What Is Biocompatibility Testing and Do You Need It?

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Written by
Dr. Jenna Kerbrat

Dr. Kerbrat was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where she began her dental career as a dental assistant. This invaluable experience allowed her to work closely with patients and dentists, providing her with a unique perspective on the importance of compassionate and comprehensive dental care.

Dr. Kerbrat’s journey in the field of dentistry lead her all the way to Melbourne, Australia. This is where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Her time spent in Australia allowed her to gain a deep understanding of dental practices and patient care within a diverse and vibrant community. Dr. Kerbrat enjoys focusing on whole-body health and personalized treatment to enhance overall well-being.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Kerbrat enjoys travelling, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

A dentist matching a tooth shade guide to the natural colour of the patient's teeth.

You might feel great after some dental procedures, while others leave you with unexplained fatigue, headaches, or lingering discomfort. Your body’s reaction to dental materials can vary dramatically depending on your individual sensitivities and immune response.

Biocompatibility testing helps identify which dental materials work harmoniously with your unique body chemistry before treatment begins, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and supporting your long-term oral and overall health. Health First Dental offers this advanced testing as part of our holistic dental approach to ensure your treatments support rather than compromise your wellness.

What Biocompatibility Testing Means for Your Dental Health

Biocompatibility testing analyzes how your immune system responds to specific dental materials through a simple blood sample. This personalized approach helps the dental team select materials that work with your body rather than against it.

When you know which materials your body accepts, you can avoid potential complications like chronic inflammation, delayed healing, or systemic reactions. This proactive approach supports not just your oral and overall health connection, but your wellness journey.

How Your Body Can React to Dental Materials

Your body might be telling you that certain dental materials don’t agree with your system. These reactions can appear immediately after treatment or develop gradually over months or years.

Common signs that dental materials might not be compatible with your body include:

  • Chronic fatigue or low energy
  • Headaches or brain fog
  • Skin rashes or irritation
  • Digestive issues
  • Joint pain or inflammation
  • Gum irritation or slow healing

Your genetic makeup, existing health conditions, and immune system strength all influence how you respond to different materials. Some people can tolerate a wide range of dental materials, while others need carefully selected biocompatible options. Amalgam fillings containing mercury are a common concern for patients seeking biocompatible dental materials.

A 3D rendering of different materials being used for a dental filling.

The Science Behind Material Sensitivity Testing

The testing process measures your white blood cells’ reaction to various dental materials in a controlled laboratory environment. Your blood sample gets exposed to different material components, and technicians observe how your immune cells respond.

The test reveals whether your immune system views specific materials as foreign substances that need to be attacked or as harmless materials that can coexist peacefully with your body. This information helps guide material selection for your treatments.

Common dental materials tested include:

  • Composite filling materials
  • Ceramic crowns & veneers
  • Metal-free dental implants
  • Root canal materials
  • Temporary materials

For patients considering tooth replacement options, ceramic vs titanium implants testing can help determine which material works with your body chemistry. The safety of dental materials remains an important consideration for health-conscious patients.

Who Should Consider Biocompatibility Testing

If you have known allergies to metals, plastics, or other materials, testing can help identify safe dental alternatives. People with autoimmune conditions, chronic illness, or compromised immune systems often benefit from this personalized approach.

You might also want testing if you’ve experienced unexplained symptoms after previous dental work or if you’re planning treatment like metal-free dental implants or mercury-safe fillings.

Health-conscious individuals who prefer personalized, science-based treatment options often choose biocompatibility testing as part of their holistic approach to dental care. The testing helps your dental treatments support rather than compromise your wellness goals. Restorative dental treatments become more predictable when materials are selected based on your body’s specific compatibility.

What Happens During the Testing Process

The testing begins with a simple blood draw, similar to routine lab work. The dental team sends your sample to a specialized laboratory that analyzes your immune response to hundreds of dental materials.

You typically receive your results within two to three weeks. The report shows which materials are most compatible, moderately reactive, or highly reactive with your immune system, creating a personalized roadmap for your dental care.

The dental team reviews your results and creates a customized treatment plan using materials that scored as highly compatible with your body chemistry. This approach helps your treatments support your long-term health and comfort. Understanding how oral bacteria affects overall health also plays a role in treatment planning.

Take the Next Step in Personalized Dental Care

Biocompatibility testing is just one piece of our holistic approach at Health First Dental. We integrate your test results with a thorough review of your health history, lifestyle factors, and wellness goals to create a comprehensive treatment plan that truly honors your body’s unique needs. This personalized approach ensures every material we use supports rather than compromises your long-term health.

Ready to discover which dental materials work best with your body? Schedule your consultation to learn more about material sensitivity testing and how our biological dentistry approach can support your health-focused dental care journey. We’re here to help you make informed decisions that align with your wellness values.

Erin, Front Desk Administrator/Hygiene Coordinator

Erin is the newest addition to the Health First Dental team. After raising 4 awesome kids she has joined the work force again. Erin began work many years ago in reception and customer/patient care for an orthopedic surgical centre and she is excited to be back at it. She has been a long-time patient of Dr. Freiberg and has known the Health First Dental team for many years. She is so happy to be a part of the team now.

Melanie, Registered Dental Assistant

Melanie brings a unique perspective to her role, having transitioned from a successful 17-year career in retail to the dental field. A graduate of the Risio Institute for Digital Education, she combines her extensive customer service experience with a deep commitment to patient care, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at ease during their visits.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys painting, taking walks, and traveling to new places. She loves sunsets and spending quality time with her fur-baby who is an adorable Chorkie. Melanie is committed to continuously learning and growing in her role with the goal of always providing the best support to her patients and colleagues alike.

