The Transformative World of Biological Dentistry

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between oral health and overall well-being. This holistic perspective forms the foundation of Biological Dentistry, a field that diverges from traditional dental practices by emphasizing the impact of dental treatments on the entire body. But what exactly is Biological Dentistry, and how does it differ from conventional approaches?

Understanding Biological Dentistry

Biological Dentistry, also known as holistic or integrative dentistry, views the mouth as an integral part of the entire body. It goes beyond treating symptoms to address underlying causes of dental issues, considering the patient's overall health, lifestyle, and environment. This comprehensive approach aims to promote optimal health through minimally invasive techniques and biocompatible materials.

What to Expect from a Biological Dentist

A biological dentist is a licensed dental professional who focuses on natural, safe, and non-toxic materials and techniques to promote overall health and prevent disease. They prioritize the well-being of the whole patient, not just oral health. Biological dentists use biocompatible materials that are safer for the body, reducing the potential for adverse reactions or side effects from dental treatments. They avoid procedures like root canal therapy or mercury amalgam fillings, opting instead for alternative treatments and materials to address dental problems.

Key Differences Between Biological and Traditional Dentistry

1. Holistic Health Focus

   • Biological Dentistry: Considers the entire body and how dental treatments affect overall health. Practitioners evaluate patients for potential underlying health issues and consider lifestyle factors that could influence oral health.

   • Traditional Dentistry: Primarily focuses on treating dental problems as isolated issues, often without considering the broader implications on general health.

2. Use of Biocompatible Materials

   • Biological Dentistry: Emphasizes the use of non-toxic materials that are less likely to cause adverse reactions or long-term health issues. This includes avoiding materials like mercury amalgam in fillings and using testing for compatibility of dental materials for each individual. They prioritize biocompatible materials and treatments, avoiding mercury fillings, metal crowns, and root canal therapy.

   • Traditional Dentistry: May use conventional materials, such as amalgam fillings, BPA-containing resin fillings, sealants, fluoride, and other chemicals and synthetic materials that research shows could have negative health effects. They use conventional materials and treatments that may include mercury fillings, metal crowns, and root canal therapy, which could have negative health effects.

3. Biocompatible Testing

   • Biological Dentistry: Conducts biological testing to assess a patient's sensitivity to dental materials using blood tests or Electroacupuncture according to Voll (EAV).

   • Traditional Dentistry: Does not typically perform such testing to determine material compatibility.

4. Minimally Invasive and Non-Invasive Techniques

   • Biological Dentistry: Prioritizes minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures to preserve natural tooth structure as much as possible. Techniques such as air abrasion, laser dentistry, ozone therapy, and adjunctive services like silver nitrate application are commonly used. This approach aims to reduce the need for restorative work and may include nutritional consulting or essential oil treatments.

   • Traditional Dentistry: Often relies on more invasive techniques, primarily focusing on drilling which can remove significant amounts of healthy tooth structure. This approach may lead to trauma to the nerve of the tooth and increased sensitivity for the patient. Traditional dentistry typically uses conventional treatments which may involve more invasive procedures.

5. Safe Mercury Removal, Safe Removal of Existing Dental Materials, and Mercury Fillings

   • Biological Dentistry: Prioritizes the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings and other potentially toxic dental materials using specific protocols to prevent exposure to mercury vapor and particles. They follow the S.M.A.R.T. (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol, which includes rigorous safety measures to protect the patient, staff, and environment. Biological dentists are typically S.M.A.R.T. certified and may use detox protocols to minimize exposure to toxins. They avoid using mercury amalgam fillings due to potential health concerns and aim to maintain mercury-free offices. Biological dentists offer mercury amalgam removal services for patients who wish to replace their existing amalgam fillings with safer alternatives, prioritizing the use of biocompatible materials.

   • Traditional Dentistry: Removes mercury fillings and other materials without specialized protocols, which can release toxic mercury vapor and particles, potentially increasing exposure to harmful substances for both patients and dental staff. Traditional dentistry continues to use silver amalgam fillings, which contain mercury. There is typically no avoidance or specialized removal protocols in place, which may pose health risks due to exposure to mercury vapor.

6. Meridian Stress Assessment

   • Biological Dentistry: Uses MSA, based on energy pathways, to measure electrical conductivity at acupuncture points. It provides information about energy balance, dental health, and organ-system connections, influencing material and treatment choices, even revealing hidden infections.

