An Overview of Our Holistic Dentistry
- Dr. Katie Orr focuses on providing biologically compatible, safe, and minimally invasive treatments that consider the overall impact on a patient’s health and well-being
- We practice a wide range of holistic dental services, including safe mercury removal, fluoride-free cleaning, low-radiation digital X-rays, and alternative treatments such as silver diamine applications and sleep apnea solutions
- Our office emphasizes patient comfort and relaxation, offering amenities like nitrous oxide, aromatherapy, entertainment centers, and support pillows to create a calming environment
- Our team is committed to environmental responsibility and uses advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact and reduce patient exposure to radiation
Dr. Katie Orr is the best holistic dentist in the area and puts all of her patients at ease from the moment they first meet her. Her goal is to keep patients smiling by providing them with a comfortable and quality dental experience.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Katie Orr has made it her mission to promote dental health and wellness in her community. That includes maintaining the highest quality standards with her patients, as well as being a personable and caring holistic dentist.
If you’re looking for holistic dentistry in Indianapolis, learn more about how our team can provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience that will surely leave a smile on your face.
What Holistic Dentistry Means to Dr. Katie
Holistic dentistry can be defined in many ways. For Dr. Katie, it is conducting individually appropriate, high-quality, biologically compatible, safe, and life-energy-enhancing natural dentistry. A holistic dentist needs to know the impact of her dentistry on the biology and the needs of her patient. Wherever possible, noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments are used and recommended.
Also, Dr. Katie’s desire is for every appointment to be emotionally and spiritually harmonious for each patient. We strive to perform dental procedures in the gentlest and kindest way possible and with a little humor and friendliness. Always with a big smile on our faces, our goal is to maintain a calm and friendly office environment. We also have many comfort mechanisms and alternative techniques to help our patients reduce and eliminate fears and phobias so that they can be in a low-stress state of mind.
The Core Principles of Holistic Dentistry
Holistic dentistry focuses on each aspect of your oral care and how it affects the rest of your body. By prioritizing natural, health-conscious practices, the holistic approach supports the body’s own healing processes. Some of the core principles it’s built upon include:
- Minimally invasive and natural treatment approaches
- Use of nontoxic, biocompatible materials (e.g., mercury-free fillings)
- Personalized, patient-centered care
- Emphasis on prevention through nutrition, hygiene, and lifestyle
The Products and Services We Offer as Your Indianapolis Homeopathic Dentist
Our holistic dentistry offerings include the following products and services for you to choose from:
- Mercury-free and biocompatible fillings
- Safe amalgam removal
- Non-invasive treatments
- Fluoride-free cleaning
- Sleep apnea and snoring treatments
- Oral cancer screenings
- Sleep apnea devices
- Children’s holistic dentistry
- Low-radiation digital X-rays
- Organic products
- Trigeminal nerve therapies
- Silver diamine treatments
- Sedation dentistry
- TMD/TMJ therapy
- Remineralization
Alternative Dentistry Options in Detail
1. Safe Amalgam Fillings Removal
As a part of her commitment to natural dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Katie Orr removes mercury amalgams in a safe manner, ensuring the least amount of mercury re-enters your body during the mercury removal process.
Dr. Orr follows the strictest IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) protocol (SMART) for the reduction of mercury exposure, and has additional options that include:
- Nutritional regimen to support the heavy metal detoxification from your body
- Pre-rinse of chlorella and activated charcoal to bind to metals
- Supplemental oxygen during alloy removal
- Supplements for antioxidant support
- Air/vapor suction through high vacuum
- A latex-free rubber dam to isolate your teeth and lessen mercury exposure
- Cold water coolant spray while the fillings are removed
- Safety goggles to cover your eyes and face shields and hair/head coverings
The office also has state-of-the-art amalgam separators. These are devices designed to capture amalgam particles from dental office wastewater through sedimentation, filtration, centrifugation, or a combination of these mechanisms.
Once you get those mercury fillings removed, our team can replace them with natural cavity fillings. Natural tooth fillings are composed of resins – specifically nanoplastic hybrids, which are holistic plastics designed to eliminate the issues associated with conventional microplastics.
2. Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays use less radiation and are utilized as part of a thorough examination.
During your evaluation appointment, radiographs (X-rays) are taken, which are provided as digital X-rays. Dr. Katie Orr is equipped with state-of-the-art digital radiographs for single-tooth viewing and diagnosis, full-mouth panoramic radiographs, and panoramic X-rays. All operatories (treatment rooms) have large computer monitors that allow enlargement of these radiographs so Dr. Orr and the patient (and parents if present) can review the findings and recommendations.
Why You Can Benefit from Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays, or digital radiographs, are electronic images taken using less radiation than conventional radiography. Digital radiography uses a digital image capture device that allows us to immediately view the image. The advantages of digital radiographs include:
- Significantly reducing the amounts of radiation required from normal film X-rays
- Instantaneous viewing and assessment
- Ability to enlarge, define, and refine images
- No additional or higher fee for this service
3. Oral Cancer Screenings
While you are at Dr. Katie Orr’s office for a dental cleaning, you will have the opportunity to be screened for oral cancer. This important process can help prevent the escalation of cancer by detecting any indications early on in a disease’s progression. Even if you have no pain or discomfort, you could still have oral cancer, which can be detected using a special instrument (VELscope) that Dr. Katie Orr uses as your biological dentist in Indianapolis.
4. Sleep Apnea Devices
Restful sleep is a health issue. It is vital to your well-being to have a restful night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation (starving your body of oxygen and rest) results in irritability, memory loss, poor cognition, decreased immune function (increased colds), higher risk and exacerbation of diabetes, higher heart rate variability, and risk of heart problems, obesity, tremors, and body aches.
