Traditional dentistry views concerns of the teeth and mouth in isolation. Treatment is often more reactive than proactive. If there is a cavity, it get’s filed and that’s the end of it till the next exam.

At Health Centered Dentistry of Anchorage we take a more holistic approach to your oral and dental health. Traditional dentistry views the mouth as almost a separate environment from the body around it. But your mouth and teeth are not isolated elements to simply be patched when broken.

A person is more than a constellation of symptoms, diseases and diagnostic indicators. The body is a collection of various complex systems that are all interrelated and interdependent. The best medical care today addresses the whole person and not just isolated symptoms. We take such a holistic approach to dental care.

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The American Dental Association has made the determination that amalgam fillings are safe. However many people are concerned with fillings in their teeth that contain over 50% mercury, a substance that is highly toxic.

One of our specialties at Health Centered Dentistry is the removal of amalgam fillings. And not just removal, but removal procedures that safeguard your health in the removal process.

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Periodontal disease is caused when bacteria and tartar on your teeth interact to create an infection. The gums become inflamed and swollen and pockets form between the teeth and gums. Plaque in these pockets is difficult to remove through brushing and flossing. Periodontal disease can range from mild and correctable on up to advanced stages requiring oral surgical intervention.

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The amount of x-ray exposure in most dental x-rays is very small. But we believe that the less exposure to any type of radiation the better. At Health Centered Dentistry, safeguarding our patients’ health is a primary concern. Our imaging technologies require 90% less radiation exposure for the patient compared to traditional X-rays.

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Proper dental care is important to your overall health. We want to make sure that cost is never a barrier to getting the dental care you need, when you need it. Putting off dental work due to lack of funds can result in even greater costs later. Health Centered Dentistry of Anchorage provides a variety of payment options. We will work with you to find a payment plan that is best suited to your needs and situation. We accept the following forms of payment:

• Cash
• Dental Insurance
• Financing
• Major Credit Cards

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Dental care has come a long way. A visit to the dentist should not be a cause for anxiety. Procedures today are generally not uncomfortable or painful. A variety of options are available for the prevention of discomfort ranging from local anesthetic to nitrous oxide to IV sedation. If you have any special needs or concerns we're happy to discuss them with you and find the approach that makes your visit as comfortable as possible.

It's a common misconception that a child need not see a dentist prior to the emergence of adult teeth. Good dental hygiene and oral health care begins early. The American Dental Association recommends that parents take their child to a dentist around their first birthday. This provides the dentist an opportunity to look for early problems well before they can become big problems. You and your child's dentist should review important aspects of your child's oral health and diet. Visiting the dentist from a young age will help your child become comfortable with dental visits and establishes the good habit of regular check-ups.

Most dental care can be taken care of during regular office hours. But if you have a dental emergency that can't wait, call us at 907.277.2600 and we will arrange for the earliest possible care.

A dental practice must remain current on proven techniques and equipment in order to provide the very best and most comprehensive care. Health Centered Dentistry makes an effort to review innovations in dental care and when appropriate, to add new equipment to our practice. In addition our dentists typically receive extra training above and beyond the customary in various procedures and equipment including oral cancer screening, advanced digital imaging, TMD diagnosis and treatment and more.

The conventional wisdom of twice yearly checkups is a good guideline. But the frequency of checkups that is best will vary from person to person. Those at greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check ups more than twice a year.

Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.

Regular check ups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy and also provide opportunity for early detection of problems such as gum disease, oral cancer and cavities.