After one family weekend in Door County where I went all out on the brownies, cookies, candy, and ice cream, I was forced by my throbbing toothache to find a dentist. The last dentist that filled a cavity left a space just big enough that every time I chewed gum it got stuck!
At least that gave me the motivation to floss. But now it was causing issues.
It had been five plus years since I went to the dentist, so I knew I was in for it.
Dr. Scott Quandt
In my search for a more natural minded dentist, I found Green Bay dentist, Dr. Scott Quandt, of Dental Designs by Quandt.
When I discovered that Dr. Scott has a mercury-free office and joined the green movement several years back, I was sold!
Why Mercury Free Dentistry?
As a mercury free dentist, Dr. Scott does not use amalgam – those ugly silver fillings many of us have.
It just so happens those silver fillings contain mercury – a very toxic chemical. I find it ironic that amalgam is labeled “poison” and dentists aren’t allowed to put it down the drain, toilet or in the regular garbage, yet they still put it in your mouth. It’s even banned in other countries!
The packaging on this stuff has the California Prop 65 Warning right on the label which states:
This product contains mercury, a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Image courtesy of patsullivan.com
But that’s not the only potential harm done by mercury. Autism, cancer, brain and immune system damage and other neurological and physiological problems have all been linked to mercury exposure. Some research suggests mothers pass the toxins off to their babies while in the womb and through breastfeeding.
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology says of mercury:
“Mercury is the most toxic, non-radioactive element on the earth. Most medical and scientific researchers have called for a ban on the use of mercury in all products. However, the potential harmful effects of mercury fillings have been ignored by the U.S. Government. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems. Under laboratory conditions, mercury has produced brain cell deterioration identical to that seen in victims of Alzheimer’s disease.” (Source)
But, this is how Dr. Scott is different.
He’s knowledgeable about the harmful effects of mercury and he refuses to put these toxic metals in your mouth. He even recommends that you have any already existing amalgam fillings removed because they could be harmful to your health – especially if you have more than one.
Dr. Scott Goes Green
Over the past several years, Dr. Scott has implemented several Eco-friendly practices in his office. Just some of the things he’s done so far include:
- Switching to florescent lighting, which is five times more efficient.
- Patient forms are all electronic which saves paper.
- Using energy saving office supplies.
- Recycling all paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass, and use recycled/re-manufactured ink for the printers.
- Using digital technology. No more films processed with harsh chemicals and much less radiation than a traditional X-ray system.
- He uses biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners.
- His office is mercury-free and he uses an amalgam separator when he removes amalgam fillings.
It’s great to be able to find a dentist that truly cares about your health and the environment. To top it off, Dr. Scott is a super caring and a very family-oriented guy!
Here are a few other things I learned about him during my visit to Dental Designs by Quandt.
Dr. Scott Quandt – A Leader in Dentistry
Dr Quandt is not just a general family dentist, he’s also an expert in orthodontics and neuromuscular dentistry.
Plus, he’s an artist!
He showed me a picture of this woman (on the left) who received a complete dental makeover.
Pretty impressive, huh?
He has a whole slue of patients with remarkable before-and-afters.
Besides his artistry of the mouth and facial structure, Dr. Scott has thousands of continuing education hours and has worked with some of the world’s most famous cosmetic dentists like Bill Dorfman, television’s Extreme Makeover dentist.
During my visit to Dr. Scott’s office, I was treated like a queen. I was greeted with a hand-shake or two right when I walked in – I didn’t even have to wait one minute.
The bathroom was filled with goodies for you to use or take home like toothbrushes, mouth rinse, organic lotions, floss you name it.
I was offered a bottle of water and I got to sit in a dental chair with a remote control massage pad! You’ll even get offered headphones to listen to music or watch TV.
One thing that really stood out to me about Dr. Quandt and his staff is the way they listen. I expressed concerns about fluoride treatments just in normal conversation during my appointment and they must have made a note of it because they skipped the fluoride when my husband brought my three year-old son to the dentist a few weeks later.
Another thing that makes Dr. Scott different is his understanding about the connection between nutrition and better health. He knows that our gut health, for which our mouths plays a role, is where our immune system is housed and most health issues stem from an unhealthy gut. I like that he takes your health very seriously and cares that you are comfortable the whole time.
Well, it turned out I had three cavities and was verging on a root canal!
But Dr. Scott fixed me up in a jiffy, and I feel so relieved to have gotten that chunk of mercury out of my mouth.
Dental Designs by Quandt Details:
- Location: 2280 Holmgren Way, Green Bay
- Phone Number: (920) 499-6466
- Website: greenbaydental.com
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Wow, that dental makeover is amazing! That’s a major change in appearance…and I’m sure in the confidence of that young lady! Oh…and nicely written article!