Who We Help
We welcome all health-conscious patients who want to experience holistic dentistry from a specialized team. Whether you are interested in maintaining your current health, learning more about how your oral wellness affects the rest of your body, or you have specific conditions that you want to address, we are ready to help you. Below, you’ll find some types of patients that we have a special place in our hearts — and in our training — for.
Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatments
Conventional treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can have unfortunate consequences for oral health. We recognize that, which is why we have put in extra effort to learning all about how your condition and its treatments may affect your smile. Whether you are struggling with dry mouth, are fighting an infection, or want to be proactive about protecting your oral health before you embark on cancer treatment, we are ready to help.
After a patient has received oral appliance therapy, they should attend regular visits to both their dentist and their sleep physician to make sure the treatment is having the desired effect. Adjustments can be made to the treatment plan if necessary, and constant communication between doctor and patient is essential.
When these organizations speak of a qualified and certified sleep dentist, they are talking about a doctor like Dr. Fred Dreher. He has undergone years of training and education to be able to skillfully use oral appliances to help people get the rest that they need. He is confident that he can use one to treat your sleep problems as well, and he can’t wait to see the positive effect it will have on your life. If you’d like to learn more about how oral appliance therapy could help you finally get the sleep you need, simply contact our office today for a free consultation. We are based in Ballston Spa, and we also routinely see patients from Saratoga Springs, Cohoes, Watervliet, Schenectady, Gloversville, and Glens Falls.
Patients with Severe Facial Pain
Severe facial pain can have a number of causes, including cancer, TMJ disorder (TMD), cavitations, and more. If you are struggling with such pain, we will use our expertise and technology to perform a thorough examination. Once we pinpoint the cause of the problem, we can design a custom treatment plan to relieve your discomfort and get your health back on track. We work closely with other local medical professionals to ensure that our patients receive comprehensive care.
Patients with Autoimmune Conditions
Research has found strong associations between poor oral health and autoimmune conditions. For example, tooth loss is correlated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be exacerbated by an imbalance in your body’s microbiome, which is greatly affected by the types of bacteria that inhabit your mouth. We keep up to date on the latest research in these areas so we can support you on your journey toward improved overall wellness.
Patients with Heart Conditions
Oral health and heart health are connected. For example, gum disease is associated with a heightened risk of heart attacks. Because we understand the latest research on such conditions, we are equipped to use your mouth as the portal through which we can help you safeguard your precious heart. We are also extremely careful to only use techniques and materials that will not worsen any existing heart conditions.
Patients with Gluten Sensitivities
Do you suspect that you are sensitive to gluten, or have you recently been diagnosed with a gluten allergy? Gluten may cause enamel weakening, tooth discoloration, canker sores, bad breath, and inflammatory gum disease. We can diagnose such dental issues and work to minimize the damage to your smile. We may also provide tips on how to enjoy a range of delicious foods without exposing your teeth and gums to the potentially devastating effects of gluten.
Patients Struggling with Other Diseases Caused by Infected Gums, Root Canals, Jawbone Cavitations, and Toxic Metals
The body is a complex creation composed of dozens of interconnected systems. Things like infected gums, past root canal therapy, jawbone cavitations, and toxic metals (such as the mercury in traditional fillings) may all have bad consequences for your overall wellness. If you have been feeling sick or even just a little “off,” and you suspect it has something to do with your oral health, we will be happy to examine you and do our best to help you understand and address your condition.