Michelle, Registered Dental Assistant

Jennifer is a dedicated and skilled Registered Dental Assistant that has been with Health First Dental since 2007. She is known for her strong attention to detail, compassionate patient care, and exceptional clinical skills, Jennifer is passionate about ensuring patients feel both comfortable and informed throughout their dental treatment.

Specializing in a variety of dental procedures, Jennifer assists in restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry, contributing to the high standard of care that Health First Dental is known for. Her commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction is reflected in every aspect of her work.

When not assisting in the dental office, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.

Jennifer, Registered Dental Assistant

Jennifer is a dedicated and skilled Registered Dental Assistant that has been with Health First Dental since 2007. She is known for her strong attention to detail, compassionate patient care, and exceptional clinical skills, Jennifer is passionate about ensuring patients feel both comfortable and informed throughout their dental treatment.

Specializing in a variety of dental procedures, Jennifer assists in restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry, contributing to the high standard of care that Health First Dental is known for. Her commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction is reflected in every aspect of her work.

When not assisting in the dental office, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.

Amanda, Registered Dental Assistant

Amanda is originally from Saskatchewan and moved to Calgary to attend school at SAIT where she completed her Dental Assisting diploma with honours. Amanda has been practicing as a dental assistant since 2004 and has been with the Health First Dental team since 2005.

Amanda values the quality of care each patient receives. Her skills and experience combined with her positive attitude and genuine love for patients raises our level of care at Health First Dental.

When not working, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids and dog.

Ryan, Registered Dental Hygenist

Ryan went to school in Regina, Saskatchewan and graduated in 2000. He joined Health First Dental in 2006 and enjoys the relationships he has built over the years. Ryan likes spending time with his wife and four children in his spare time.

Tracy, Registered Dental Hygenist

As a dedicated registered dental hygienist with over 25 years of experience, Tracy is genuinely committed to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health and well-being. She is committed to building strong relationships with patients and takes pride in creating a comfortable environment while ensuring thorough cleanings and personalized care.

Continuously striving to enhance her skills, Tracy keeps herself updated with the latest advancements in dental hygiene through ongoing education and professional development. She is an active member of the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists.

Outside of her work at Health First Dental, you will find Tracy engaged with animal husbandry for numerous animals on the small hobby farm she shares with her husband and twin daughters. She also enjoys camping with her family, reading, and crafting.

Patricia, Registered Dental Hygenist

Patricia was born and raised in Nova Scotia. She completed her BSc with a major in human nutrition from St.F.X University in 1999. She went on to study dental hygiene at Dalhousie University, graduating in 2002. She moved to Calgary in the fall of 2002 and has been practicing dental hygiene ever since.

She enjoys all the relationships she has built over her 20+ year career. She is keen to educate patients and help them achieve a healthy smile to improve their overall health.

Outside of the office she purses her passion for fitness and dance, teaching ballet-based fitness classes. She enjoys escaping to the mountains to ski or hike with her husband, son, and dog.

Moni, Registered Dental Hygenist

Moni graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2001, moved to Calgary in 2002, and has enjoyed working as a dental hygienist since then.

She is passionate about oral health and believes prevention is the best medicine for overall health and your smile. She enjoys working with her patients to help them achieve their best oral and overall health and making new relationships.

Moni spends much of her free time with her husband, two sons, and dog, enjoying the outdoors, travel, and music.

Sommer, Front Desk Administrator/Hygiene Coordinator

Sommer has been a part of our team since 2016, serving as an Admin/Hygiene Coordinator. With a strong focus on patient care, she has developed a deep understanding of the importance of creating a welcoming and efficient environment for our patients. Currently on maternity leave to enjoy time with her first child, Sommer looks forward to returning and continuing to provide exceptional support to both our team and our patients.

Carol, Office Manager

Carol is a dedicated dental professional with over 38 years of experience in various aspects of dentistry. She has been with Health Frist Dental for over 23 years and is known for her exceptional people skills and commitment to patient care. Carol is highly knowledgeable in dental procedures, patient management, and team collaboration. She is passionate about building relationships with patients and colleagues alike.

Carol enjoys travelling with her husband and spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Dr. Jenna Kerbrat, Dentist

Dr. Kerbrat was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where she began her dental career as a dental assistant. This invaluable experience allowed her to work closely with patients and dentists, providing her with a unique perspective on the importance of compassionate and comprehensive dental care.

Dr. Kerbrat’s journey in the field of dentistry lead her all the way to Melbourne, Australia. This is where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Her time spent in Australia allowed her to gain a deep understanding of dental practices and patient care within a diverse and vibrant community. Dr. Kerbrat enjoys focusing on whole-body health and personalized treatment to enhance overall well-being.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Kerbrat enjoys travelling, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Sean Freiberg, Dentist

Dr. Sean Freiberg has been practicing health-centered dentistry for over 25 years with a robust academic background and a commitment to excellence in his field. He graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University in 1994, and furthered his education at Oregon Health Sciences University, where he earned his dental degree in 1999 with both clinical and academic high honors.

Dr. Freiberg took an interest in dental material during his academic training, which earned him the American Academy of Dental Materials Award. His research, published in the American Journal of Dentistry focused on the physical properties of resin based dental materials used as an alternate to ceramic. Additionally, Dr. Freiberg is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)–a global network of dentists, health professionals, and scientists who research the biocompatibility of dental products, including the risks of mercury fillings, fluoride, and root canals. (Click here to learn more about IAOMT)

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Freiberg enjoys spending time with his wife, 3 children, and 2 grandchildren. Dr. Freiberg is an avid outdoorsman. His passions include hiking, backcountry skiing, and participating in triathlons, reflecting his commitment to both personal well-being and a balanced lifestyle.

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