As a group, biological dentists tend to share the following practices:
- No mercury amalgam “silver” fillings
- No root canal treatments
- No metal restorations
- No titanium implants
- No fluoride
- Yes, homeopathy
- No fragrances
- No latex
- No VOCs in office paints
- Yes, full spectrum lighting
- Yes, working with like-minded MDs, NDs and chiropractors for patient nutritional supplementation, detox and appropriate corrections
But not all are alike. So before you schedule an appointment, call the office and ask to talk with someone who can answer technical questions about the dentist’s beliefs and practices.
You deserve a match with your beliefs.
- Does the office use digital x-rays only?
The correct answer is yes, for both individual and panoramic x-rays. Digital uses about 90% less radiation than conventional film. - Is this a mercury-free practice? If yes, ask if it is also mercury-safe.
Mercury-free dentists choose not to place new mercury amalgam fillings. Mercury-safe dentists follow strict protocols for amalgam removal to minimize mercury exposure to patient, staff and the environment. - What kind of compatibility testing do you use?
There’s no one dental material that’s “best” for everyone, so biological dentists test for the individual patient. The most familiar techniques include serum compatibility, meridian stress assessment and Applied Kinesiology. - What protection does the dental team use when removing amalgam fillings?
The patient should be covered with oversized drapes and have eye and nose protection with an alternate air supply. The staff should have eye protection and gas masks. - Does the dentist use a dental dam during mercury filling removal?
A non-latex dental dam is often used – ideally, with a suction tip underneath to pick up mercury vapors. Some biological dentists prefer no dam and other suction techniques. - How do you keep the mercury from heating up during amalgam removal?
Copious amounts of cool water are sprayed at the point of contact between drill and filling. This is in addition to the water sprayed through the dental handpiece. - How is the room air protected during mercury removal?
Two high volume suctions are placed at the filling site to pick up mercury vapor and filings. Air filters and ion generators are also used in the treatment rooms to keep the air clean. - Is an amalgam separator used on the office plumbing?
A separator ensures that mercury won’t pollute water supplies. - How is the mercury filling removed from the tooth?
New burrs are used to cut and carefully remove the amalgam in chunks. This minimizes vapor and contact between the mercury and soft oral tissues. - Do you follow a particular sequence for removing restorations (e.g., mercury fillings, metal crowns)?
Sequential removal based on electrical current readings of each restoration is a protocol familiar to biological dentists. - Is there any special rinsing provided during and after removal?
Many biological dentists use oral rinses before starting and provide multiple rinses during and after the procedure.