What Is Biological Dentistry? How It Differs From Traditional Dentistry
October 21, 2026 | Dr. Jigar Gandhi: Tooth and Body
Biological dentistry is a growing approach to dental care that looks beyond the teeth and gums to consider how oral health affects the entire body. If you have heard the term and wondered how it compares to a standard dental visit, Dr. Jigar Gandhi of Tooth & Body explains the difference in this short video.
What Is Biological Dentistry?
A Whole Body Approach to Oral Health:
Biological dentistry takes a systemic approach to care. Instead of focusing only on the oral cavity, a biological dentist considers how conditions in the mouth may relate to a patient's overall health. As Dr. Gandhi explains, dentists are trained to examine the mouth every day, but when patients arrive with broader health concerns, the mouth should be viewed as part of the whole body.
Biological Dentistry vs. Traditional Dentistry
Key Differences in Approach:
Traditional dentistry primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating problems in the teeth and gums. Biological dentistry provides many of the same services but adds a broader view, with an emphasis on finding root causes, using biocompatible materials, and minimizing the impact of dental care on the rest of the body.
Working Hand in Hand With Physicians:
A key part of biological dentistry is collaboration. When a patient has an existing health condition, Dr. Gandhi works alongside the patient's medical doctor or other practitioners to understand what is actually going on. Research continues to show links between oral disease and conditions elsewhere in the body, which makes this teamwork especially valuable.
What a Biological Dentist May Evaluate:
- Hidden infections in teeth and the jaw bone
- Gum disease and chronic inflammation
- Mercury amalgam fillings and metal restorations
- Old extraction sites and failing dental work
Biological Dentistry at Tooth & Body
Dr. Jigar Gandhi, DDS, is a certified Biodentistry 3.0 practitioner and completed a biological dentistry certificate program through Tufts University. He uses 3D cone beam CT imaging to evaluate the teeth and jaw bone, and offers treatments including cavitation surgery, safe amalgam removal using the SMART protocol, and metal free ceramic implants. To learn more about how oral health affects other systems, read our article on dental infections and gut health.
Schedule a Biological Dentistry Consultation
If you want dental care that looks at the whole picture, request a consultation with Dr. Jigar Gandhi at Tooth & Body, 875 N Broadway, North Massapequa, NY. Patients outside New York can book a virtual consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a biological dentist and a regular dentist?
The main difference is that a biological dentist looks at how your oral health affects your whole body, not just your teeth and gums. Both provide dental care, but a biological dentist places added focus on finding root causes, using biocompatible materials, and working with your physician when you have other health concerns. The goal is dental care that supports your overall wellness.
Is a biological dentist a real dentist?
Yes, a biological dentist is a licensed dentist who has earned a DDS or DMD degree, just like any other dentist. Biological dentistry is not a separate specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Instead, it is an approach to care that many dentists pursue through additional training and certification after dental school.
What happens at a biological dentistry appointment?
A biological dentistry appointment typically includes a detailed review of your health history along with a thorough dental exam. At Tooth & Body, Dr. Gandhi may use 3D cone beam CT imaging to look for hidden infections in the teeth and jaw bone. He will also review existing dental work and materials before discussing treatment options with you.
Can problems in my mouth affect the rest of my body?
Yes, research has linked oral health problems to conditions elsewhere in the body. For example, gum disease is associated with cardiovascular disease and other systemic conditions. Because your teeth and jaw bone share the same blood supply as the rest of your body, bacteria and inflammation from the mouth can travel beyond it.
How do I know if biological dentistry is right for me?
Biological dentistry may be a good fit if you want dental care that considers your overall health. Many patients seek it out when they have chronic health concerns, want to avoid metal materials, or have questions about old fillings or extraction sites. A consultation is the best way to discuss your history and decide whether this approach meets your goals.
