Biological Dentistry

The term “biological dentistry” was created by consistently integrating biological principles into dental care. The concept is also referred to as “biological dental medicine” or “bio dentistry.” At its core, it means that dental treatments are never viewed in isolation but always in connection with the whole body.

A biological dentist, sometimes called a bio dentist, differs from a conventional practice mainly through a holistic approach. While traditional dentistry often treats individual symptoms, biological dentistry focuses on finding the actual cause of disease. Systemic connections are taken into account, such as the link between teeth, organs, and meridians. More on this in the article Teeth and Organs.

The core philosophy can be summed up in one sentence: Health is optimized by identifying and eliminating dental causes of disease. This includes the consistent use of biocompatible materials and the restoration of a natural bite. The concept is neither alternative nor esoteric. It combines fundamental biological knowledge with modern dental care.

Biological dentistry holds a high status in Switzerland. Across the country, there are numerous biologically oriented dental companies that produce ceramic implants, among them Zircon Medical Management, Nobel Biocare, and Straumann. This pioneering role makes Switzerland an internationally sought-after location for biological dental care.

Biological dentistry is based on three central pillars. All pillars are interconnected and carry individual importance for each patient.

Many physical symptoms can originate in the oral cavity. Inflammation, toxins, and allergens can persist there for years and promote the development of chronic diseases. Periodontitis and chronic jaw inflammations such as NICO/FDOJ are particularly often identified as possible triggers of health problems. Such sources of inflammation can lead to the release of the cytokine RANTES, which is linked to various systemic complaints.

Root canal treated teeth can also play a role in certain cases. Devital teeth are no longer supplied with blood, which is why they receive special attention in biological dentistry. In individual cases, diagnostics are used to determine whether a root canal treated tooth could be affecting overall health.

Most symptoms have one or more causes. Systematically finding and treating these causes through a detailed medical history and thorough diagnostics forms the basis for lasting health improvement. Unlike pure symptom treatment, this approach aims to permanently eliminate the burden.

Biological dentistry focuses intensively on the interactions between dental materials and the body. Both potential toxicity and immunological reactions are taken into account. In this context, the term “metal-free dentistry” comes up frequently because metals in the oral cavity can play a health-relevant role in certain patients.

Titanium is a well-established material in conventional dentistry. It has been used successfully for implants for decades. From a biological perspective, however, titanium is viewed more carefully. Although it does not cause a classic allergy in the traditional sense, it can trigger an excessive inflammatory response in genetically predisposed patients — a so-called titanium stimulation. This immunological reaction can be tested in advance with a titanium stimulation test. If an intolerance is confirmed or at the patient’s request, ceramic implants made of zirconia offer a metal-free alternative. The topic of periimplantitis, meaning inflammation around an implant, also receives special attention in biological dentistry.

Amalgam contains approximately 50 percent mercury. Due to this composition, it is not used in biological dentistry. Existing amalgam fillings are safely removed under protective measures to avoid additional exposure for the patient. The European Union has largely restricted the use of amalgam starting in 2025. In Switzerland, its use is also being increasingly questioned.

Instead, biological dentistry uses zirconia, glass ceramics, and other biocompatible materials that are characterized by excellent body compatibility. Individual material compatibility tests such as the LTT test (lymphocyte transformation test) help determine the optimal material for each patient. Further information on this topic can be found in the section on environmental dentistry.

Correct anatomy of the teeth, jaws, and jaw joints is inseparably linked to proper dental function. Therefore, restoring natural tooth anatomy is one of the central goals of biological dentistry.

Healthy tooth anatomy can be damaged by old fillings, crowns, or teeth grinding. An unnatural tooth position, an unfavorable alignment of the upper jaw to the lower jaw, and incorrect positioning of the jaw joints are anatomical problems that should not be underestimated. Such deviations from the natural bite can affect and destabilize the entire body posture.

Especially with symptoms of TMD, it is important to address the cause of the structural problem and restore the chewing system to an anatomically correct position. The effects can extend far beyond the jaw area and manifest as jaw pain, jaw joint pain, or jaw cracking.

Biological dentistry includes various treatments and therapies that serve to relieve the body and optimize health. Every treatment follows the principles of biocompatibility and causal therapy.

Ceramic implants offer a metal-free alternative to conventional titanium dental implants. They are made of zirconia, a biocompatible material with excellent body compatibility. With a well-coordinated team, even large rehabilitations can be completed in a single appointment. This way, patients can receive fixed teeth in a day.

More about the different concepts can be found under Implants, All-on-4, All-on-6, and All-on-8.

The removal of old amalgam fillings in biological dentistry is carried out under strict protective measures. These include, for example, special suction devices, rubber dam, and a gold nasal guard during the procedure. The goal is to ensure that neither the patient nor the staff is exposed to unnecessary mercury contamination.

Following amalgam removal, a targeted heavy metal detoxification may be helpful to reduce residues stored in the body. The resulting defects are restored with biocompatible materials such as ceramic fillings or composite fillings.

Periodontitis is far more than gum inflammation. It is a chronic inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and systemic health problems. Biological periodontitis therapy takes a holistic approach. In addition to local treatment, underlying factors such as the oral microbiome, nutrition, and the immune system are considered. Regular dental hygiene and consistent prophylaxis play a central role.

Chronic jaw inflammations such as FDOJ/NICO are often painless and therefore remain undetected for a long time. However, they can have significant effects on overall health, partly through the release of inflammatory signaling molecules like RANTES. This cytokine is linked to chronic inflammatory processes throughout the body.

Diagnosis is carried out through a thorough intraoral examination, conventional dental X-rays, and, depending on the findings, 3D X-ray (CBCT) as well as CaviTAU® ultrasound measurement. The therapy itself is performed minimally invasively, with maximum preservation of jawbone and gum tissue. Supportive measures such as A-PRF promote natural regeneration.

