If gone uncorrected these types of facial / oral / dental / cranial imbalances can result in improper adult development that is difficult to correct. When these issues are addressed at an early age, better and longer lasting results can be achieved.

Laser Cavity Detection with the Kavo Diagnodent. Our office is one of a few in the area to offer this new technology for early detection of cavities. The Kavo Diagnodent system uses a laser to detect fluorescence in enamel and dentin. Healthy tooth structures show very little fluorescence (does not absorb the light), but decayed tooth structure does fluoresce (absorbs and then releases light energy). Measurements from the Diagnodent, in conjunction with x-rays, and visual examination help Dr. Laughlin determine whether to monitor suspect areas over time, treat them with preventive therapy, or restore them. The system allows much earlier detection of decay than previously possible. Previously dentists have used explorers, magnification, x-rays and cavity detecting solutions to diagnose decay, but studies on extracted teeth showed that early decay was still being missed. Now this system in conjunction with digital x-ray imaging allows us to detect decay much earlier, before it gets large or painful. Kavo Diagnodent Website

DESCRIPTION OF CAVITATIONS: Ischemic osteonecrosis (bone death due to poor blood supply) is a disease of the entire skeleton i.e., it can affect any bone in the body. It is best known as a hip condition, yet it is actually more common in the jawbone. This fact has however, gone unacknowledged by mainstream medicine and dentistry. A jawbone cavitation is simply a hollow space or pocket in the bone; which is not visible to the eye and often causes no local discomfort, though it can be the hidden cause of facial pain. The chief initiating factor is trauma to the jaw, often brought on by standard dental treatment.

You may think that if you had an infection in your jaw, you would know it. Surely there would be pain, inflammation, tenderness and your dentist would find the problem in the course of your routine check-ups. WRONG! Chronic osteomyelitis (cavitation) of the jawbone is not characterized by the usual signs of infection (inflammation, redness, fever, pus) it most often is a silent, undetected, condition.

Surprisingly its a condition dentists are not trained in school to recognize. In fact, theyre not even taught that it exists. This is difficult to believe since cavitations in the jawbone are not a new discovery; it was described as early as 1848 by Thomas Bond in the first oral pathology book.

Sleep apnea afflicts between 12 and 18 million Americans. A 2003 study in JAMA reported that one in five adults has some degree of sleep apnea / Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA) and is moderately severe in one person out of 15. This may make OSA the most under-diagnosed condition in the U.S.The classic picture of obstructive sleep apnea includes episodes of heavy snoring that begin soon after falling asleep. The snoring proceeds at a regular pace for a period of time, often becoming louder, but is then interrupted by a long silent period during which no breathing is taking place (apnea). The apnea is then interrupted by a loud snort and gasp and the snoring returns to its regular pace. This behavior recurs frequently throughout the night. This continuously interrupted sleep pattern prevents patients with this condition from getting to the most beneficial level of sleep called REM (Rapid Eye Movement). Persons with OSA never get the benefits of REM sleep which can leave them constantly sleepy and fatigued.

Ive been a dental assistant since March of 1995 and a part of the fabulous Heath Centered Dentistry Team since May of 2000. Even though I work in Green Bay Country, I am married to a Minnesota Viking boy. GO VIKES! My husband and I love the outdoors and look forward to taking our daughter and son to BWCA when they are old enough to paddle a canoe.

We moved back to the Twin Cities metro area in January of this year (2014) and have happily settled back into life in the Midwest. Im glad to be spending some of my time lending a hand at Health Centered Dentistry. It is a joy to see the team, patients Ive known for years, and to meet new patients on their journey to better health. Our first child was born in September of this year and were navigating the trials of parenthood with much help from our loved ones.

I am a dental assistant and the patient coordinator here at Health Centered Dentistry. I have worked at Health Centered Dentistry for 4 years. I love spending time with my family, my husband Todd and my two kids Marah and Alex. I love sports, especially softball. I also love watching my kids in all of their athletic events.

Ive been a dental hygienst since 1981. Ive been part of the team at Health Centered Dentistry since Feburary 2006. My holistic journey began for our family prior to my employment here, though being part of this group has brought me to a whole new level. Im forever grateful for Dr. Laughlin and all the wonderful people who have passed through my treatment room. Without them, I wouldnt have the expansive knowldedge that Ive obtained. Health Centered Dentistry isnt just about the health of your mouth, itss about your whole body. I am also a Cranial Sacral Therapist with a focus on Myo-fascial unwinding, including Healing Energy Work. I continue to add to my healthcare knowledge, having completed 6 levels of introductory Homeopathy focusing on personal and family health. Im excited about being at Health Centered Dentistry and look forward to meeting you as you begin your journey to better overall health.

I have been with Health Centered Dentistrysince September 2008. I am married and have two daughters. My background comes from the hospitality industry but I have become interested in alternative methods within the last couple years due to back problems. I have had great advice in not only treating the problem but changing the mechanics that cause the problem. I am looking forward to learning more about holistic dentistry as well as other alternative methods from Dr. Laughlin and the other team members.

