Our Approach
Dentistry for the whole you
Supporting oral health as part of overall health
Every recommendation we make starts from one conviction: what happens in the mouth reaches the rest of the body. Here is the thinking behind the practice.
or call (530) 642-8614
Why we practice this way.
The mouth is part of the whole body, and we treat it that way. Oral infection and inflammation can affect more than your teeth and gums. We take a broader approach to dentistry—considering inflammation, dental materials,restorations, airway, and oral environment as part of your overall health.
What natural dentistry means here.
Natural dentistry, sometimes called biological dentistry, considers the whole-body impact of dental materials and procedures alongside the health of your teeth and gums. In our practice, that means choosing biocompatible materials, taking a conservative approach that preserves as much natural tooth structure as possible, following mercury-safe protocols when removing old amalgam fillings, and giving you a clear understanding of your treatment options.
Our approach is grounded in clinical dental training and informed by a broader view of health.
Three commitments that shape every appointment.
Everything on this page comes down to three commitments, each explained in full below.
Materials matter.
We use biocompatible materials throughout our practice, including composite restorations and ceramic and zirconia crowns. When clinically appropriate, we also incorporate ozone therapy and laser dentistry as part of a conservative, whole-body approach to care.
Airway-centered orthodontics with chiropractic care.
We approach orthodontics as more than just straightening teeth. We consider tooth movement alongside airway, breathing, tongue position, and the surrounding oral and facial structures. We look at how they function together in both children and adults. When a case would benefit from additional support, we coordinate directly with Dr. Malori Tinsley at Well Balanced Body, conveniently located in the same building.
Honest dentistry that treats the whole body.
We believe good dentistry starts with trust and transparency. We take the time to explain what we find, why it matters, and the options available to you, so you can make informed decisions about your care. Our recommendations are thoughtful and conservative, with your overall health in mind.
Materials matter.
We are intentional about the materials we use and the treatments we recommend. Our office does not place mercury based amalgam fillings, porcelain fused to metal crowns, or traditional dental sealants. Instead, we use biocompatible composite restorations and ceramic or zirconia crowns.
We use options such as ozone, remineralization pastes, and nutritional support to help strengthen and support the natural healing and remineralization of enamel and tooth structure whenever possible
Airway-centered orthodontics with chiropractic care.
We approach orthodontics as more than simply straightening teeth. We consider tongue position, breathing, cranial balance, jaw development, and tooth movement as parts of a connected system, evaluating how they work together before recommending treatment for children or adults. In children, the years of active growth, particularly between ages six and ten, can provide an important opportunity to guide the development of the jaw and palate.
Two practices, one protocol.
Mountain Dental works closely with Dr. Malori Tinsley at Well Balanced Body Chiropractic, conveniently located in the same building. Her focus on cranial and structural care complements our approach to jaw function, TMD, and orthodontics. For patients with jaw pain or TMD, care can be coordinated between both offices, allowing Dr. Tinsley’s cranial work and Dr. Keith’s dental treatment to be planned together.
This collaboration also extends to orthodontic care, where cranial work can be coordinated alongside palate expansion and other orthodontic treatment with the goal of supporting balance, function, and developing oral structures throughout the process.
Together, we are continuing to refine this collaborative approach into a protocol that can eventually be shared with other practitioners. For now, patients have access to both disciplines under one roof in downtown Placerville.
Honest dentistry that treats the whole body.
We believe good dentistry starts with honesty and transparency. We take the time to explain what we find, why it matters, and the options available to you. If we recommend treatment, we explain the reasoning behind it.
That’s also why your first visit with us may take a little longer. Our exam looks beyond individual teeth to consider your gums, bite, jaw, and airway as part of the bigger picture. We then review our findings with you chairside, answer your questions, and make decisions about your care together.
See the methodology in practice.
For Adults
Dental care that treats your mouth as part of your whole body through thoughtful materials, a whole health philosophy, and an integrated approach to care.
For Kids
A safe and welcoming place where children can build trust in dental care over time, with an approach that cares for their mouth as part of their whole health
Functional Orthodontics
Airway centered treatment for children and adults. Our approach brings the palate, bite, and breathing into a more balanced relationship.
Ready for dentistry that pays attention to the rest of you?
We are welcoming new patients of all ages, with a team that answers when you call and appointments designed to give you the time and attention you deserve.
or call (530) 642-8614