Shoddy Dentistry
– 10 Examples –

Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist

January 31, 2021

 

I could be ostracized for writing this article. But after 44 years in the clinical practice of periodontics, I have seen quite a bit – quite a bit of serious damage to the mouth. Frequently, this has been brought about by shoddy dentistry, which is also known as iatrogenic dentistry. And that damage has often affected the rest of the body.

Iatrogenic dentistry is any trauma or damage that has been induced by a dentist’s activity, manner, or therapy. Iatrogenic dentistry can create poor function, pain, swelling, infection, and spread of systemic inflammation. It also may result in permanent damage from no fault of the patient.

Dental Procedures

The truth is obvious. Dental problems can occur that must be repaired by a competent dentist.

For example, after a tooth is damaged from decay, fracture, or other factors, the dentist may need to use dental materials and instruments like dental drills to fix the tooth.

Another problem is gum disease. When it is present, its destructive nature can penetrate all tissues. If this infection is not treated effectively and efficiently, bacteria and inflammation can spread into the jawbone ultimately causing loss of teeth. Also, this disease can enter the blood system as well as travel the paths of nerves. The spread of bacteria and inflammation could cause severe disease in other parts of the body.

The goal of a biologically oriented dentist is to restore the mouth to proper function that is compatible with the overall health of the body. Unfortunately, some dental procedures are not performed properly. And then some procedures are not medically necessary, and the patient is not informed.

Like I said, during the course of my clinical treatment of periodontal patients, I have seen many results of shoddy dentistry. Here are the 10 most common examples of shoddy dentistry I have observed in my patients:

10 Examples of Shoddy Dentistry

1. Poorly placed fillings in teeth
2. Tooth procedures that cause the death of the living tissues within the tooth
3. Trauma to the tooth initiated by a dentist that causes tooth sensitivity, mobility, or hairline fractures
4. Toxic chemicals in tooth filling materials that harm the patient’s body
5. Ill-fitting crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, partial dentures, or complete dentures that cause irritation, pain, swelling, inflammation, and infection
6. Incomplete removal of excess cement under the gum tissues after crowns are cemented
7. Failure to correctly treat active periodontal disease
8. Unacceptable orthodontic treatment that causes future airway obstruction, grinding and gritting of teeth, improper alignment of teeth, and compromised jaw and tongue function
9. Improper techniques when extracting teeth resulting in trauma to the jawbone and residual infection and inflammation in the healing bone socket
10. Root canal treatment that does not resolve infection oozing out of a dead tooth into the jawbone

In many situations, shoddy dental work resulting in tooth or tissue damage can be corrected, repaired, and healed. At other times, there may be irreparable damage to the tooth, spread of chronic inflammation and infection through the body, and the progressive loss of teeth and function years down the road. Unfortunately, damage to the mouth may not be obvious immediately. Also, some damage to other organ systems of the body may be difficult to trace back to the mouth.

Reactive & Proactive

If you have fillings, crowns, root canals, or cosmetic dentistry, the structure of the tooth has been compromised. Statistics from the American Dental Association state that these teeth most likely will need further treatment as the restorative materials break down over time. If teeth become untreatable, they will need to be extracted and may need to be replaced for proper chewing and digestive function.

If you have any dental work in your mouth, you must be diligent to maintain oral health. Personal oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and diet become vital to protect you from further dental breakdown.

If you have any dentistry in your mouth that has been identified as shoddy, you must have it corrected. If you need to find a biologically oriented dentist to help get your mouth back to health, here are three websites where you may be able to find a qualified dentist in your Zip Code area:

• International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology
• International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine
• Holistic Dental Association

To further help you, my PDF describes the “4 Steps to a Healthy Mouth”. Everyone can benefit from it. Also, I suggest a healthy way of eating in my mini-eBook “Better Belly Blueprint”. This will provide your body with all the nutrients your mouth and body require to be healthy.

You need to become aware if you have shoddy dentistry. The repercussions can be severe. If you have questionable dental work, it must be evaluated and repaired. You should not ignore the potential problems, which could manifest in your mouth and the rest of your body.

 

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