In a craniomandibular dysfunction (TMD), the jaw joints are in an abnormal position. This can have a significant impact on overall body posture and general health. Symptoms range from jaw pain and jaw cracking to headaches and back problems.

Therapy in biological dentistry includes thorough TMJ diagnostics and aims at an anatomical bite reconstruction. As part of the treatment, TMJ splints may be used to gradually guide the jaw joints into the correct position.

Biological dentistry relies on supportive measures to optimize wound healing and treatment outcomes. These include PRF autologous blood therapy (A-PRF), in which the body’s own growth factors are obtained from the patient’s blood and placed directly into the surgical area.

Ozone therapy has a disinfecting effect and promotes blood circulation in the treated tissue. Complementary naturopathic methods are also used to support the healing process holistically. For patients with dental fear, various options are available to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. Only when all other options have been exhausted can treatment under general anesthesia be considered.

Biological dentistry sees itself as an extension of conventional dental care. It builds on its foundations and adds a holistic perspective that includes the entire body. Dental research increasingly shows that diseases in the oral cavity — especially chronic inflammations like periodontitis — can be linked to systemic health problems. Eliminating such burdens can relieve the immune system and create the foundation for better overall health.

A biological dentist places special emphasis on biocompatible materials and follows the principle of “prevention over repair.” Beyond treating damaged teeth, the focus is on finding deeper causes and developing a sustainable treatment plan. This complementary approach aims to detect problems early and treat existing burdens at their root.

Anyone who takes a holistic view of their health and values biocompatible materials is in good hands with a dentist who works biologically.

Biological dentistry is open to all patients. However, certain groups can benefit particularly from this holistic approach.

Patients with autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s, rheumatism, or multiple sclerosis can benefit from the elimination of chronic sources of inflammation in the jaw area. People with sensitivities find a compatible alternative in metal-free, biocompatible dental care.

People with chronic complaints of unclear origin, such as fatigue, joint pain, or recurring headaches, should consider a dental cause. TMD patients with jaw joint problems receive a causal therapy approach through anatomical bite reconstruction. And health-conscious patients who want to act preventively are also well taken care of in a biological dental practice.

A biological dental practice is comprehensively equipped in terms of diagnostics and therapy to meet the high demands of holistic dentistry.

In the area of diagnostics, various procedures are available depending on the individual situation. These include a 3D X-ray unit (CBCT) and CaviTAU® ultrasound measurement for assessing bone density in the jaw. For analyzing jaw joint function and bite alignment, functional diagnostics with Zebris is used. With the CBCT, three-dimensional images of the jaw can be created that can reveal hidden sources of inflammation. If needed, blood analyses and material compatibility tests are performed to tailor the treatment to the individual patient. Periodontitis diagnostics can also be part of the assessment.

In the therapeutic area, the range covers ceramic implant placement, treatment of jaw inflammations, jaw joint regeneration, and anatomical bite reconstruction. An in-house dental laboratory allows for short communication channels between dentist and dental technician. This reduces the error rate and improves the quality of dental restorations.

Biological dentistry does not stop at the boundary of the oral cavity. Collaboration with other disciplines is an essential part of the concept. Biologically oriented dentists regularly cooperate with medical specialists, osteopaths, and naturopathic therapists.

This interdisciplinary network is especially important when complex clinical conditions involve multiple causes. For instance, close coordination with an integrative medicine practitioner may be helpful to interpret laboratory results holistically. Biological dentistry means care beyond pure dental treatment — for the benefit of the entire body.

Behind the practice stands a qualified team in which every dentist holds a core competency in a specific area of biological dentistry. Together, the team covers the entire spectrum — from diagnostics to dental restorations to anatomical bite reconstruction. An overview of the individual specialties can be found under Core Competencies.

An in-house dental laboratory ensures short communication paths, precise coordination, and the highest quality for every restoration. From veneers to ceramic crowns to complete implant-supported restorations — everything is manufactured under one roof.

The team’s personal motivation is to sustainably improve patients’ health. Not only in the oral cavity, but throughout the entire body. Biological dentistry is not a trend but a conviction that is reflected in every step of the treatment.

The path to biological dental treatment follows a structured process designed for thoroughness and individual care.

1. Detailed initial consultation and holistic medical history
    During the biological consultation, significantly more time is allocated than in a conventional practice. In addition to the dental examination, the overall health situation, existing complaints, and medical history are recorded.
2. Thorough diagnostics
    Depending on the individual situation, various diagnostic procedures are used. The range extends from conventional dental X-rays to 3D X-ray (CBCT) and CaviTAU® ultrasound measurement to blood analyses and material compatibility tests. The type and scope are determined by the individual findings.
3. Individual treatment plan
    Based on the diagnostics, a customized treatment plan is created. All therapy options are discussed in detail so that the patient can make an informed decision.
4. Gentle treatment
    Therapy is carried out according to biological protocols with supportive measures. These include PRF autologous blood therapy, ozone, and complementary naturopathic support.
5. Aftercare and follow-up
    After treatment, close follow-up monitoring takes place. Regular prophylaxis and dental hygiene ensure long-term treatment success.

Biological dentistry at Alpine BioDental is available at two locations: in Winterthur, only about 20 minutes from Zurich, and in St. Gallen, in the heart of Eastern Switzerland. Patients from all over Switzerland and abroad are welcome at both locations. New patients can find information about their first visit on the corresponding page.

This section addresses some common questions about biological dentistry to provide you with as much information as possible on the topic. For additional details, please refer to the “Questions & Answers” chapter.

The additional information is intended to provide you with a better overview of the topic.