Is A Biological Dentist Right for You?

Sep 30, 2019 07:35PM ● By Suzie Agrillo

Choosing a biological dentist doesn’t mean you will be asked to meditate and eat kale. Rather, biological dentistry is an approach to dental care that is focused on promoting overall health and wellness. A biological dentist uses minimally invasive technologies and treatments as well as biocompatible and nontoxic materials to avoid causing any adverse effects on your health.

The numbers of biological dentists are growing as patients seek out technology which minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. “Your mouth is the window to your overall health. People who are into their health want safe products in their mouths,” observes Dr. Jeanne Anne Krizman, DMD, MPH, IMD. She has patients who seek out her expertise from as far away as Denmark.

This native of South Bend, Indiana is the daughter of a medical doctor who practices integrative medicine, and she followed in her father’s footsteps. Krizman went to the University of Arizona, acquiring a B.S. in Microbiology and a master’s degree in Public Health with an emphasis on Environmental and Occupational Health. She attended dental school in Mesa at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, followed by advanced courses at the American College of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry. She is also a Board Member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).

Prior to her dental career, Krizman was a professional triathlete. She is a “scratch” golfer and attended the University of Arizona on a golf scholarship. Her team won the 1996 NCAA Women’s National Golf Championship. She was also a triathlete who competed at the national level. She achieved a top 15 finish in one of her Ironman Hawaii World Championship runs. Notwithstanding her busy dental practice, she still considers exercise an important priority. In addition to running and swimming, she rides mountain bikes with her two boys. “Maintaining good health has always been a big aspect of my life,” she reflects.

Mercury Amalgam Fillings Removal
As an innovative biological dentist, Krizman is concerned over the effect mercury amalgam fillings might have on a person’s health. She only uses white composite material which is BPA free, and is the least toxic, most biocompatible material for fillings. “The concern with amalgam fillings is that a small amount of mercury seeps out on a daily basis. Mercury can potentially build up throughout the body, posing a risk to health and wellness,” she advises.

Krizman is one of the few dentists who is certified by the IAOMT and follows the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) amalgam removal protocol. In addition to protecting the patient and staff, she also makes sure the environment is protected by preventing mercury amalgam fragments from entering our water system.

How to Achieve a Healthier Mouth
The initial consultation at Krizman’s office lasts two hours. She tests patients with an intracellular test for their various heavy metals and essential nutrients that are required for daily cellular function. Also, she offers a dental materials biocompatibility test (involving blood work) that will determine which dental materials are most suitable for a patient—important for chemically sensitive patients. Teeth and gums are considered vital to the rest of the body. Periodontal disease can cause cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment and other diseases. Infected teeth can result in high blood pressure.

In addition to minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals, Krizman utilizes digital x-rays, which have a lot less radiation exposure than traditional x-rays. Homeopathics and vitamin supplements are offered to protect a patient’s DNA from x-ray exposure as well. For implants, she uses porcelain/zirconia rather than metal/titanium. Krizman also offers a toothpaste at her office which is safe to swallow. The office is fluoride free. “One of the most toxic elements on the periodic table is fluoride. We offer nutritional supplements that will strengthen the teeth, along with vitamin D testing,” she notes.

“Many people avoid professional dental care because they are afraid to go to the dentist,” Krizman comments. She prefers using natural products and remedies while treating patients. Some of the modalities she uses to calm people down include essential oils, CBD and homeopathic products. She also utilizes “Buzzies”, which look like watches and are noninvasive and medication free. Worn on the wrists, they reduce stress and calm patients’ anxiety. Krizman also uses laser treatments, which increase bond strength after filling a tooth, sterilize it and reduce the risk of needing a root canal in the future.

Wellness Center
Krizman opened her dental practice in 2013. Because she is focused on dental health and how it relates to the rest of the body, she is now opening a Wellness Center to complement her dental office. It will offer nutritional IVs, including vitamin C and Myer’s Cocktail; near infrared lights; far infrared saunas; hyperbaric oxygen treatment; chelation therapy; and ozone therapy.

“Ozone is immensely beneficial. It stimulates the body’s natural immunity by stimulating white blood cells, and it promotes optimal circulation for tissue healing,” she says.

Laser Aesthetics
Krizman offers Fontana facial laser treatments to build collagen and tighten the area around the mouth without fillers. The laser emits pulses of light to the surface of the oral cavity without damage to the tissues. Treatment of the oral cavity can result in the tightening and lifting of the nasolabial folds, mouth and cheeks. The laser can also plump the lips by delivering targeted heat pulses into the lips to stimulate new collagen formation resulting in fuller, more defined and enhanced lips.

“I really enjoy what I do. It’s very gratifying when my patients return and say they had no pain after an extraction. I like to make my patients happy—I’m very patient oriented. I go to a lot of continuing education, so I can offer them the latest protocols,” Krizman relates.

First and foremost, Krizman’s patients are the reason she practices dentistry, and her admiration of them is obvious. “My patients are informed, educated and taking care of themselves to get healthy,” she acknowledges. Biological dentistry may still be the road less traveled, and yet it is potentially the best path to achieve optimal health.

Tucson Biological Dentistry is located at 1601 N. Tucson Blvd., Ste. 35, in Tucson. Connect at 520-326-0082, [email protected] or TucsonBiodentistry.com. See ads, pages 11 and 15.

Suzie Agrillo is a freelance writer in Tucson and a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings Magazine. She focuses on writing about the arts, inspirational people and the human connection. Connect at [email protected].

Tucson Biological Dentistry : A New Name for a Local Favorite

Krizman Dental, Integrative Biological Dentistry, is now Tucson Biological Dentistry. They have also expanded their staff and facility to be... Read More »

Tucson Biological Dentistry [3 Images] Click Any Image To Expand