Material Biocompatibility Testing

Each person has a unique biochemistry. We all react differently to the vast array of substances that are present in our food, homes, and environment. What may be toxic to one person may have no effect on another.

That includes components in dental materials.

Sample results from a Clifford Materials Reactivity Test, via Amanda’s Health Journal

There are a variety of tests available to evaluate how our patients may react to various composite resins, cements and other restorative materials we may use. One of the most common we use is the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test.

The Clifford test is simply the best serum test there is, screening over 16,000 trade-named dental products. We just send a small sample of your blood to the lab for analysis. They then look for antibodies formed against 94 chemical groups and compounds. Not only do they consider the materials themselves but byproducts they may release.

We can also arrange for muscle testing with a nearby practitioner. For this, techniques of Applied Kinesiology (AK) are used to rule out any materials to which a particular patient may be reactive.

We encourage materials testing for all patients – and it’s included in our biological Smile Plan membership packages – but it’s especially important for those who are having mercury fillings removed. Simply, you don’t want to just replace one toxic material with another.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.