The Functional Dentistry Philosophy
This approach recognizes that dental issues often stem from deeper imbalances in your body’s systems. Chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, sleep disorders, stress, and jaw misalignment can all manifest as oral health problems. By identifying these root causes, Dr. Dunkleberger creates treatment plans that address not just the immediate issue but the factors contributing to it.
Functional dentistry also acknowledges that what happens in your mouth affects your overall health. Gum disease links to heart disease and diabetes. Sleep apnea causes oxygen deprivation affecting your entire body. Mercury fillings raise questions about systemic metal exposure. These connections matter when planning comprehensive care.
Key Areas of Focus
Airway and Sleep Health
Your airway significantly impacts both oral health and overall wellness. Sleep apnea and airway restrictions often relate to jaw development, tongue position, and dental structure. Many patients don’t realize their chronic fatigue, morning headaches, or teeth grinding connect to breathing problems during sleep.
Dr. Dunkleberger evaluates airway function as part of comprehensive exams. She looks for signs like worn teeth from grinding, a narrow upper arch, or tongue ties that might indicate breathing issues. Addressing these structural issues can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce associated dental damage.
TMJ and Bite Alignment
Temporomandibular joint disorders cause pain, clicking, headaches, and difficulty chewing. These problems rarely exist in isolation—they often tie to whole-body posture issues, stress patterns, or developmental factors. Functional dentistry examines how your upper and lower teeth fit together and how this relationship affects your jaw joints.
Treatment might involve custom oral appliances, bite adjustments, or exercises that retrain muscles and improve jaw function. The goal is restoring comfortable, efficient function rather than just masking pain with medication.
Biocompatible Materials
Some patients react to dental materials that work fine for most people. Metal allergies, sensitivities to certain composites, or concerns about mercury in old amalgam fillings fall under the functional dentistry umbrella. Dr. Dunkleberger considers material biocompatibility when planning restorations.
If you have metal sensitivities or prefer metal-free dentistry, ceramic and composite options provide excellent alternatives. These materials are not only biocompatible but also look more natural than traditional metal restorations.
Oral-Systemic Health Connections
The bacteria living in your mouth can travel throughout your body via your bloodstream. Chronic gum inflammation contributes to systemic inflammation linked with numerous health conditions. Functional dentistry recognizes these connections and emphasizes controlling oral bacteria to protect overall health.
Dr. Dunkleberger works collaboratively with your other healthcare providers when relevant. If you have diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or cardiovascular disease, coordinated care between your medical and dental teams produces better outcomes.
Comprehensive Assessment
Functional dentistry begins with a thorough evaluation that goes beyond checking for cavities. Dr. Dunkleberger examines your bite, jaw function, airway, muscle tension, and signs of grinding or clenching. She asks about sleep quality, stress levels, diet, and other lifestyle factors that influence oral health.
Advanced diagnostic tools provide detailed information about your oral structures and function. Digital X-rays reveal bone density and joint position. Photographs document wear patterns and aesthetic concerns. This comprehensive data helps identify problems in their earliest stages.
Preventive Strategies
Prevention forms the cornerstone of functional dentistry. Rather than waiting for problems to develop and then fixing them, this approach emphasizes maintaining optimal function and health. Nutritional guidance supports strong teeth and healthy gums. Stress management techniques reduce grinding and clenching. Proper oral hygiene prevents bacterial overgrowth.
Dr. Dunkleberger provides personalized recommendations based on your specific risk factors and health goals. What works for one patient might not suit another, so functional dentistry adapts to your individual needs rather than applying one-size-fits-all protocols.
Integration with Overall Wellness
Functional dentistry fits naturally into a holistic approach to health. If you’re already working with functional medicine practitioners, nutritionists, or other wellness providers, Dr. Dunkleberger’s philosophy aligns with that integrated care model. Your mouth is part of your whole body, and treating it that way produces better long-term results.
This doesn’t mean rejecting conventional dental treatments—it means enhancing them with a broader perspective. You still need cleanings, fillings, and other standard procedures. The difference lies in understanding why problems occur and taking steps to prevent recurrence.
Patient Empowerment
Functional dentistry empowers you to take an active role in your oral health. Dr. Dunkleberger educates you about the connections between your habits, health conditions, and dental problems. Understanding these relationships helps you make informed decisions and motivates positive changes.
You’re not just a passive recipient of dental care—you’re a partner in maintaining and improving your oral health. This collaborative approach leads to better outcomes and greater satisfaction with your dental experience.
Experience Dentistry That Goes Deeper
If you’re tired of repeatedly treating the same dental problems without understanding why they keep recurring, functional dentistry offers a different approach. Dr. Elizabeth Dunkleberger at Dental Excellence in Littleton provides comprehensive care that addresses root causes and supports your overall wellness. Schedule your consultation today to experience dental care that truly considers your whole health.
