Holistic dentistry recognizes the vital connection between oral health and overall body wellness. Dr. Makuta considers how every dental material and treatment affects your complete health, not just your teeth. We use only biocompatible, mercury-free materials, follow safe protocols like SMART amalgam removal, and address underlying causes of dental problems rather than just symptoms. Our approach integrates your dental care with your lifestyle, nutrition, stress levels, and systemic health for truly comprehensive wellness.

Amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% mercury, a known neurotoxin. While debate continues in the dental community, mercury vapor is continuously released from these fillings, especially during chewing, grinding, and dental work. The EPA recognizes mercury as too dangerous for our waterways, which raises concerns about having it in our mouths. Dr. Makuta is a mercury-free practice—we never place amalgam fillings and offer safe SMART protocol removal for patients who want their existing amalgam fillings replaced with biocompatible alternatives.

SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) is a rigorous protocol developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) that Dr. Makuta is certified to perform. It includes rubber dam isolation to keep mercury out of your mouth, external oxygen so you breathe clean air, high-volume suction to capture mercury vapor, protective coverings for your body, HEPA air filtration, and specialized removal techniques that minimize vapor production. These precautions dramatically reduce mercury exposure during removal for you, our staff, and the environment.

Dr. Makuta offers several options depending on your specific situation. Dental implants are the gold standard—they look, feel, and function like natural teeth, preserve jawbone, and can last a lifetime. Dr. Makuta both places and restores implants for comprehensive care. We also offer traditional bridges to replace one or more adjacent teeth, and dentures for patients with extensive tooth loss. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option best suits your oral health, budget, and goals.

Yes! Dr. Makuta provides comprehensive cosmetic dentistry including professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored composite bonding, and all-ceramic crowns. Whether you want to brighten stained teeth, repair chips and cracks, close gaps, or completely transform your smile, we create personalized treatment plans using biocompatible materials that deliver beautiful, natural-looking results. Every cosmetic treatment is designed to enhance both your appearance and your oral health.

Absolutely. Dr. Makuta is a certified provider of both Invisalign and ClearCorrect clear aligner systems. These virtually invisible orthodontic treatments use custom removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth, close gaps, and correct bite issues. They’re perfect for adults and teens who want discreet treatment without the appearance and dietary restrictions of traditional braces. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate alignment issues—schedule a consultation to see if you’re a candidate.

Call our office immediately at (818) 986-7470. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day. Common emergencies include knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and injuries to the mouth. Until you can reach us: for a knocked-out permanent tooth, rinse it gently and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk; for severe pain, rinse with warm salt water; for bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.

Yes. We understand that dental anxiety is real and can prevent people from getting the care they need. Dr. Makuta offers sedation options to ensure your complete comfort during treatment. Options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation, and oral conscious sedation for deeper relaxation during longer or more complex procedures. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option is best for your anxiety level and the treatment planned.

Absolutely. Dr. Makuta carefully selects all dental materials for their safety, biocompatibility, and lack of toxic substances. We are a completely mercury-free practice and use only BPA-free composites, metal-free ceramics, and biocompatible cements and materials. For patients with known sensitivities or concerns, we can arrange biocompatibility testing to identify which specific materials are best suited to your individual body chemistry. Your health and safety are our highest priorities.

NanoVi is an innovative cellular regeneration therapy that uses a specialized signal to improve protein folding and cellular function. This non-invasive technology enhances your body’s natural repair processes, reduces inflammation, boosts energy, supports immune function, and accelerates recovery from dental procedures. Dr. Makuta offers NanoVi as a complementary treatment to dental work or as standalone wellness therapy, recognizing that optimal oral health and overall vitality are inseparable.

Yes. Dr. Makuta takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to treating TMJ disorders and jaw dysfunction. Treatment may include custom nightguards to protect against grinding, bite adjustment to correct alignment issues, physical therapy exercises, stress management guidance, and lifestyle modifications. We address the underlying causes of your TMJ pain—not just the symptoms—considering factors like bite alignment, muscle tension, posture, and stress. Most patients experience significant relief with conservative treatment.

Absolutely—in fact, it’s ideal for children! Dr. Makuta’s holistic approach is especially important for developing bodies. We use only mercury-free, biocompatible materials that are safe for growing children, create positive dental experiences that build healthy attitudes toward oral care, and teach families how oral health connects to overall wellness. From first dental visits through the teen years, we provide gentle, comprehensive pediatric care in a warm, family-friendly environment.

With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer. Their longevity depends on factors like your oral hygiene, whether you grind your teeth (wearing a nightguard helps protect veneers), and your dietary habits. The high-quality porcelain veneers Dr. Makuta uses are extremely durable and stain-resistant. During your consultation, we’ll discuss how to care for your veneers and what to expect in terms of maintenance and eventual replacement.

Crowns and veneers serve different purposes. A crown completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth, providing strength and protection—it’s used when a tooth has significant decay, cracks, or has had root canal treatment. A veneer is a thin shell that covers only the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance—it’s used for cosmetic concerns like discoloration, chips, or minor misalignment on otherwise healthy teeth. Dr. Makuta will recommend which restoration is appropriate based on your tooth’s condition.

Children should have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. After that, most children benefit from checkups every six months. These regular visits allow us to monitor tooth development, catch problems early, apply preventive treatments like sealants and fluoride, provide age-appropriate education, and create positive experiences that build healthy attitudes toward dental care for life.