Dr. David Peterson and our team provide holistic and biological dentistry in Sandy, Utah, to support both oral health and whole-body wellness. Rather than looking only at individual teeth, we consider how dental materials, airway function, sleep, jaw alignment, inflammation and other oral health factors may relate to your overall wellbeing.
At The Dental Studio, we listen closely to your concerns and develop personalized recommendations based on your clinical needs, health goals and preferred level of care. Our mercury-free practice uses biocompatible materials, advanced diagnostic technology and thoughtful treatment methods to help you pursue a healthy, functional and confident smile.
What Is Holistic and Biological Dentistry?
Holistic and biological dentistry is a whole-person approach that recognizes the mouth as part of the body’s larger, interconnected system. It considers how oral health conditions, dental materials and treatment decisions may affect more than your teeth and gums.
Our goal is to provide dental care that supports your oral health while remaining mindful of your overall wellness. When evaluating your needs and planning treatment, our dentist may consider:
- The materials used in dental restorations
- Existing mercury amalgam fillings
- Airway function and breathing patterns
- Sleep quality and signs of obstructed breathing
- TMJ health, jaw alignment and muscle function
- Inflammation and oral infection
- The preservation of healthy tooth structure
- Your individual sensitivities, priorities and health goals
Holistic dentistry may also be described as biological, integrative, natural or whole-body dentistry. Although these terms are not always used in exactly the same way, they generally reflect an interest in understanding how dental health and treatment may relate to the rest of the body.
Experience in Holistic and Biological Dentistry
Dr. Peterson has followed a holistic and biological philosophy throughout his dental career. He joined the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology in 2012 and earned IAOMT accreditation in 2013.
His advanced education includes neuromuscular dentistry, airway health, sleep dentistry, TMJ care, myofascial pain and functional jaw relationships. He is a Fellow of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics and has served on its board for more than 17 years.
This education helps Dr. Peterson evaluate dental concerns within a broader context. Depending on your needs, your care may include consideration of dental materials, bite function, airway health, sleep concerns and advanced diagnostic findings.
Mercury-Free and Biocompatible Dental Care
The Dental Studio is a mercury-free dental practice. We provide biocompatible and metal-free treatment options when they are appropriate for the patient’s clinical needs.
Biocompatible dentistry involves carefully considering how dental materials interact with the mouth and body. During your consultation, our team can explain the available restorative materials and help you understand the purpose, advantages and limitations of each option.
Patients who need new or replacement restorations can learn more about our mercury-free dental fillings and biocompatible and metal-free dentistry.
Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal
Our office is certified in the IAOMT’s Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, commonly known as the SMART protocol. This protocol includes specialized measures intended to reduce mercury exposure while an existing amalgam filling is removed.
Our protective measures include draping, filtration, respirators and a separate supply of 100% oxygen for the patient to breathe during the procedure.
The presence of an amalgam filling does not automatically mean that it should be removed. Dr. Peterson will evaluate the condition of the restoration, the surrounding tooth structure, your oral health and your concerns before discussing whether removal is appropriate.
Learn more about our approach to safe amalgam removal.
Airway, Sleep and TMJ Considerations
Airway function, sleep quality, breathing patterns and TMJ health are important parts of Dr. Peterson’s whole-person care philosophy. These areas may overlap because the position and function of the jaw, tongue and other oral structures can influence comfort, breathing and sleep.
When signs of an airway or sleep concern are identified, our practice can coordinate at-home sleep testing. The study is interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician, who can determine whether sleep apnea or another form of obstructed breathing is present.
Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, we may discuss services related to:
- Airway dentistry
- TMJ treatment
- Sleep apnea treatment
- HealthyStart®
- Vivos® breathing wellness treatment
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Technology
Advanced diagnostic technology helps our team examine the teeth, bone, jaw joints and surrounding oral structures in greater detail. These findings support informed treatment planning and allow Dr. Peterson to tailor recommendations to each patient.
Technology available at The Dental Studio includes:
- Cone beam 3D imaging
- DIAGNOdent™ laser cavity detection
- Digital X-rays
- iTero® digital scanning
- Primescan digital impressions
- Sidexis imaging software
The practice also offers supportive treatment technologies such as ozone therapy, laser dentistry and red light therapy when appropriate for the patient’s needs.
Benefits of a Whole-Person Dental Approach
Patients seek holistic and biological dentistry for many different reasons. You may be interested in this approach if you:
- Want your oral health evaluated within the context of your overall wellness
- Prefer mercury-free, metal-free or biocompatible treatment options
- Have questions about replacing an existing amalgam filling
- Are concerned about airway function, sleep or TMJ symptoms
- Want to understand the materials and technology involved in your care
- Prefer individualized recommendations rather than insurance-driven treatment decisions
- Value conservative treatment and the preservation of healthy tooth structure
Our team will take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options and help you make informed decisions about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holistic Dentistry
What is the difference between holistic and biological dentistry?
The terms are often used to describe similar approaches. Both consider how oral health, dental materials and treatment decisions may relate to overall wellness. Biological dentistry often places additional emphasis on biocompatibility, mercury safety and the biological effects of dental care.
Is your dental practice mercury-free?
Yes. The Dental Studio is a mercury-free practice and does not place mercury amalgam fillings. We offer biocompatible, tooth-colored and metal-free options when appropriate for the patient’s clinical needs.
Do you safely remove existing amalgam fillings?
Yes. Our office is certified in the IAOMT’s Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. The SMART protocol uses specialized protective measures intended to reduce mercury exposure during removal.
Does every silver amalgam filling need to be removed?
No. Our dentist will evaluate the condition of the filling, the surrounding tooth structure and your individual concerns before recommending treatment. Removal is not automatically appropriate for every patient or restoration.
What are biocompatible dental materials?
Biocompatible materials are selected with consideration for how they interact with the mouth and body. The most appropriate material depends on the location of the tooth, the type of restoration, your oral health and your individual treatment needs.
Does holistic dentistry include airway and sleep care?
Airway function, breathing, sleep quality and jaw relationships are important parts of Dr. Peterson’s care philosophy. When concerns are identified, our team can evaluate oral factors, coordinate appropriate testing and collaborate with a board-certified sleep physician when needed.
What technology supports your holistic dental approach?
Our practice uses technologies such as CBCT imaging, digital X-rays, laser cavity detection, dental microscopes and digital scanning. These tools help our team gather detailed information and develop individualized treatment recommendations.
How do I know whether holistic dentistry is right for me?
A consultation can help you determine whether our approach aligns with your concerns and goals. We will review your oral health, discuss your medical and dental history, explain available options and answer your questions before recommending care.
Schedule a Holistic and Biological Dentistry Consultation
At The Dental Studio, we are committed to helping patients make informed choices about their oral and overall wellness. We work for our patients—not insurance companies—and base our recommendations on clinical needs, personal priorities and health goals.
Please contact our office or call 801-278-4787 to learn more about holistic and biological dentistry in Sandy, UT, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Peterson.