Your mouth is one of the most absorbent areas of your body. Every day, it comes into contact with a wide variety of materials—some safe, others potentially harmful. At Fairlington Dental in Arlington, VA, we understand that what goes in your mouth doesn’t just stay there—it can impact your overall health. That’s why we practice mercury-free, biocompatible dentistry.
Biocompatibility testing helps us select dental materials that won’t trigger inflammation, allergic reactions, or chronic health symptoms. This type of testing is especially valuable for patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic conditions, chemical sensitivities, or a commitment to holistic wellness.
What Is Biocompatibility in Dentistry?
In dentistry, biocompatibility refers to the ability of a dental material to exist in harmony with your body without causing adverse effects. It’s not just about how the material interacts with your teeth—it’s about how it affects your immune system, nervous system, and organs.
Not all patients respond the same way to standard materials like metal crowns, acrylic-based dentures, or composite resins. Even minor sensitivity can lead to long-term complications if not addressed.
At Fairlington Dental, we go the extra mile to ensure that the materials we place in your mouth are as safe and body-friendly as possible.
Why Dental Materials Matter for Total-Body Health
Most dental restorations—fillings, crowns, implants—stay in the mouth for years, if not decades. During that time, your body is constantly exposed to the substances in those materials. If your body doesn’t tolerate a material well, it can result in:
- Chronic inflammation
- Headaches or migraines
- Brain fog
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Digestive upset
- Autoimmune flares
These symptoms may seem unrelated to dental work, which is why they often go undiagnosed. A biocompatibility-focused dentist can help connect the dots and prevent long-term issues.
Who Should Consider a Dental Biocompatibility Test?
While every patient can benefit from safer materials, you should especially consider testing if you:
- Have an autoimmune condition
- Have chemical or metal sensitivities
- Are recovering from chronic illness or mold toxicity
- Experience unexplained fatigue, migraines, or neurological issues
- Want to detox safely from mercury amalgam fillings
At our Arlington office, we see many patients who’ve gone from provider to provider without answers—only to find relief after switching to biocompatible dental care.
Our Biocompatibility Protocol at Fairlington Dental
1. Personalized Medical Review
We begin with a comprehensive review of your health history, previous reactions to materials, and ongoing symptoms.
2. Material Sensitivity Testing
We can refer you for Clifford or MELISA testing—blood-based tests that measure your immune response to hundreds of commonly used dental materials.
3. Metal-Free, Non-Toxic Restorations
We use only BPA-free composite resins, porcelain or zirconia crowns, and metal-free partials and dentures.
4. Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal
We follow IAOMT SMART protocols, including rubber dams, high-volume suction, oxygen supplementation, and protective barriers to reduce mercury exposure during removal.
5. Ongoing Patient Monitoring
We continue to monitor how your body responds to treatments over time and adjust materials as needed.
Common Biocompatible Materials We Use
- BPA-free and Bis-GMA-free composite resins
- Ceramic and zirconia crowns
- Porcelain bridges
- Non-metal partials and dentures
- Fluoride-free polish and varnish (available on request)
- Ozone therapy for disinfection without harsh chemicals
These materials are selected not just for safety, but for aesthetics, durability, and longevity.
Benefits of Choosing Biocompatible Dentistry
- Fewer systemic side effects
- Enhanced healing and tissue response
- Greater comfort and peace of mind
- Safer for children, pregnant women, and sensitive individuals
- Supports long-term wellness and chronic disease prevention
Biocompatible dental care also aligns with functional medicine practices and is often part of a patient’s larger detox or immune support plan.
Why Arlington Patients Trust Fairlington Dental
More and more Arlington residents are seeking holistic dental options that respect their body’s unique needs. Our dental team has helped patients with Lyme disease, thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic issues minimize toxic exposures and find lasting relief.
Patients appreciate our transparent materials policy, collaborative care with integrative physicians, and our dedication to safe, science-based practices.
Ready to Take a Safer, More Personalized Approach to Dental Care?
If you’re ready to feel more confident about what’s going into your body—and keep your smile healthy in the process—we’d love to help. Schedule a consultation today with Fairlington Dental in Arlington, VA.
Book your biocompatibility consultation →
