Redefining Dental Care in Algonquin: Inside Root Dental’s Whole-Body Approach to Oral Health

By the team at Root Dental

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These days, it’s easy to think of dentistry as a checklist: cleaning, filling, whitening, repeat. But in a quiet office on Main Street in Algonquin, something different is happening. Root Dental, led by Dr. Maggie Grothe, is challenging that formula. Here, dental care isn’t just about your teeth; it’s about how your mouth fits into the story of your whole body.

“You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth,” says Dr. Grothe. “The mouth is the gateway. It’s a mirror to the rest of the body.”

Beyond Buzzwords: What Holistic Means to Us

The word “holistic” can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Sometimes it sparks curiosity. Other times, confusion. That’s why you’ll also hear us use the word “comprehensive” just as often. For us, both reflect the same approach: getting to the root of the problem, not just covering it up.

“We’ve brought in some of our ideal patients with the term ‘holistic, ’” Dr. Grothe explains. “...But I also don’t want it to be the first thing people see and think we’re only for a certain type of patient.”

Our philosophy works with the body, not against it. That means choosing biocompatible materials when possible, protecting healthy tooth structure, and paying attention to the things that don’t always come up in a typical dental exam like stress, diet, sleep, medications.

We’re not here to rush. We’re here to listen. Sometimes that means asking about your sleep or digestion before ever looking at a tooth because, while it might not be obvious, those things play a role, too.

Personalized Care Starts with Listening

When you come in for a visit, we’re not just checking boxes. We’re starting a conversation. 

That includes talking about your health history, your daily routines, and any changes you’ve noticed, even if they seem unrelated. Because more often than not, what’s happening in your mouth is connected to the patterns and pressures of everyday life.

One of the most powerful tools we use during that deeper discovery process is our CBCT scanner. It gives us a 3D view of your mouth and jaw, which lets us spot things like hidden infections, fractures, or inflammation that a standard X-ray could easily miss. 

“We’ve had people find us just because they saw we offer CBCT,” Dr. Grothe shares. “It’s essential. I recommend it for all new patients l—even if they don’t have symptoms—because 2D imaging can be  so limiting.”

But beyond what the scans show, we also pay close attention to patterns that can offer clues. Tooth wear, gum recession, bite imbalances—these aren’t just dental issues in isolation. They’re often the result of bigger systemic challenges like sleep apnea, acid reflux, hormone changes, or chronic stress.

Take gum recession, for example: 

“It’s not always the toothbrush,” Dr. Grothe says. “Sometimes it’s an imbalanced bite. Or medications. Or acid reflux. Or even pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.”

What we’re looking for is the bigger picture, because when you understand the root cause, the treatment plan suddenly makes a lot more sense.

Why Function Matters Just as Much as Aesthetics

We love a beautiful smile as much as anyone. But cosmetic work should never come at the cost of your long-term health. To us, a great result is one that looks good and works even better.

That’s why we focus on conservative treatments, which are solutions designed to do the least harm and the most good. We aim to preserve what’s healthy, rebuild what’s damaged, and avoid aggressive drilling that can do more harm than good.

“People hear ‘veneers’ and think we’re going to drill down half their tooth. But we focus on preserving as much tooth structure as possible,” says Dr. Grothe. “That’s a huge distinction from more aggressive or corporate-style dentistry.”

More Than a Dental Office

Dr. Grothe didn’t start this practice to follow a script. She started it because she believed patients deserved more. More answers, more empathy, more connection.

From the way our space is designed to the way we map out treatment plans, nothing is accidental. Even the smell in the office is calming on purpose. Our mission is to make sure you feel safe, seen, and heard, whether you’re here for a routine visit or something more complex.

Education is a big part of what we do, too. Dr. Grothe has begun interviewing local health professionals in a series called Beyond the Brush, a passion project aimed at helping patients think more broadly about wellness.

“I love talking about this stuff. I could go on for hours,” she laughs. “And clearly, I’ve had too much caffeine today.”

Root Dental is built on the idea that dentistry can be smart, kind, and forward-thinking all at once. It’s what we believe. And it’s what we practice every day.

We’d love to welcome you in.