Biological Dental Services
in Portland, Oregon

A biological dentist evaluates every treatment through the lens of whole-body health — not just oral health. Dr. Kelly Blodgett is Portland's only dual-certified biological and biomimetic dentist, meaning every material, procedure, and recommendation is chosen for its impact on your immune system, nervous system, and long-term wellness. Unlike conventional dentistry, biological dental care avoids mercury amalgam, fluoride, metal restorations, and unnecessary root canals — replacing them with metal-free, biocompatible alternatives that work with your body rather than against it.

Yes — when removed correctly. Standard amalgam removal releases significant mercury vapor, which is why Dr. Blodgett uses the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol. This includes rubber dam isolation, high-volume evacuation, sectioning the filling into large chunks to minimize drilling, and supplemental oxygen for the patient. Done improperly, amalgam removal can expose you to more mercury than leaving the fillings in place. Done using the SMART protocol, it is the safest standard available for mercury amalgam removal.

Nobody strictly needs a root canal — it is one option among several. For teeth with early or moderate infection, ozone therapy and laser treatment can eliminate bacteria, sterilize the tooth structure, and preserve the living nerve without the systemic risks associated with a conventional root canal. For irreversibly infected teeth, biological extraction with bone regeneration and ceramic implant replacement is often the more health-supportive choice. Dr. Blodgett evaluates each case individually and gives every patient an honest assessment of all available options before any treatment is recommended.

Ceramic (zirconia) implants are metal-free tooth replacements made from biocompatible zirconium oxide. Unlike titanium, zirconia does not corrode, does not conduct electricity, does not interfere with energy meridians, and does not trigger metal-sensitive immune responses. Ceramic implants integrate naturally with bone, support healthy gum tissue, and are invisible below the gumline — making them the gold standard for patients seeking the most biologically compatible tooth replacement option available.

A cavitation is an area of necrotic or poorly vascularized bone — most commonly found at old wisdom tooth or extraction sites where the bone never healed properly. Cavitations are invisible on standard dental X-rays and are frequently missed by conventional dentists. They are associated with chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction, jaw pain, and systemic illness. At Blodgett Dental Care, cavitations are identified using 3D cone beam imaging (CBCT) and treated with minimally invasive surgery that removes the necrotic tissue, applies ozone sterilization, and supports bone regeneration.

Many of our patients travel from across the United States and internationally specifically because this level of biological, whole-body dental care is not available in their home city. Dr. Blodgett is one of only a small number of dual-certified biological and biomimetic dentists in the country. For patients dealing with chronic illness linked to dental toxicity, failed root canals, cavitations, or metal exposure — or those who simply want the most health-conscious dental care available — the trip to Portland is consistently described as one of the most important health decisions they have made.

Dental tourism patients receive a dedicated coordination process — starting with a comprehensive remote consultation to review records, imaging, and health history before the visit. Treatment is then sequenced efficiently so that patients traveling from out of state can address multiple needs in as few visits as possible. The practice provides referrals to Portland-area accommodations, and the dental tourism section of the website includes detailed guides on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while recovering in Portland.

Blodgett Dental Care is an out-of-network provider. Many patients find that their PPO insurance plans reimburse a meaningful portion of treatment costs when claims are submitted. The practice team assists patients in understanding their out-of-network benefits and provides the documentation needed to file claims. Flexible financing options are also available for larger treatment plans. Biological dentistry prioritizes doing the right thing for your health the first time — which often reduces the long-term cost of care compared to conventional dentistry's cycle of repeat procedures.

Root-canaled teeth are structurally dead — the nerve and blood supply have been removed, leaving a tooth that cannot self-repair or fight infection. Research going back to Dr. Weston Price and more recent work by Dr. Thomas Rau has documented that root-canaled teeth harbor anaerobic bacteria in the dentinal tubules that produce potent toxins. These toxins have been associated with autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, and systemic inflammation. Dr. Blodgett has worked with hundreds of patients who experienced significant health improvements following the biological removal of failed root canal teeth.

New patients begin with a comprehensive biological consultation — a thorough evaluation of your dental and medical history, existing restorations, 3D imaging where indicated, and an honest conversation about your goals and concerns. Dr. Blodgett takes the time to understand the full picture before recommending any treatment. Local Portland patients can schedule directly online or by phone. Out-of-state and international patients are encouraged to reach out in advance so the team can coordinate a visit that makes the most efficient use of your time in Portland.