About Root Cause Dentistry
Root Cause Dentistry is a biological dental practice in Bismarck, North Dakota, where diagnosis and treatment planning begin from the oral-systemic relationship rather than the tooth in isolation. The practice describes biological dentistry as an individualized approach that accounts for how differently each patient tolerates dental materials and procedures, and it works to identify the underlying cause of dental disease or dysfunction — reviewing medical and dental histories in depth, discussing diet and lifestyle factors, and using salivary and genetic diagnostic testing where it may clarify a patient's predisposition to periodontal disease or caries. Recorded procedures include amalgam removal under the SMART protocol, ozone therapy, biocompatible material selection informed by biocompatibility testing, and airway and sleep dentistry. A clinician at this practice is recorded with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
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Credentialed Clinician
Maria Axvig-Dwyer
AccreditedIAOMT recordverified 22 October 2026
Procedures
Clinic Details
- Address: 1400 43rd Ave NE, Suite 300, Bismarck, ND 58503
- Telephone: 7013439993
- Website: https://www.drmariadwyer.com/
- City: Bismarck, ND (all North Dakota clinics)
Common Questions
What happens at a new patient consultation here?
New patient consultations are scheduled by calling (701) 343-9993 and asking for an appointment. One hour is reserved to go through medical and dental histories thoroughly, complete a new patient examination that checks for caries, and answer questions about the holistic care provided, one-on-one — rather than the brief check a patient would receive during a conventional cleaning appointment.
How is amalgam removal handled, and why does the practice recommend it?
The practice notes that silver amalgam fillings contain elemental mercury, which can off-gas as a colorless, odorless vapor when a filling is warmed by hot drinks, chewing, clenching or brushing. Removal follows SMART, the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique — a defined set of safety measures intended to reduce mercury exposure while the filling is taken out.
Can I still have routine fillings and crowns, and how are the materials chosen?
Routine restorative work, including fillings and crowns, is still provided. Biocompatibility testing is offered on request — a blood draw and laboratory test indicating which dental materials trigger the least and the most inflammation in the body — and the least-toxic filling materials and cements are then selected accordingly. Ozone can also be applied to the tooth during restorative treatment if requested.
What does an airway and sleep evaluation involve?
Upper airway anatomy is visualized, evaluated and measured in 3D detail using Cone Beam Computed Tomography, with treatment matched to the age of the patient and the severity of the finding using expansion appliances, oral appliance therapy, or both. For snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, the practice works with an at-home sleep test service whose results are evaluated by board-certified sleep physicians before a diagnosis is provided.
When is ozone therapy used?
Ozone is offered as a non-antibiotic option when pathogenic microorganisms overpopulate the mouth — the dysbiosis the practice associates with gingivitis, periodontal disease and caries. The practice describes ozone as creating a transient oxidative burst that infective microorganisms have no defense against, and notes that it produces no antibiotic resistance and none of the side effects associated with antibiotics.
Are remote or second-opinion consultations available for out-of-town patients?
Yes. Teledentistry appointments are offered to accommodate patients from out of town and those unable to attend in person, and many patients use them for second-opinion consultations. These appointments are arranged by calling (701) 955-4559.