Most people don’t realize how much the materials used in dental care can affect their overall health, but Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD does. At Maplewood Family Dental, the approach to care goes beyond treating teeth in isolation. Your oral health and your body’s health are deeply connected, and the products, techniques, and materials your dentist uses matter more than you might think. That’s why this practice provides a full range of holistic and biological dental options alongside traditional treatments so you can make informed decisions about your care without having to compromise on what matters to you.
Holistic and Biological Options
How Holistic Dental Care Differs from Conventional Treatment
Conventional dentistry focuses primarily on diagnosing and treating problems in the mouth. Cavities get filled, gum disease gets treated, and damaged teeth get restored. Holistic and biological dentistry does all of that too, but it adds a layer of consideration that traditional care often skips: the materials used, the chemicals involved, and how each treatment decision might affect the rest of your body. It’s the difference between fixing a problem and fixing it in a way that doesn’t create new ones elsewhere.
In practical terms, this means prioritizing biocompatible materials over conventional ones, choosing minimally invasive techniques when they’re equally effective, and giving patients access to natural alternatives that conventional offices may not offer. Some patients come to holistic care because they have known sensitivities to certain metals or plastics. Others simply want more say in what goes into their body during treatment. Either way, the goal is the same: dental care that treats you as a whole person, not just a set of teeth.
Biological and Holistic Dental Care Options Available at Our Practice
How We Approach Holistic and Biological Dental Care
- Reviewing Your Health
- Selecting Biocompatible
- Performing Your Holistic
- At-Home Holistic Care
- Monitoring Your Progress
Reviewing Your Health History and Concerns
Your first appointment covers more ground than a standard dental exam. Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD takes time to go through your full health history, including any known sensitivities to dental materials, current medications, and lifestyle factors that could affect your oral health. This detailed intake shapes every recommendation that follows, and nothing is suggested without first understanding where you’re starting from.
Selecting Biocompatible Materials and Methods
Once we have a clear picture of your health, we build a treatment plan around materials and techniques that work with your body, not against it. This means choosing options like ceramic fillings, zirconia crowns, BPA-free aligners, or laser gum therapy based on what’s most appropriate for your specific condition and preferences. Every option is explained clearly so you can make decisions you feel confident about.
Performing Your Holistic Dental Treatment
Dr. Chidester and our team carry out each procedure using the biocompatible materials and methods agreed upon in your plan. Safe amalgam removal follows strict isolation protocols to minimize exposure. Laser therapy replaces more invasive gum treatments. Each step is performed with precision and with your comfort as a priority throughout.
Guiding You Through At-Home Holistic Care
Leaving the office with clear, practical guidance is just as important as the treatment itself. We walk you through at-home care routines that align with your holistic approach, which could include fluoride-free remineralizing products, tongue scraping techniques, herbal rinse recommendations, or dietary adjustments based on your nutritional counseling results. These habits reinforce your treatment and support your oral health between visits.
Monitoring Your Progress and Adjusting As Needed
Holistic dental care doesn’t stop when your appointment ends. Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD schedules follow-up visits to evaluate how your teeth and gums are responding, check the integrity of any restorations, and update your care plan if your needs change. These check-ins keep your treatment on track and give you a consistent point of contact for any questions that come up along the way.
Why Choose Us
A lot of dental offices use the word “holistic” loosely. At Maplewood Family Dental, it means something specific, and we’re upfront about that from the start. Before any treatment begins, we tell you exactly what materials will be used, why they were selected, and what alternatives exist. You won’t be handed a treatment plan without a clear explanation of what’s in it and how it was put together with your health in mind. That kind of transparency isn’t standard practice everywhere, but Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD believes it’s the baseline you deserve.
We also don’t assume that every patient wants the same thing. Some people come in with a specific concern, such as amalgam fillings they want removed safely, or a need for BPA-free orthodontic options. Others are newer to biological dentistry and need time to work through the options. In both cases, our team gives you honest information without steering you toward the most expensive or most extensive path. The right treatment is the one that fits your actual needs, and we take that seriously every time.
FAQs
What is holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry is an approach to oral care that considers the connection between your mouth and your overall health. It emphasizes the use of biocompatible, non-toxic materials and minimally invasive techniques wherever possible. Rather than isolating dental issues, holistic dentistry looks at how oral health intersects with your nutrition, lifestyle, and whole-body wellness.
Is holistic dentistry covered by insurance?
Coverage for holistic dental services varies depending on your insurance plan and the specific treatment involved. Many standard procedures, like composite fillings or digital X-rays, are often covered similarly to their conventional counterparts. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider about your specific benefits, and our team can help you understand your options before treatment begins.
Is holistic dentistry legitimate?
Yes, holistic dentistry is a legitimate and growing field practiced by licensed dental professionals with formal training. Many of the techniques used in biological dentistry, such as laser therapy, ceramic restorations, and digital imaging, are well-established in mainstream dental practice. The distinguishing factor is the intentional focus on biocompatible materials and treating the patient as a whole rather than addressing isolated dental concerns alone.
Is holistic dentistry worth it?
For many patients, holistic dentistry offers real and meaningful benefits, particularly those with sensitivities to traditional dental materials, a preference for natural treatment options, or concerns about long-term exposure to certain chemicals. It provides greater transparency and more personalized care, which many patients find genuinely valuable. Whether it’s the right fit depends on your individual health needs and priorities, and our team is happy to help you evaluate your options.
Are there any risks associated with holistic dentistry?
Like any form of dental care, holistic treatments come with their own considerations, and it’s important to discuss them openly with your provider. For example, safe amalgam removal requires specific protocols to minimize exposure during the process, something our practice takes seriously. Overall, when performed by a qualified and experienced dental professional, holistic and biological dental treatments are safe and carried out with your well-being as the top priority.
Start Getting Dental Care That Works for Your Whole Body!
Cleaner materials, fewer unnecessary chemicals, and a provider who explains every decision before moving forward: that’s what holistic and biological dental care gives you. It’s a higher standard of care, and it’s available to you right now. Our team at Maplewood Family Dental are ready to walk you through your options at a pace that works for you.
Your next appointment with Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD is one step toward dental care that actually aligns with how you want to take care of your health. Reach out to us directly at 919.438.3933 to get started, and find us on Facebook and Instagram for an inside look at our practice, patient tips, and the latest on what holistic dentistry can do for you.
