Holistic Approaches to Oral and Facial Surgery
What is
A Whole-Body Approach to Oral Health
Your mouth is the gateway to your overall wellness – — changes to your oral health can affect the rest of your body. At NorthShore Center for Oral & Facial Surgery and Implantology, we recognize that some patients are seeking more biocompatible, minimally invasive, and natural treatment options. Our holistic approach focuses on treatments that not only restore oral health but also support overall balance and long-term wellness.
This approach emphasizes the importance of treating the root causes of problems—not just the symptoms—and supports healing through both traditional techniques in conjunction with holistic approaches. Especially in procedures like oral surgery, holistic dentistry takes into account how treatments may affect the body’s overall balance and recovery process.
HOW WE USE IT
Holistic oral and facial surgery combines the science of oral and maxillofacial surgery with a broader awareness of how treatment choices affect the whole body. In addition to traditional, evidence-based surgical care, we incorporate:
- Biocompatible materials that are designed to integrate safely with your body.
- Minimally invasive techniques that reduce trauma and speed healing.
- Judicious and minimal use of antibiotics to avoid disruption of your natural oral and gut flora
- Adjunctive therapies like ozone, platelet rich fibrin, probiotics, and plant-derived products that speed healing and help restore balance to the oral environment
- Patient education and choice, ensuring you feel empowered in your treatment decisions.
Zirconia Dental Implants
While titanium remains the most widely used implant material worldwide, some patients prefer a metal-free option. Zirconia implants are ceramic, biocompatible, and resistant to corrosion. They offer a natural tooth-like color and may appeal to patients with sensitivities or those seeking a more holistic, non-metal restoration.Not all zirconia implants are made equal – our zirconia implant system is 100% clinically and biologically ceramic..
Ozone Therapy and Oral Healing
Ozone therapy uses energized oxygen (O₃) to reduce bacteria, promote blood flow, and stimulate healing in surgical sites. As an adjunct to extractions, implants, or grafting, ozone may help lower infection risk and support natural tissue recovery. Many patients value this added measure for its potential to enhance healing naturally.
Platelet Rich Fibrin
Platelet-rich fibrin (called PRF for short) is a mixture of fibrin, platelets, white blood cells, stem cells, and growth factors that is derived from your own blood. It is made by spinning your blood in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate this mixture and then carefully extracting it. Platelet rich fibrin when placed into a tooth extraction site will reduce the risk of dry socket and infection after tooth removal. When placed around dental implants or mixed with bone graft it improves soft tissue healing and may also accelerate implant healing.
Probiotics and the Oral Microbiome
Healthy bacteria in the mouth play an important role in controlling inflammation and protecting against harmful organisms. While sometimes necessary, the detrimental effects of long-term oral antibiotics on the gut microbiome are well established in the literature. We utilize an evidence based approach to minimize antibiotic use to reduce disruption of your healthy oral and gut microbial flora including the option of IV antibiotics. Additionally, we often recommend oral probiotics as part of a strategy to restore balance to the oral microbiome after surgery or antibiotic use.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Holistic care often emphasizes “less is more.” Our surgeons use microsurgical instruments and tissue-sparing approaches that reduce trauma, limit swelling, and encourage faster healing. These methods align with holistic principles by minimizing disruption to healthy tissue while still achieving excellent surgical results.
Natural Adjunctive Solutions
We are proud to offer Stellalife ® products including the VEGA Oral Care Recovery Kit. This natural solution is formulated as adjunctive therapy for pre and postsurgical treatment and can significantly reduce the need for opioids and steroids. These products improve pain control and also reduce inflammation at the surgical sites naturally.
Focus on Systemic Health
More than just taking a narrow focus on your teeth and mouth, we look at the bigger picture. When evaluating you we consider how chronic oral infections, jaw alignment, facial pain, and chronic inflammation may be impacting your overall health and tailor our recommended therapy accordingly.
Who are Holistic Approaches Good For?
Holistic dental approaches are typically preferred by patients who:
Value a natural approach to healthcare and want treatments that consider the whole body, not just the teeth and gums.
Have allergies or sensitivities to certain dental materials including metals.
Are health-conscious and prefer biocompatible materials, minimally invasive techniques, and toxin-free products.
Have chronic health conditions (such as autoimmune disorders) and want dental care that supports overall wellness.
Seek preventive care to reduce the need for invasive treatments in the future.
Want integrated care that works alongside nutrition, wellness, and traditional medicine approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holistic Dentistry
Are holistic treatments safe?
What is the difference between titanium and zirconia implants?
Does insurance cover holistic options?
How do holistic methods affect recovery?
Do I have to choose between conventional and holistic?
Why Choose NorthShore Center for Oral & Facial Surgery?
