Whole Body Wellness Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions

Air Polishing with Glycine Powder FAQs

What is air polishing with glycine powder?

Air polishing with glycine powder is a gentle dental cleaning technique that uses a controlled stream of air, water, and fine glycine powder to remove plaque, biofilm, and surface stains from the teeth and below the gumline. At Expertise Dental, this can support a more comfortable, minimally invasive hygiene experience.

What is glycine powder?

Glycine is a naturally occurring amino acid. It is safe, low-abrasive, and biocompatible, making it suitable for delicate tooth surfaces, exposed roots, gum tissue, and dental implants.

How is air polishing different from traditional polishing?

Traditional polishing usually uses a rubber cup and gritty paste, which can be more abrasive on enamel and restorations. Air polishing with glycine powder is significantly less abrasive, more comfortable for sensitive teeth, safer for enamel and exposed root surfaces, and effective at disrupting harmful biofilm.

What does air polishing feel like?

Most patients describe air polishing as gentle, refreshing, and less gritty than traditional polishing. It is often more comfortable for patients with sensitive teeth and may feel quicker and more pleasant than conventional polishing.

Can air polishing help with gum disease?

Yes. Glycine air polishing can help remove subgingival biofilm, which is bacteria found below the gumline. This biofilm plays a major role in gum inflammation and periodontal disease, so removing it can support healthier gums.

Is air polishing safe for dental implants?

Yes. Glycine powder is safe for dental implant surfaces and can help reduce inflammation around implants by disrupting harmful bacteria without damaging titanium surfaces.

Does air polishing remove stains?

Yes. Air polishing can remove many surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. However, it does not change the natural shade of your teeth in the same way that professional teeth whitening does.

Is air polishing suitable for children?

Yes. Air polishing with glycine powder is safe and gentle, making it a suitable option for children, anxious patients, and patients with sensitive teeth.

How long does air polishing take?

Air polishing is usually included as part of your hygiene visit. Because it is efficient at removing plaque, biofilm, and surface stains, it may help reduce overall cleaning time.

Why would a dental office choose glycine over other powders?

Compared with traditional sodium bicarbonate powders, glycine is less abrasive, more comfortable, safer for delicate tissues, and more suitable for periodontal therapy, maintenance visits, and preventive care.

Who is a good candidate for air polishing?

Air polishing with glycine powder may be a good option for patients with gum inflammation, periodontal concerns, dental implants, tooth sensitivity, or those who prefer gentle, minimally invasive dental care.

How do I book an air polishing appointment in Mount Pleasant, SC?

To book an air polishing or hygiene appointment with Expertise Dental, call (843) 375-0395 or visit expertisedental.com.

Bacterial Reduction Therapy FAQs

What is Bacterial Reduction Therapy?

Bacterial Reduction Therapy, or BRT, is a preventive dental protocol designed to significantly reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. At Expertise Dental, BRT supports healthier gums, safer treatment, and a whole-body approach to oral health.

Why is reducing oral bacteria important?

The mouth contains billions of bacteria. While many are healthy, harmful bacteria can contribute to gum disease, tooth decay, chronic inflammation, bad breath, implant complications, and increased systemic inflammation. Reducing harmful bacteria can support both oral health and overall wellness.

What does Bacterial Reduction Therapy involve?

BRT may include antimicrobial rinses, ozonated water irrigation, air polishing to disrupt biofilm, targeted antimicrobial agents, subgingival irrigation, and personalized home-care recommendations. Your exact protocol will depend on your diagnosis, gum health, and clinical findings.

Is BRT the same as a regular dental cleaning?

No. A regular dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar, while BRT specifically targets bacterial biofilm and harmful pathogens before and during treatment. It may be recommended before hygiene visits, periodontal therapy, implant treatment, restorative care, or other dental procedures.

Is Bacterial Reduction Therapy painful?

No. BRT is non-invasive and typically comfortable. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment.

Who benefits from Bacterial Reduction Therapy?

BRT may be especially beneficial for patients with bleeding gums, periodontal disease, chronic inflammation, frequent cavities, bad breath, dental implants, or those preparing for dental surgery. It may also support patients who are focused on preventive, biologic, and whole-body dental care.

Does BRT help with gum disease?

Yes. BRT helps reduce harmful bacteria associated with gum disease. When combined with appropriate periodontal therapy and good home care, it can support healing, reduce inflammation, and help improve long-term gum stability.

Why is BRT important before dental procedures?

Reducing bacteria before dental procedures may help lower the risk of post-operative infection, support healing, reduce inflammation, minimize bacteria entering the bloodstream, and improve treatment outcomes.

Is Bacterial Reduction Therapy safe?

Yes. BRT uses professionally administered antimicrobial techniques that are safe and tailored to your individual health history and oral health needs.

