As an integrative biological dentist and a board-certified Integrative Medical Doctor, Dr. Jeanne Anne Krizman incorporates “the best of both worlds—mainstream dentistry with a whole-body, alternative approach”. At her centrally located practice, Krizman Dental: Integrative Biological Dentistry, Krizman does “everything that a general dentist does but more—with a healthy twist.”

One of the few biological dentists in Arizona accredited through the International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Krizman is emphatic about continuing education. She works tirelessly to keep the office up to date, going to continuing education classes and bringing in new technologies and methods.

At the mercury-safe and fluoride-free practice, nearly every dental material seems to have a healthier twist. White fillings are free of resin and Bis-GMA. Crowns are all porcelain to avoid changing the natural electronegative currents of the body (which may affect the immune system). Mouthwashes don’t include alcohol, and are mostly essential oil-based. Teeth are polished with plain pumice to avoid using artificial ingredients and colorings that can be absorbed through the mouth. A calcium carbonate-based toothpaste and ozone trays are used to re-mineralize minimal decay. Several air filters maintain healthy air quality, meaning that the air smells fresh—not like the typical medical office.

“Instead of using ibuprofen, which is toxic to the liver and kidneys, we use homeopathics such as arnica and hypericum for pain relief. We try to avoid using anesthetics with preservatives and epinephrine, because patients will be able to detox it easier. Also, it is better not to use an anesthetic with epinephrine during surgery, because it constricts blood flow to the surgery site,” explains Krizman.

Beginning in early 2014, Krizman Dental was a small office with only one chair, when she “just opened the doors”. Other alternative practitioners helped the practice grow by referring patients to her, and within a year, Krizman, had outgrown the office. She now has five rooms where she sees patients, with the help of seven employees.

The practice uses ozone water and ozone gas. Ozone is 3,000 times more powerful than one molecule of chlorine, Krizman says. “It’s a beneficial addition to our dental practice and the treatment of dental disease. Ozone stimulates the body’s natural immunity while promoting optimal circulation for healing,” she explains. “We use it for the treatment of cavities, periodontal disease, extractions, to aid with healing or pain and for keeping our dental lines clean.”

​Krizman explains, “In dental units, the water is in a self-contained system. Over time, a bacterial-rich, slime-like layer can build up in the dental lines. In order to prevent the bacterial buildup in dental unit water lines, offices will put chemicals in their water. That bacteria may become resistant to the chemicals, and harsher chemicals are used to kill the bacteria.” In contrast, Krizman uses ozone water in her water lines, helping keep that bacterial load down.

New patients’ exams at Krizman Dental last an hour and a half—far from the typical new patient exam. Patients who fear dental work are offered (at no charge) essential oils, Buzzies (vibrating wrist bands to decrease stress) or the NuCalm System. Digital x-rays are taken with a shield that protects an additional 20 percent radiation. If a 3D CT scan is needed, it is done with the latest technology of the VaTech Green CT Machine, which reduces radiation by nearly 50 percent. After x-rays, patients are offered a homeopathic for radiation detox. Intra-oral photos are also taken of the patient’s teeth and are reviewed on a monitor with the patient.

“It’s important to me to build a relationship of trust with patients, so I try to educate the patients about why I am recommending specific dental work through the photographs. Technology has made patient education much better,” says Krizman. Patients are offered blood work-ups for evaluation of their essential elements, evaluation of kidney and liver function, and the amount of mercury burden.

The practice offers services for patients with deep pockets (periodontal disease) with ozone treatments and irrigation with a wheatgrass sweet almond oil blend/rinse. They use probiotics specifically for the mouth in deep pockets to help reestablish good bacteria. Through the use of a microscope connected to a monitor, patients are educated on the good and bad bacteria that they have in their mouth. A patient with periodontal disease can monitor how their bacteria associated with periodontal disease decreases as they improve their home care and complete the office hygiene protocols.

Krizman Dental is also the only biological practice in Tucson that performs extractions of root canal teeth with Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrinogen (L-PRF). In this procedure, she takes blood from the patient and spins the blood to separate the red and white blood cells. She then places the L-PRF back into the extraction site. These cells contain all our proteins and amino acids that are really important for rebuilding the tissue and the bone. “They heal twice as fast and my patients typically report at their one-week post-operative visit that they had little to no pain in recovery,” she says.

Krizman’s patients are especially pleased to have the option to take home samples of materials to test. “We do biocompatibility testing (bloodwork) to see if they have an allergic reaction to certain dental products. It’s not 100 percent accurate, so we provide patients with material that they can suck on like a lozenge or tape on their wrist to see if they experience any adverse reactions.”

Krizman has her certification for SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) removal. She is ever mindful of the safety of her patients and employees, both during and after the mercury removal. “We wear Tyvek booties, headgear and gas masks, and we have windows open for fresh air filtration,” explains Krizman. “The patient’s face and body is completely covered for protection, we use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth with the mercury filling from the rest of the mouth. We use a mercury ionizer, and a carbon air filter provides suction of dangerous fumes at the patient’s face.”

Mercury and liver detoxification protocols are available as well. Chronic, low-grade exposure to mercury affects people in different ways, and some need to go through a detox. Krizman does blood testing in the office and can check mercury levels related to dental care as well as the foods patients are eating. “The best thing about having a biologic practice, for me, is I can do the mainstream procedures with the addition of integrative techniques. Any dentist can take a mercury filling out, but not every dentist does tests to see mercury levels and helps the patient detox,” she enthuses.

Krizman, a world-ranked athlete, collegiate golfer and professional Ironman racer, posits that her athletic successes have helped her become a better dentist. “Athletes are perfectionists and extremely hard working. I’m a perfectionist and I care about the well-being of my patients. That’s what people want in their health care.”

Krizman Dental is a fee-for-service office, but does provide patients with dental insurance claim forms to turn into insurance companies. They offer payment plans and care credit. Location: 1601 N. Tucson Blvd., Ste. 35, Tucson. Connect with Dr. Krizman at 520-326-0082, [email protected] or KrizmanDental.com. See ad, page 7.

Currently living in Charlotte, Michelle Bense is a freelance editor and writer for Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country. Connect at [email protected].