Biological dentistry is a method of practicing dentistry that considers three very important aspects of the oral systemic connection: 1- biocompatible dental materials 2 –the bio-energetic or meridian system used in Chinese medicine and 3-the focal infection theory
Biocompatible or bio-friendly materials are materials that are not toxic or stressful for the body. There are hundreds of materials used in dentistry, and some are more compatible with the body than others. For example, Bisphenol-A is found in plastics and can leach into the body through drinking water stored in plastic. It is found in many dental composite materials however it is in a form that is bound up and will therefore not leak into the body. However when drilling occurs, as when a filling is being replaced, then it would be advisable to have protection in place so that none of the filling material is swallowed or breathed in as,particulate matter. Monomers are other forms of plastics used in dentistry that can be found in splints or mouth guards, and which are better not ingested into the body.
Mercury found in fillings and fluoride used in sealants are known toxins, despite any controversy surrounding their usage. Nickel is another known toxin that used to be more commonly used under crowns. It still is in use, and can also be found in wires and brackets used for braces. Anesthetics can also be stressors for the body, as some are more difficult for the body to process than others.
Additionally, dissimilar metals used in the body can set up a ‘galvanic response’ or battery effect, since a charge can be created as a result of them being near each other within the moist environment of the mouth,
Following is a Biological tooth map that illustrates some correlations between different areas of the body and specific teeth: 
Carey O’Rielly DDS has been a practicing dentist for 35 years. He went to USC Dental School and Duke University for his undergraduate degree. He grew up in Laguna Beach and now lives in La Costa with his wife Victoria, who runs his office.
He began his career by owning and operating a network of six offices in the San Francisco Bay Area. Presently he owns a private holistic practice in North County San Diego’s Encinitas.
Dr. O started looking for solutions to his health challenges that resulted from the stress and environmental toxicity that built up over a ten year period running his dental network. He has dedicated himself to learning about oral systemic problems and how dentistry can affect your health. He has applied what he has learned over the last twenty years to ensure he, his staff and his patients are protected from the chemicals and toxic materials found in most dental offices. He has produced an environmentally friendly office that is also peaceful and calm.
He is an expert on dental materials having looked at hundreds of biocompatibility lab tests over the years. He has identified the most bio-friendly materials to use in his practice and which dental materials can be used to replace metal fillings and crowns, including BPA free and fluoride free ‘white’ fillings. He also uses metal-free Zirconia or ceramic implants and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) grafting materials which come from the patient’s own blood.
Dr. O’Rielly teaches C.E. courses on the systemic effects of gum disease. He is an expert in using phase contrast microscopy for analyzing dental infections, where he shows patients what kind of microbes, i.e. bacteria, amoeba, and yeasts like candida are populating the mouth and affecting the body as a whole.
He has an educational blog and is writing a book on dental health called ‘Hidden Dental Infections: Healing Root Canals and Infected Teeth with the Erbium Laser’ where he discusses dental nutrition, toxic dental materials and the effects of old root canals on inflammation and overall health.
