Inside Alpstein Clinic – A look behind the scenes at our holistic dentistry
Dear Patients,
Many patients wonder what the difference is between a dentist and an oral surgeon. Essentially, both look after the health of the teeth, mouth and jaw. Nevertheless, there are important differences, particularly in terms of training, specialisation and the type of treatment. Whilst the dentist is usually the first point of contact for general dental concerns, the oral surgeon is primarily called upon when surgical procedures in the oral cavity become more complex.
At the Alpstein Clinic, general dentistry and oral surgery work closely together, following an approach based on biologically integrative dentistry. We take the time to listen to our patients’ concerns, questions and individual needs. This results in a treatment plan that is medically sound and feels right for the patient.
What does a dentist do?
What does a dentist do?
The dentist is responsible for general dental care. Her duties include regular check-ups, preventive care, professional advice, fillings, dentures, extractions and many other dental treatments.
She diagnoses diseases of the teeth and gums, treats tooth decay, supports patients with complaints and advises on matters of oral hygiene, prevention and long-term tooth preservation.
Minor procedures may also fall within the scope of general dentistry. Consequently, the dentist is often the first point of contact – whether for pain, check-ups, visible changes, gum problems or questions regarding fillings, crowns, bridges and inlays.
What does an oral surgeon do?
After completing her standard dental degree, the oral surgeon undertook several years of additional specialist training. This training focuses on surgical procedures in the oral cavity and typically includes both clinical and hospital-based components.
As a result, the oral surgeon is particularly experienced in surgical treatments in the oral and maxillofacial region. These include, for example, the removal of wisdom teeth, the placement of implants, bone grafting and the removal of cysts.
Oral surgery is particularly important when treatment goes beyond general dental care and requires specialised surgical expertise.
And how does biological dentistry come into the picture?
As well as wondering who will carry out the treatment, many patients are also interested in what ‘biological dentistry’ actually means. At the Alpstein Clinic, the oral cavity is not viewed in isolation, but as part of the body as a whole.
Factors such as the compatibility of materials, potential sources of inflammation, the promotion of regeneration, and the interactions between oral health and general well-being all play a role. Through close collaboration between dentistry and general medicine, treatments can be planned on an individual and holistic basis.
Dr. Eleni Schrüfer: an integrative biological dentist with a patient-centred approach
Dr Eleni Schrüfer is a dentist specialising in integrative and biological dentistry. She has over seven years’ professional experience in dental practices in Germany and Switzerland and has been working as an environmental dentist for the past year.
Her areas of specialisation include holistic diagnostics, empathetic treatment, paediatric dentistry, immunologically compatible, metal-free restorations, functional dentistry, integrative, holistic periodontitis therapy, as well as conservative and aesthetic treatments. Ceramic implants and extractions also form part of her range of treatments.
What Dr Schrüfer particularly values about dentistry is the combination of medical knowledge, precise manual work and direct contact with people. In her practice, she places great emphasis on quality, trust, pain-free treatment and an atmosphere in which patients feel well looked after. Her aim is to provide personalised care that combines professional precision with a caring approach.
Dr. Sarah Schomberg: an oral surgeon with a compassionate approach and a focus on integrative and biological dentistry
Dr Sarah Schomberg heads the dental team at the Alpstein Clinic. As a specialist in oral surgery and biologically integrative dentistry, she has over 15 years’ professional experience in practices and clinics specialising in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as three years’ experience in biological oral surgery and dentistry.
Her areas of specialisation include holistic diagnostics, compassionate treatment and atraumatic, minimally invasive surgery. This encompasses, amongst other things, ceramic implants, regenerative approaches using materials that are as natural and biocompatible as possible – preferably the patient’s own bone – as well as the removal of chronic inflammatory foci, including CSR.
Supporting wound healing also plays an important role in her treatment approach. Targeted micronutrient therapy and an anti-inflammatory diet are used effectively in this context.
In this way, Dr Schomberg combines her experience in oral surgery with a biologically integrative view of the patient as a whole. The aim is treatment that is planned with surgical precision, is as gentle as possible, and is tailored to the individual’s tolerance.
Why collaboration is important
General dentistry and oral surgery are not separate disciplines. There is an interdisciplinary link between general dentistry and oral surgery. In fact, they complement one another. Our dentists often provide long-term care for their patients, are familiar with their overall oral health, and can assess when further treatment is required. The oral surgeon brings additional expertise to surgical procedures. This allows a decision to be made, based on the findings, as to which approach makes the most sense from both a dental and medical perspective.
This collaboration is particularly important for more complex treatments. After all, good care does not end with a single procedure. It begins with the correct assessment, takes into account the overall findings and the patient’s wishes, and brings together the relevant specialist disciplines.
This results in a treatment plan that does not stop at the question “Who does what?”, but instead places the patient at the centre – taking into account their findings, their treatment goals and their desire to involve the appropriate specialist expertise.
Treatment with care, passion and attention
In addition to professional expertise, it is above all the team’s attitude that shapes the care provided at the Alpstein Clinic. The entire dental team brings joy, dedication and genuine passion to their work; they take the time to address patients’ questions, concerns and individual needs, and lovingly support them on their journey to recovery.
The aim is to create an atmosphere in which patients not only feel well cared for medically, but also feel understood and supported on a personal level. Through clear explanations, calm support and an empathetic approach, we can create an environment that is as anxiety-free as possible. This means that even dental or oral surgery procedures can be experienced as easier, clearer and well supported.
We look forward to meeting you in person
Do you have any questions about general dentistry, oral surgery or integrative dentistry? We would be happy to advise you in person at the Alpstein Clinic. Together, we will work out which treatment is best suited to your needs and your individual situation.
