People react to materials differently – much like people react to foods differently. The materials used in crowns and fillings are meant to last for many years in a dark, moist environment. Standard materials may work great, or you may react to one the way you would to a gluten sensitivity (some get hives, some itchy, bloated, sleepy or have diarrhea. Some don’t even notice that they’re body is off). Although some may recognize a food sensitivity, it’s hard to recognize a dental material incompatibility, especially when symptoms are delayed or not visible in the mouth.
That’s where biocompatibility testing comes in. It can help decide if a particular material may cause sensitivity in your body. Biocompatibility testing involves several steps. A blood sample is taken and sent to the lab where a skilled lab technician tests your blood for sensitivity to 15,000 dental materials. The test results are sent back to Chicago to Wrigleyville Dental, and we will then know which brands of materials are safe with your DNA. This takes a more preventative and functional medicine approach to dentistry. The report will allow us to see which items are suitable and not suitable based on your blood chemistry. We will interpret the results to use materials that work in harmony with your body.
Holistic and Biological dentists tend to promote biocompatibility testing because it personalizes treatment. It’s well established and accepted that not all human beings can tolerate all foods. Some of us can digest lactose in dairy – some of us can’t. Some of us can eat peanuts all day long – others would risk their lives if they made contact with a PB&J sandwich. Given that lots of people have food intolerances and allergies, it stands to reason that people may be allergic or intolerant to some of the thousands of dental materials that are used in dental practices around the country.
But biocompatibility testing is not for everyone. We recommend this test for those individuals who are highly sensitive. Those who have multiple food sensitivities, chemical sensitivities, and have an autoimmune condition. For these individuals, it’s important not to introduce another sensitivity. Our practice takes the data from these individuals, and we generally use the materials that our sensitive patients are compatible with. Thus, our practice uses the most biocompatible materials possible. Nevertheless, we encourage highly sensitive patients to take this test in order to help us determine the best material.