Why Biological? Biological Dentistry in Atlanta
Your Mouth Is Part of Something Much Bigger
Biological dentistry is dentistry that considers how your teeth, gums, and the materials placed in your mouth relate to the health of the rest of your body. At Atlanta Dental Wellness, that means sound diagnosis and treatment, careful material choices, added safeguards like the SMART protocol for mercury filling removal, and a plan built around your health history. We also tell you plainly where the evidence is strong and where it is still unsettled.
Advanced Dentistry. Thoughtfully Different. Same clinical training and standards as any licensed dentist, with more questions asked about you, your materials, and your health.
What Is Biological Dentistry?
Biological dentistry is an approach to general dentistry, not a separate dental specialty. Biological dentists are licensed dentists who use the same foundations of diagnosis, imaging, and treatment as any dental office. What changes is the set of questions asked before treatment.
What is going into my body? Materials are chosen with biocompatibility in mind, including mercury-free, BPA/Bis-GMA-free, and metal-free options.
How can exposure be reduced? When old mercury fillings are removed, protective protocols reduce vapor and particle exposure.
How does this fit my health? Your medical history, sensitivities, and goals shape the plan, and we coordinate with your physician when it helps.
What does the evidence say? Recommendations are based on examination and research, and we are clear about what is known and what is not.
What Biological Dentistry Is Not
It is not a rejection of modern dentistry, and it is not a promise that dental treatment will cure a medical condition. Dentistry cannot determine or treat every cause of a systemic symptom. What we can do is evaluate your mouth carefully, reduce avoidable exposures, and help you make informed choices.
Who We Help
Patients come to Atlanta Dental Wellness from many directions. Wherever you are starting, we will meet you there.
| If this sounds like you | Where to start |
|---|---|
| "Could my mouth be part of the picture?" You have complex health concerns, chemical sensitivities, or symptoms you are still trying to understand. | Dental Care for Complex Health Concerns · Are You Chemically Sensitive? · Mercury Filling Symptoms |
| "I don't wait until something is wrong." You track sleep, nutrition, and biomarkers, and you want dentistry that matches. | Biological vs. Regular Dentist · Nano-Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride · Zirconia vs. Titanium Implants |
| "I care about what goes into our bodies." You read labels and make intentional choices for your family. | Fluoride-Free Dentistry · Fluoride-Free Care for Kids · Biocompatible Dental Materials |
What the Evidence Shows
Biological dentistry covers topics where research is strong, topics where it is still developing, and topics that remain debated. We think you deserve to know which is which.
| Topic | Where the evidence stands | How we use it |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury released during amalgam removal | Well supported. Removal can temporarily increase mercury vapor and particles. | We follow every step of the IAOMT SMART protocol. |
| Gum disease and whole-body health | Well supported associations, especially with diabetes; associations with heart disease are documented but not proven to be causal. | We treat gum disease carefully and share findings with your physician when helpful. |
| Fluoride | Reduces cavities at recommended levels; higher exposures are linked with lower IQ in children; effects at U.S. levels are still being studied. | Fluoride-free care is available to every patient. Fluoride is never used without your agreement. |
| Nano-hydroxyapatite | Emerging and encouraging; fewer large trials than fluoride. | A fluoride-free prevention option we discuss with patients. |
| Zirconia implants | Emerging; short-term survival similar to titanium in some studies, long-term data limited. | Available for patients who want a metal-free option, planned with an oral surgeon. |
| Tooth-organ meridian chart | Traditional model; not supported as a diagnostic tool by current research. | A conversation starter, never a diagnosis. |
| Root canals and systemic disease | Debated; older "focal infection" claims are not supported, while research on chronic infection at root tips continues. | We discuss options honestly and refer for root canal treatment when it is your choice. |
Where to Start
The Why Biological? library answers the questions patients ask us most. Choose the topic closest to your concern.
Understanding Biological Dentistry
Mercury, Materials, and Biocompatibility
Fluoride-Free Care and Prevention
Root Canals, Cavitations, and Airway
Your Experience at Atlanta Dental Wellness
The Atlanta Dental Wellness Difference
• Both of our dentists, Dr. Cale Jackson and Dr. Matthew Giordano, are SMART-certified and accredited by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
• For Dr. Jackson, biological dentistry became personal after his own allergic reactions to certain dental materials. He was mentored in biological dentistry by Dr. Roberta Cann.
• We offer SMART mercury amalgam removal, dental ozone therapy, biocompatibility testing, BPA/Bis-GMA-free composite fillings, metal-free partials, and zirconia implants.
• Fluoride-free care is available for adults and children.
• We are a fragrance-free practice, and we plan visits around chemical and fragrance sensitivities.
• With your permission, we coordinate with your physician or functional-medicine provider.
Biological and Conventional Dentistry at a Glance
| Question | Common in many dental offices | At Atlanta Dental Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing and training | Licensed dentist (DDS or DMD) | Licensed dentists (DMD) with added IAOMT training |
| Filling materials | Composite; some offices still place amalgam | Mercury-free; BPA/Bis-GMA-free composite option |
| Removing old amalgam | Standard precautions | Full IAOMT SMART protocol |
| Fluoride | Often offered at cleanings by default | Offered only by choice; fluoride-free prevention available |
| Material selection | Based on the tooth and function | Based on the tooth, function, health history, and optional testing |
| Health history | Medications and conditions | Also sensitivities, material history, and goals; physician coordination |
Frequently Asked Questions About
Biological Dentistry
These answers address common questions patients ask about biological dentistry. Your examination and health history may lead to different advice for you.
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A biological dentist is a licensed dentist who considers how dental materials, infections, and treatments relate to the health of the whole body.
Biological dentists focus on biocompatible materials, protective protocols for mercury filling removal, and individualized plans. It is an approach to general dentistry, not a recognized dental specialty.
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Yes, when it is practiced by licensed dentists using evidence-based diagnosis and treatment. Some claims made under the biological label are well supported, and others are not.
Protecting patients during amalgam removal and choosing materials carefully are grounded in research. We are open about topics that remain unsettled, such as the tooth-organ meridian chart.
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Both are licensed dentists with the same core training. A biological dentist adds a focus on material biocompatibility, mercury-safe protocols, and how your overall health shapes your dental plan.
At Atlanta Dental Wellness, that includes SMART amalgam removal, BPA/Bis-GMA-free composite, fluoride-free options, and coordination with your physician when helpful.
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Costs depend on the treatment, materials, and any added protocols such as SMART removal. Some services take more time or use specialized materials.
We provide an estimate after your examination. Call our office at 404-233-1102 for current fees and to ask how your dental benefits may apply.
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Dental insurance covers many biological dentistry services, such as exams, cleanings, and fillings, according to your plan. Some added items, such as biocompatibility testing, may not be covered.
Coverage depends on your plan and whether a service is considered necessary or elective. Our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment.
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Look for a licensed dentist with verifiable IAOMT training, such as SMART certification or accreditation, and ask how they approach materials and mercury removal.
Atlanta Dental Wellness is located at Piedmont Center in Buckhead. Both of our dentists are SMART-certified and IAOMT-accredited.
Last reviewed: October 2026 by Cale Jackson, DMD, SMART-certified and IAOMT-accredited biological dentist, Atlanta Dental Wellness.
Your Health. Your Questions. Your Choices.
If you are looking for dentistry that respects your whole health, schedule a conversation with Atlanta Dental Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia. We will listen first, explain your options, and help you choose a path that fits your health and your values.