Biocompatibility Testing: Metals and Dental Materials

I finally got around to the biocompatibility testing I spoke about in my last dental update. The results are in ya’ll. But first of all, let me catch you up to speed.

Update

We left off after I had both implants pulled around September 2021. At the time, I was in the process of clearing the infections and such. All that is sorted thankfully.

We gave it 4-6 months to heal, and then I had another X-ray. I was told it looked amazing, as my jaw/ bone looked like it was supposed to. The “hole” left behind by the implant had filled up with bone tissue and the oral surgeon was satisfied. ✅

Biocompatibility Testing

Biocompatibility Testing book(let) 🤣

At the time of the X-ray in February, I scheduled an appointment in March for the blood draw. This is not the same as allergy testing. This is more of IgG testing for sensitivities. That’s why it’s not covered by insurance because it’s probably considered experimental and woo-woo! 😂

I had my blood draw in mid-March and was supposed to get a call from the nurse 2 weeks later. I got worried when it was past 2 weeks and finally called this week at 4 weeks. Then I got a call stating I needed an appointment to discuss the results. That had me concerned that something was wrong.

This afternoon was the reveal. Would you believe that I was presented with a book of results? Not kidding. It’s a 91-page report. 🤦🏽‍♀️ I was expecting a few sheets of paper at the most.

What’s pertinent to me was on page 51. Essentially, it states that I have the least reactivity with some zirconia and some titanium. I was surprised about the titanium. Long List here. But then there are other titanium and zirconium that I’m likely to be highly reactive to, on page 52. Shorter list. So that’s the good news. And the implants I had called Cerec, are the same material as Zeramex which is on my “least reactivity” list. A little part of me would have loved to see Cerec on the list, however.

My question is, why wasn’t this offered to me right off the bat before I requested it? It should have been an option, then I can decide if I feel like my health is worth it or not. And that’s all the way back to my general dentist. but then again, they don’t believe in this technology.

The Plan

When I am ready, I will call them to schedule one tooth at a time. Each will be a 2-step process. I can feel the oral surgeon treating me like an egg at this point. It was cute.

They will go ahead and order the first implant and be ready for me.

The Surprise

Mordecai The Golden Doodle

Well, I met the most amazing therapy dog today. A golden doodle. His name is Mordecai, and he’s the oral surgeon’s therapy dog. He ran over to me like I was a long-lost friend. We even did the nose-to-nose.

I believe he was able to smell Whoopi on me, and immediately know that I am a friend of dogs. Incidentally, this same thing happened at the Myrtle Beach Safari. With wolves. They surrounded me, rubbed on me, loved on me, and I feel like it was also because they could smell Whoopi on me.

I digress!

Mordecai sat by me for petting and cuddles for a while and I told the oral surgeon he could go now because I had Mordecai and was all good. We had a good laugh and Mordecai made my day.

Mercury Reactivity

Heavy Metals Testing Results

When I got home however, I looked into my report more and realized heavy metal reactivity was at the beginning of the report. This was divided into least reactive, moderately reactive, and highly reactive.

Would you believe Mercury is on the list? And it was highly reactive no less. No wonder I couldn’t think straight with mercury in my brain. Not only does it cause neuro-degeneration, but my being highly reactive to it meant my brain was literally on fire.

Guess what else is on the list of highly reactive? If you guessed Aluminum, you guessed correctly. As well as Lead, Bismuth (in Pepto-Bismol), Zinc, Copper. That means I need to switch out my Copper tongue-scrapper for a stainless steel one ASAP. I have had this stainless steel tongue-scrapper sitting in my Amazon cart for months, and it’s only $9.99. However, I kept thinking, “Am I about to buy something else I don’t need, or is this necessary?” Now I know! 😢

In Conclusion

Biocompatibility Testing was definitely worth the $325 I paid for it. Worth every penny.

The good thing about the book of results is that it helps my future dental care as well, because any future restorations, crowns, and such can go by this result to make sure I only get the most biocompatible materials in my mouth. It wasn’t just implants and metals, it has results on etching materials, glass ionomers, composites, amalgams, liners, bases & varnishes. It lists 3 different groups of crowns & bridges, porcelain & ceramics, impression materials, temporary materials, cements, root canals, and denture materials (different components).

Also listed are porcelain alloys, orthodontic materials, sealants, and dental hygiene products.

Needless to say, I will be needing to read this whole book, and definitely, be referencing it a lot in the future.

Also, I will not be going back to a non-biologic dentist or oral surgeon, and if you have an autoimmune disease, I suggest you don’t either.

I am Dr. Folake Taylor, and I live with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis PPMS. After 15 years in internal medicine primary care, while battling disability/ PPMS for the last 7 of the 15, I found myself diving deeper into holistic health for answers. Now I’m turning my lemons to lemonade. I refuse to allow physical and cognitive disability stop me, from fulfilling my destiny of using my voice to benefit the world with my knowledge, which I did prior to my illness. Sharing what I have learned and am still learning about the body’s ability to heal itself, which is quite different from what I learned in medical school, is now my mission. And as I create an online self-paced course for MS recovery, I will take you along with me as the daily journey continues.