Biocompatible Dentistry in Beverly Hills: What Metal-Free Care Means

If you've started looking for a dentist who works with metal-free materials, you've probably run into the term biocompatible dentistry and wondered what it really covers. At Beverly Hills Dental, biocompatible care is one of Dr. Nader Afshari's areas of focus, and it shapes how we plan almost every treatment. This guide explains what the term means here, which metal-free options you can get, what to do about the silver fillings you already have, and how your first visit works.

What is biocompatible dentistry?

Biocompatible dentistry means choosing dental materials with your whole-body health in mind. In our practice, that runs from tooth-colored fillings to metal-free zirconia implants.

Dr. Nader's focus today is metal-free, biocompatible care and the connection between your mouth and the rest of your body, from sleep to inflammation to longevity. For you, that means the materials going into your mouth are part of the conversation from the start, right alongside how the work will look and feel.

It also means the plan is built around you. As Dr. Nader puts it, "Everything is by design and tailored for your specific needs, wants and expectations."

Which metal-free options can I get at Beverly Hills Dental?

You can get tooth-colored fillings and metal-free zirconia implants with us, and Dr. Nader will walk you through which one fits your situation.

Tooth-colored fillings

When a tooth needs a filling, we use a tooth-colored material that blends in with the rest of your smile. The American Dental Association describes tooth-colored composites as the more natural-looking filling option.

Zirconia implants

A dental implant is a post placed in the upper or lower jaw to replace a missing tooth root. According to the ADA, dental implants are commonly made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. Our implants are zirconia, a metal-free option. Dr. Nader says it simply: "We don't use metal, we don't use titanium, we use zirconia. Just a natural looking result."

If you're weighing the two implant materials side by side, our post on zirconia vs titanium dental implants walks through that choice in detail.

Should I replace my old silver fillings?

Usually you don't need to. The American Dental Association says existing amalgam fillings are safe and don't need to be removed as long as they're in good condition.

The ADA also notes that the FDA recommends certain high-risk groups avoid amalgam if possible and appropriate. If you think that might apply to you, bring it up at your visit and we'll talk it through.

When Dr. Nader finds a filling that does need replacing, that's the natural moment to choose a tooth-colored material instead. You'll know the plan, the costs, and the pros and cons before anything begins, and you always leave knowing your options, including the option to wait. "We believe in giving you options," Dr. Nader says.

Why do patients choose Dr. Nader Afshari at Beverly Hills Dental for biocompatible care?

Patients choose Dr. Nader because metal-free care here comes with an unhurried visit, one patient in the office at a time, from a dentist with 30 years of hands-on experience. He trained in a dental school program with no specialists on hand, so he learned to handle complex cases himself instead of sending them away. Thirty years later, that's still how he practices.

His training includes a Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of the Pacific, implant training at UCLA, and time as an instructor at the USC School of Dentistry. He was an early adopter of techniques other dentists were still avoiding, from expanders in the late 1990s to implants and facial injectables in the 2000s.

Your visit is never rushed. In Dr. Nader's words, "I pride myself on the amount of time I spend with each patient. All of our patients are booked one at a time." Your treatment room has a door and real walls, so your visit stays private. Dr. Nader speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Persian, so you can talk through your care in the language you're most comfortable with.

We're also in-network with Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental PPO and Premier, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian and Aetna PPO plans. Our finances and insurance page covers the details, including our membership plan for patients without insurance.

What happens at my first visit?

Your first visit starts with a conversation. Dr. Nader sits down, faces you, and asks what's going on, what's worrying you, and what you're hoping for before anyone touches an instrument.

We email your paperwork ahead of time, so you can fill it out at home and be brought straight back when you arrive. After that first conversation, we take a full set of X-rays and a wellness scan that shows your teeth in detail right on screen.

Then you get clear options laid out in order of priority, including the option to do nothing for now. If metal-free materials matter to you, tell us, and we'll build that into every option we show you. You can read more about our approach on our biocompatible and general dentistry page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my old silver fillings safe to keep?

The American Dental Association says existing amalgam fillings are safe and don't need to be removed as long as they're in good condition.

Are your dental implants made of titanium?

No. Our implants are zirconia, a metal-free option.

Which insurance plans does Beverly Hills Dental take?

We're in-network with Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental PPO and Premier, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian and Aetna PPO plans, and we have a membership plan for patients without insurance.

What languages does Dr. Nader speak?

Dr. Nader speaks English, Spanish, Italian and Persian.

Ready to talk about metal-free care?

Our Beverly Hills dental office is on the ninth floor at 414 N Camden Dr #925, one block from Rodeo Drive, and we're open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call or text 310-278-6630, or send us a note and we'll find a time that works for you.

Published by Beverly Hills Dental (Dr. Nader Afshari).