continues to confirm the significant relationship between dental health and systemic health.

What Lessons Have Your Work and Personal Experiences Taught You?

It is a joy to serve and work with patients who are passionate about their health and want to be educated about the relationship between their oral health and their overall health. Many patients are already sick when they get to us, but an increasing number are trying to be proactive about making their mouths healthy. I’ve learned to never assume that something can’t be related.

Biography

Dr. Lane Freeman received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School in 2002.

Dr. Freeman has completed numerous hours of continuing education in the fields of biological dentistry and is also certified in IV conscious sedation.

She is an accredited member of the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), member of the American Institute of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Heart of Texas Dental Association.

Visit Dr. Freeman’s Website

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