Will insurance cover Bacterial Reduction Therapy?
Insurance coverage for BRT varies depending on your provider, diagnosis, and benefits. Expertise Dental can review your treatment plan and discuss any estimated costs with you before care begins.

How often is BRT needed?

The frequency of BRT depends on your oral health condition. Some patients benefit from periodic bacterial reduction as part of their maintenance program, while others may only need it before specific procedures.

Why does Expertise Dental offer Bacterial Reduction Therapy?

Expertise Dental offers BRT because oral health is closely connected to whole-body wellness. By reducing harmful bacteria, BRT can help support gum stability, reduce inflammation, improve healing, and enhance long-term treatment success.

How do I book Bacterial Reduction Therapy in Mount Pleasant, SC?

To book a consultation or hygiene visit at Expertise Dental, call (843) 375-0395 or visit expertisedental.com.

Gum Disease FAQs

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. At Expertise Dental, gum health is approached with a focus on prevention, bacterial control, and whole-body wellness.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and changes in the way your teeth bite together. Some patients may not notice symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular dental visits are important.

Can gum disease be treated?

Yes. Expertise Dental offers professional periodontal care to help manage gum disease, reduce harmful bacteria, and support healthier gums. Your treatment may include deep cleaning, bacterial reduction therapy, air polishing, improved home care, or ongoing periodontal maintenance.

Is gum disease painful?

Gum disease is often painless in the early stages. This means it can progress without obvious discomfort, so bleeding gums or gum changes should not be ignored.

How often should I have gum treatments?

Your dentist or hygienist will recommend a personalized treatment and maintenance schedule based on your gum health. Some patients may need more frequent hygiene visits or periodontal maintenance to help keep gum disease under control.

How do I book a gum health check in Mount Pleasant, SC?

To book a gum health check with Expertise Dental, call (843) 375-0395 or visit expertisedental.com.

SMART Amalgam Removal FAQs

What is SMART amalgam removal?

SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a set of safety protocols established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, also known as IAOMT, to help reduce patient and dental team exposure to mercury vapor and particles during the removal of silver amalgam fillings.

Why is a special protocol needed to remove amalgam fillings?

Traditional silver amalgam fillings contain mercury. When amalgam fillings are drilled, mercury vapor and fine particles can be released. SMART protocols are designed to help minimize inhalation and ingestion of these materials during the removal process.

What safety measures are used in SMART amalgam removal?

SMART protocols may include high-volume evacuation, specialized suction, supplemental oxygen through a nasal mask, rubber dam isolation, protective barriers, external air filtration, copious water spray, and sectioning the filling into pieces rather than grinding it away. These measures are used to help reduce mercury exposure during treatment.

Is SMART amalgam removal safe?

When performed by a trained dental professional following SMART protocols, this approach is considered a safer method for removing mercury-containing fillings compared with traditional drilling techniques.

Should I remove my amalgam fillings?

Not every amalgam filling needs to be removed. If a filling is intact and functioning well, removal may not be necessary. Replacement may be considered if the filling is cracked, failing, surrounded by recurrent decay, affecting the tooth structure, or if you prefer metal-free restorations. A clinical evaluation at Expertise Dental can help determine the best option for you.

What materials replace amalgam fillings?

After amalgam removal, the tooth is typically restored using mercury-free materials such as tooth-colored composite resin, ceramic inlays or onlays, or porcelain restorations. The most suitable option will depend on the size of the filling and the condition of the tooth.

Will I feel sick after amalgam removal?

Most patients tolerate SMART amalgam removal well. Expertise Dental may recommend supportive steps such as hydration and appropriate aftercare based on your individual needs.

Is SMART amalgam removal covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage varies. Some plans may cover the restorative portion of treatment, but they may not cover the additional safety measures involved in SMART amalgam removal. Expertise Dental can review your treatment plan and discuss estimated costs before treatment begins.

How long does SMART amalgam removal take?

The length of the appointment depends on the number, size, and location of the amalgam fillings being removed. In some cases, treatment may be completed over multiple visits for comfort and safety.

Why do wellness dental offices offer SMART amalgam removal?

Wellness-focused dental practices offer SMART amalgam removal because they prioritize safety, biocompatibility, and whole-body health. This approach aligns with a preventive and health-centered philosophy of care.

Who is a good candidate for SMART amalgam removal?

You may be a good candidate if you have old or failing silver fillings, prefer metal-free restorations, value enhanced safety protocols, are concerned about mercury exposure, or are interested in biologic and wellness-focused dental care. A consultation and diagnostic evaluation can confirm whether SMART removal is appropriate for you.

How do I book a SMART amalgam removal consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC?

To book a SMART amalgam removal consultation with Expertise Dental, call (843) 375-0395 or visit expertisedental.com.