I joined the fabulous team at Health Centered Dentistry as their receptionist in 2012. I currently live in Prescott with my husband, daughter and son. I have been passionate about holistic well being for most of my life and pursued my degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Minnesota State University- Mankato. I enjoy yoga, Pilates and tai chi in my down time. I look forward to meeting each of you and encouraging you on this health journey!

I have been at Health Centered Dentistrysince July 2013. I have been a dental assistant since 1999. I have two boys age 9 & 15. My husband and I have been married for 16 years and he is a chef at Mama Marias (Hudson, WI). I enjoy reading and exploring new foods and cultures. I look forward to meeting you in the office soon.

On a basic level, the type of treatment needed will largely determine the answer to this question. Orthodontics usually takes 1 3 years while general restorative dentistry can be completed in a relatively short period of time (weeks to months). This question can be more accurately answered after all needed records are completed and analyzed. An even better estimate of needed time can be given after the first phase of treatment is completed, and patient progress and cooperation can be determined. Patient cooperation is a critical component in determining total treatment time. High levels of cooperation will not only reduce treatment time, and (therefore) the cost of treatment, but will also increase the level of success we can achieve! Treatment for children, before their permanent teeth have fully erupted, will often involve breaks in treatment while baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent ones.

Yes we gladly submit insurance re-imbursement requests on behalf of our patients. We are not, however, an in-network provider for any insurance company. Payment in full is expected at the time of service, and your insurance company will reimburse you. When you visit our office, please make sure that we have all the necessary information, including up-to-date ID cards. Do remember, though, that your benefits contract is between you, your insurance provider and, as applicable, your employer. You are, therefore, the one with control and power when dealing with your insurance company, we have very little influence. We cannot guarantee that your insurance provider will pay for any given treatment. We are not a provider those insurance programs that require the doctor / clinic to be an in-network provider in order to submit insurance reimbursement requests (Badger Care, Medicare, and Medicaid are examples of this type of insurance).

The ADAs recommendation is to have the first visit at one year of age. The main purpose for such a visit is two-fold, to have a pleasant first visit for the child as well as to review appropriate oral hygiene care with the parents. The point at which a child should begin routine / regular visits varies with the maturity of the child. However, if you suspect your child has a problem, a dental visit is important no matter what the age. An infant with no teeth can still benefit from an oral exam. A good strategy is to accustom the child to dentistry by permitting him/her to observe an older, well-behaved sibling having a routine cleaning. Though most orthodontists (or dentists who perform orthodontics) advocate waiting until all (or nearly all) of the permanent teeth are in before treating / evaluating the need for orthodontic care, we strongly recommend an evaluation at an early age. We believe that all children should have at least a basic evaluation done no later than six years old and often as early as two years old.

Holistic dentists are few and far between. Those with the wide range of services and knowledge base that we offer are even more rare (general dentistry, orthopedic orthodontics, TMJ / TMD therapies, sleep disturbance treatment, cavitation diagnosis, periodontal surgery alternatives, etc). There are a few organizations that may be able to help you in your search:

We are glad to discuss your nutritional concerns. We believe that nutrition is a critical component to the overall health of our patients (and ourselves). While we do have our own specific beliefs, it is our opinion that the subject is too important for us to offer incomplete advice. Therefore, we will often refer to nutritional counselors that can meet the needs and desires of our patients. The following are three nutritional programs that we strongly recommend: Sally Fallon / Weston Price Nutritional Philosophy Karen Hurd Renowned Nutritionist Eat Right For Your Blood Type Dr. Peter DAdamo

Dr. Laughlins presentation regarding Rapid Therapuetic Response with oral therapies was well received by the conference attendees at the ICIM (International College of Integrative Medicine) this past April in Lexington, Virginia. He taught diagnostic and therapuetic skills for Integrative practitioners of every walk of life to use right away and help their patients experience relief from pain. Dr. Laughlin worked hard to provide the participants with a solid foundation as well as media toolsto help them once they return home to their practices. Those tools will soon be available on our website for others to benefit from as well.

Today the lifetime risk of death associated with an osteoporotic fracture is greater than that of breast and uterine cancer combined. On Thursday, May 19th at 7PM Dr. Daryl Cooper, D.C., F.A.S.B.E. shared his knowledge with us. We discovered how osteoporosis is actually an immune system problem and not a calcium deficiency problem. If you want to learn how you can improve or prevent osteoporosis and how it will actually improve your overall health, please contact Dr. Cooper: (715) 808-0716; E-Mail: drdcooper@gmail.com; website: www.HudsonDisc.com or www.balancemybody.com

Sometimes the most powerful treatment is the simplest. This orthodontic therapy, develped by Dr. Katsev in Mosouri, is very effective in young children and can also assist in the treatment of adults. View the results and see what Dr. Laughlin and Dr. Pearson have to say about this revolutionary / evolutionary technique!

Dr. Laughlin says this is The best overview Ive ever seen written about Holistic Dentistry. If you are only ever to read one thing on the subject of Holistic Dentistry you couldnt do better than this, and its only six pages long!

We would like to thank the editors, staff, and writer at Experience Life Magazine that made this article possible. 200+ man-hours went into publishing this excellent article and it was a challenging collaborative work involving many nationally known holistic dentists. We are grateful beyond words to be able to offer this to anyone wanting to understand what holistic dentistry is all about.