   • Traditional Dentistry: Does not typically use MSA or consider energy pathways in their diagnostic process.

7. Focus on Prevention and Nutrition

   • Biological Dentistry: Strongly emphasizes preventive care and the role of nutrition in maintaining oral and overall health. Practitioners often provide dietary recommendations and supplements to support dental health.

   • Traditional Dentistry: While preventive care is important, there is generally less emphasis on the role of nutrition in dental health, focusing more on the mechanics and products to address problems such as cavities or gum disease.

8. Comprehensive, Technology-Assisted Care

   • Biological Dentistry: Utilizes advanced technology such as CBCT, lasers, Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique), dental material compatibility testing, and meridian stress assessment (MSA) to make the best decisions for each individual patient. They may also use homeopathy, colloidal silver, essential oils, and natural remedies as adjuncts to treatment.

   • Traditional Dentistry: Primarily relies on conventional methods and materials, without integrating holistic or individualized approaches to achieving results.

9. Consideration of Whole-Body Health and Community/Referrals

   • Biological Dentistry: Considers the impact of dental issues on overall health and collaborates with other healthcare providers, such as naturopaths, chiropractors, myofunctional therapists, and acupuncturists, when needed. Biological dentists often work within a network of holistic practitioners to address and resolve health-related tooth problems comprehensively. They prioritize a holistic approach to patient care, aiming for integrative health solutions rather than isolated treatment and symptom management.

   • Traditional Dentistry: Primarily focuses on treating dental issues without considering their potential impact on overall health. Referrals are typically made within the conventional medical and dental fields for specialized treatment and management of symptoms, rather than integrating holistic health solutions.

10. Diet and Lifestyle Factors

    • Biological Dentistry: Provides guidance on diet and lifestyle factors to promote oral and overall health, emphasizing the role of nutrition, functional breathing, stress reduction, and the foundations of health. They stress preventive measures, such as regular cleanings and checkups, and educate patients on how these practices affect their dental health.

    • Traditional Dentistry: While some dietary advice may be provided, it is generally less comprehensive and focused primarily on patient compliance, mechanics, and medicaments as treatments.

11. Minimizing and Mitigating Radiation Exposure

    • Biological Dentistry: Uses digital radiography with lower radiation exposure, lead aprons, and thyroid collars as needed. They typically review the patient's risk factors to determine the need for routine X-rays within the standard of care frequency set by the governing board. The use of CBCT scans offers 3D clarity to evaluate for hidden infections and airway restriction. They may also use supplements like delta-tocotrienols and homeopathic remedies to mitigate radiation exposure.

    • Traditional Dentistry: Uses conventional and digital X-ray technology and, outside of a lead shield with thyroid collar, does not take additional steps to minimize radiation exposure. They adhere to the frequency set by insurance companies rather than individual patient needs.

Final Key Points to Consider

Biological dentistry is a holistic approach that sees oral health as integral to overall well-being, offering a comprehensive alternative to traditional dental practices. Unlike conventional dentistry, which often focuses solely on treating dental issues, biological dentistry takes a broader view, considering the impact of dental treatments on a patient's health. This approach prioritizes personalized care, using biocompatible materials and minimally invasive procedures to promote whole-body healing.

Key Aspects of Biological Dentistry:

• Approach and Philosophy: Biological dentistry varies among practitioners, but it generally emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall well-being. Practitioners focus on treating the entire person, considering the patient's dental and medical history, and using biocompatible materials tailored to each individual.

• Benefits: Patients frequently report improved overall health, reduced chronic health issues, and a greater sense of well-being. By addressing the root causes of dental problems and utilizing biocompatible materials, biological dentistry aims to support a healthier, more balanced life.

• Conclusion: Biological dentistry represents a paradigm shift in dental care. By prioritizing minimally invasive techniques, biocompatible materials, and a holistic approach to patient care, this field offers comprehensive solutions that promote both dental health and overall wellness.

Thank you for joining me on this comparison into the world of holistic dental care. Your interest fuels my passion for promoting oral health as a pathway to overall well-being, and I deeply appreciate sharing this important knowledge with you.

As you begin your transition to embrace holistic dental care, I encourage you to stay connected with Evoke Healing and the Healing Insights Blog. Together, let's empower ourselves and others to adopt a comprehensive approach to health and vitality. Here's to a future filled with wellness, wisdom, and abundant smiles.

Join me in paving the way to holistic well-being and abundant health!