When it comes to pediatric dentistry, many parents are seeking practitioners that understand the potential dangers present in a variety of dental procedures. From poisonous mercury to neurotoxic fluoride, guardians are straying away from many conventional practices that are proving to have adverse effects and instead choosing methods that are responsible, safe and effective for their little ones. Robyn Abramczyk, DDS, of Smile Ranch Dentistry, practices general dentistry with a holistic approach, and is a member of the Holistic Dentistry Association, International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals and Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions,  among others.

“Many of the parents who come to me are extremely educated and well-read, and choose natural and organic products for themselves and their families,” says Abramczyk. “They visit my office because they are aware of the effect of fluoride on the physiological system and are seeking safe and biocompatible materials.” Some patients come in for a second, third or fourth opinion on issues such as baby root canals, where other dentists are suggesting to place a silver filling, which can be toxic. Abramczyk instead uses composite, white fillings that are organic, non-toxic, biocompatible, fluoride-free, gluten-free, BPA-free, heavy metal-free and much safer for kids. When a child needs fillings, Abramczyk cleans out the cavity and sterilizes the tooth using ozone therapy before placing the biocompatible composite. She also uses a fluoride-free, mineral toothpaste.

Each and every patient is educated about diet, nutrition and supplementation as a means of remineralizing teeth or to rebalance dental and overall health. “We also have patients who have been diagnosed with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations,” says Abramczyk. “These patients are poor detoxifiers, so we need to approach them differently with diet and supplementation. It’s also not appropriate to administer nitrous oxide or laughing gas to those with an MTHFR mutation as patients, especially children, can respond negatively.” Parents that bring their children in for extensive treatments do have the option of IV sedation, where a medical doctor that is also an anesthesiologist can administer it.

Many parents also bring their children in for a frenectomy, which is a procedure used to correct a congenital condition (tongue-tie) when the lingual (tongue) or labial (lip) frenulum is tight, resulting in restriction of function, potentially resulting in difficulty breastfeeding and other concerns such as dental, digestive and speech issues. After the procedure, Abramczyk educates parents about stretches that they will need to assist the baby in performing post operatively.. There is also a CranialSacral therapist and bodyworker on staff at Smile Ranch Dentistry that can aid in the release, resulting in better speech, increased vocabulary and rapid healing of the condition.

Smile Ranch Dentistry is committed to making sure each visit is relaxing for every child. Before treatments, there are homeopathic supplements, massage therapy, essential oils and more that can be utilized to keep children calm. “We really like the parents to play a role in every decision,” says Abramczyk. “We are supportive of what parents want to do, and they are never pressured on anything. Whether they want to come back into the room for procedures, use nitrous oxide to calm their children or call in a doctor for IV sedation, the options are available.”

 

Aside from the many treatments currently available for kids, Smile Ranch Dentistry will be welcoming another doctor to the team this spring to provide orthotropics, a unique orthodontic technique. This alternative to straightening teeth offers natural growth guidance that ensures a child has a correctly sized maxima and mandible, which allows the teeth to align naturally and improves the airways. Both the structure and the function of the lips, tongue and facial muscles are evaluated and harmonized for maximum orthodontic result.

Smile Ranch Dentistry is located at 6700 Horizon Rd, Heath. For more information, call 972-772-7645 or visit SmileRanchDentistry.com.