Snoring appliance therapy is one treatment for a better night’s sleep for the bed partner and physiologic sleep for the sufferer. Oral appliances for sleep apnea promote a slight repositioning of the mouth and neck in order to maintain normal breath. They resemble sports mouth guards, are made of soft but resilient thermoplastics, and are custom fitted to the person wearing them.
There are a number of oral appliance designs now approved for the treatment of sleep apnea. They hold the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep the tongue from blocking the throat, and prevents soft tissues from collapsing into the airway.
More than 90% of oral appliance wearers report satisfaction with their treatment and tend to stick with it far longer.
5. Silver Diamine Treatments
We are one of the first and few dental offices in Indiana to offer this revolutionary treatment option for the management of tooth decay. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial liquid that is able to treat cavities in a non-invasive, fast, affordable, and painless manner.
Some patients who have active tooth decay may be eligible for an alternative treatment that uses Silver Diamine Fluoride. FDA-cleared in August of 2014, SDF became commercially available to dental professionals in April of 2015 as Advantage Arrest by Elevate Oral Care.
Compared to a traditional filling that requires shots of local anesthetic and drilling of tooth structure, this treatment is non-invasive and more comfortable for the patient. It is a liquid that is simply brushed on to the cavity that can stop current decay and also prevent new decay in the future. This treatment is advantageous for children and elderly.
Some pros of SDF are that it has very low toxicity, it is quick, painless, non-invasive, affordable, and can stop tooth decay, as well as prevent recurrent decay. On the other hand, SDF permanently stains cavities black. SDF also does not restore tooth form or function, so large holes that trap food may still eventually require a traditional restoration. SDF requires repeat application for maximum efficacy and cannot be used in the presence of infection or decay in the nerve.
And last but not least, we offer the same great holistic dentistry for your kiddos!
Benefits of Homeopathic Dentistry
There is a reason that holistic approaches are becoming more common in healthcare as they focus on treating you as a whole – mind, body, and spirit. There are so many benefits to working with a naturopathic dentist in Indianapolis, Indiana, including:
- Positive impact on systemic health – Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and affecting organs. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you lower your risk for those conditions related to periodontal disease including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.
- Reduced exposure to toxins and chemicals – Holistic dentistry focuses on biocompatible materials, meaning materials that are safe for the body and reduce the risk of adverse reactions or long-term health issues.
- Focus on long-term wellness and prevention – There are many other aspects of your life that can impact your oral health including lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and nutritional deficiencies. This means that by prioritizing your oral health, you’ll positively impact your overall well-being and reduce your risk of dental problems.
- Support for emotional and psychological well-being – Oral health greatly impacts a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. By selecting a biological dentist in Indianapolis, you can work to go beyond physical needs, assessing your body’s complete wellness.
Meet Your Indianapolis Holistic Dentist, Dr. Katie Orr
Dr. Katie Orr has over 25 years of experience working in holistic dentistry. She was raised in a home where holistic living was a way of life, and she is committed to continuing to deliver that type of care.
As a homeopathic dentist in Indianapolis, Indiana, she prides herself on making each patient that walks into the office feel welcome and comfortable during their appointments. Our office is designed with that intent as well, as you can relax with neck pillows while listening to your favorite movies or music.
Where to Find Us
5430 E. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317-598-8500
Hours
Monday – 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday – 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday – Closed
Thursday – 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday – Closed
Benefits of Choosing Us as Your Biological Dentist in Indianapolis
Along with our vast array of services, Indianapolis, Indiana natural dentistry from Dr. Katie Orr strives to create a warm and welcoming environment for each patient who walks through the door.
When visiting our office, you can enjoy some of the following amenities:
- Stylish reception area – Relax in our modern and stylish atmosphere and enjoy a complimentary beverage.
- Entertainment center – Netflix and Pandora are provided for your enjoyment. Watch a show or listen to your favorite artist so you can feel like you’re in your own relaxing space.
- Support pillows – We offer both head and neck pillows for support and comfort.
- The powder room – Our bathrooms are well stocked for post-treatment touchups as well as freshening up before your appointment. Complementary toothbrushes, mouthwash, and floss are available, of course.
- Aromatherapy – Relax your mind and indulge your senses with our aromatherapy.
- Private transportation – This is arranged for you following extensive and involved treatments.
- Blankets – Envelop yourself in the warmth with our cozy blankets.
Lastly, Dr. Katie cares about the environment, so at our office we make a huge effort to recycle all paper products used in sterilizing our instruments. Every little bit makes a difference!
Common Questions About Seeing a Naturopathic Dentist
Is holistic dentistry for all ages?
Yes, holistic dental care is beneficial for all ages from children up to seniors. If you have your children visit a functional dentist in Indianapolis such as Dr. Katie Orr, they will be establishing good health practices at a perfect time. They’ll experience good dental health and wellness for a lifetime.
Do you use fluoride?
We use silver diamine fluoride, an antimicrobial liquid that can treat cavities in a non-invasive manner. Traditional fillings require a local anesthetic and drilling, while this treatment stops current decay and prevents new decay in the future.
How do I know if holistic dentistry is for me?
If you’re interested in diving deeper into your oral health and finding out if your oral health is impacting your overall health, then holistic dentistry is the way to go! But if you have any questions or concerns, our homeopathic dentists are more than happy to discuss them to see if any of our services could be a good fit.
What materials do you use?
Instead of using mercury amalgam for fillings, we use resins. Dr. Katie Orr actually never used mercury throughout her entire career, as patient health is her top priority.
Looking for Natural Dentistry in Indianapolis? Contact Our Team Today!
If you’re looking for a holistic, biological dentist in Indianapolis, let our team go above and beyond to ensure that your smile stays bright. Contact us today to begin your journey with our alternative dentistry practice!