9 Essential Signs You’re Working with a Biological Dentist

Biological dentistry heralds a paradigm shift in oral care and is gaining popularity as more patients seek a holistic alternative to traditional practices. But how can you distinguish a biological dentist from a conventional one? 

Here are key indicators that you’re working with a biological dentist:

1.  Holistic Philosophy: Biological dentists focus on how dental treatments affect the whole body, not just oral health. They seek to treat the root cause of dental issues rather than just symptoms, and their approach prioritizes overall wellness.

2. Non-Toxic Biocompatible Materials: A biological dentist avoids harmful materials like mercury amalgam fillings and uses biocompatible alternatives in the form of ceramic, non-metal restorations such as ceramic implants, ceramic crowns, and conservative biomimetic overlays, onlays, and inlays or BPA-free biocompatible composite resins. Often, a patient working with a biological dentist would have a biocompatibility test done to identify dental materials most biocompatible with patient biology to be used during their treatments. 

3. SMART Certification: Biological dentists have a no-mercury-use policy. So, if you need leaky amalgam fillings removed, biological dentists follow the strict Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) developed by the IAOMT. Before committing to a biological dentist, verify your dentist’s current SMART certification with the IAOMT to ensure the highest level of care.

4.  Minimally Invasive and Conservative Treatments: Biological dentists aim to preserve natural tooth structure and use minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. For example, by using non-metal ceramic inlays, onlays, and overlays instead of crowns and adhering to the principles of biomimetic dental work, they create solid and long-lasting restorations while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

5. Focus on Preventive Care: Biological dentists emphasize preventive fluoride-free dental care and minimally invasive techniques, aiming to maintain the health of natural teeth. They emphasize root cause investigation, dietary, lifestyle, sleep, and oral hygiene changes to prevent dental problems rather than wait to treat them.

6. Slow Dentistry with In-depth Investigation and Examination to Devise  Individualized Comprehensive Treatments: Biological dentists adhere to the principles of slow dentistry, which prioritizes taking time for thorough diagnostics and careful planning for comprehensive treatments, combined with developing and implementing high-quality therapies that address symptoms and root causes. Slow dentistry focuses on well-thought-out, planned, and executed personalized care to ensure the best long-term outcomes. It does not rush through with treatment planning and procedures that may harm rather than heal.
   The slow dentistry approach requires a biological dentist to collect extensive patient data and take ample time to analyze it thoroughly. This also includes conducting a detailed oral examination and carefully listening to patients discuss their symptoms. By doing so, the dentist can offer a precise and detailed diagnosis and create a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan. This approach acknowledges that each patient’s biology is unique and demands individualized care. This, in turn, reduces stress, ensures precision, enhances patient comfort, and restores and maintains oral health in the long term, which benefits overall health.

7. Certifications and Memberships: Look for the dentist’s affiliations with organizations like the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM), Holistic Dental Association, or Slow Dentistry Global Network, which promote adherence to holistic principles in dental care.

8. Continued Education in Biological Aspects of Dental Care: Biological dentists, who are primarily general dentists, typically have hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of specialized continuing education. Their training emphasizes various aspects of dental care through holistic lenses, promoting oral and overall well-being.

9. Advanced Technology: Technology improves the patient’s experience, so we invest in the best. Biological dentists use state-of-the-art technologies like lasers, ultra-low radiation cone-beam CT scans, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy, airflow with ozonated water, mercury and metal vapor filters, etc. This improves diagnostics and treatment outcomes while removing decay and infections to promote optimal oral health.
   

   There you have it! These elements indicate that your general dentist or oral specialist practices biological dental care with a solid commitment to biocompatibility and focuses on long-term health outcomes.

Are you looking for a natural approach to your dental care? Contact Virginia Biological Dentistry at (804) 381-6238 as the first step to reclaiming your oral and overall health. Dr. Hart and the team believe your mouth is the gateway to systematic health, so expect an integrated approach to your dental care.