- (210) 499-0009
- 17147 Autry Pond Rd. Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78247
What Goes Into Your Mouth Matters
Restorative dentistry is not simply about repairing a damaged tooth. In biological dentistry, the materials used to restore that tooth matter too.
Dr. Eric D. Cornelius takes a biological and whole-body approach to restorative dentistry, carefully considering the materials placed in the mouth while working to preserve healthy natural tooth structure, restore proper function, and create natural-looking results.
As an IABDM Certified Biological Dentist, Dr. Cornelius emphasizes biocompatible, metal-free restorative materials whenever clinically appropriate.
Whether a patient needs a filling, crown, onlay, bridge, or replacement for an older dental restoration, treatment is planned with an important question in mind:
What material is appropriate for this patient—and how can the tooth be restored as conservatively as possible?
A dental restoration is any material or prosthetic treatment used to repair or replace damaged or missing tooth structure.
Examples include:
A biocompatible restoration places additional emphasis on selecting materials intended to function harmoniously within the oral environment while minimizing unnecessary exposure to metals and other materials a patient may wish to avoid.
Dr. Cornelius believes metal-free dentistry is the most optimal option for his patients.
Traditional dentistry has historically used a variety of metals for fillings, crowns, bridges, and other restorations.
Today, advanced dental ceramics and tooth-colored restorative materials provide biological options when needing a dental restoration.
Dr. Cornelius uses materials such as high-quality dental ceramics and tooth-colored composite resins to restore teeth while maintaining a natural appearance and avoiding metal when possible.
The appropriate material depends on the location of the tooth, amount of remaining tooth structure, bite forces, restorative requirements, aesthetics, and the individual patient's needs.
For smaller areas of decay or damage, Dr. Cornelius may use a tooth-colored composite restoration.
Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth and can often be placed using a conservative preparation that preserves healthy tooth structure.
Unlike traditional dental amalgam, composite restorations do not contain mercury or any metal and can be carefully matched to the natural color of the tooth.
Dr. Cornelius evaluates each tooth individually to determine whether composite is the appropriate restorative material or whether a ceramic restoration would provide better long-term support.
When a tooth requires greater structural support, a ceramic restoration may be recommended.
Modern dental ceramics provide a combination of strength, precision, aesthetics, and metal-free construction.
Depending on the clinical situation, Dr. Cornelius may recommend a:
Covers and protects a tooth that has lost significant structure.
Restores and reinforces the damaged portion of a tooth while potentially preserving more healthy natural tooth structure than a full crown.
Fits within the tooth to replace damaged or missing structure when appropriate.
A Metal-Free Bridge can replace a missing tooth without relying on a traditional metal-based restoration.
The objective is always to select the restoration that appropriately addresses the problem while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
Dr. Cornelius uses CEREC digital dentistry to create many ceramic restorations directly in the office.
CEREC technology allows Dr. Cornelius to digitally scan the tooth, design the restoration, and mill a customized ceramic restoration—often during a single appointment.
For many patients, this eliminates the need for traditional impressions, temporary crowns, and a second appointment to deliver the final restoration.
More importantly, CEREC allows Dr. Cornelius to combine advanced digital technology with his biological philosophy.
The result is a precisely designed, metal-free ceramic restoration created specifically for the individual tooth.
Biological dentistry is not only about choosing different materials. It is also about respecting the natural tooth.
Dr. Cornelius believes healthy natural tooth structure should be preserved whenever reasonably possible.
Rather than automatically removing additional tooth structure to fit a particular restoration, he evaluates whether a more conservative restorative approach may be appropriate.
In certain situations, a ceramic onlay or other partial-coverage restoration may restore strength while preserving more of the patient's natural tooth.
Some patients come to Dr. Cornelius specifically because they want to discuss older metal dental work.
Existing restorations may include:
Dr. Cornelius evaluates the condition of the restoration, the tooth underneath it, surrounding tissues, signs of leakage or decay, cracks, structural concerns, symptoms, and the patient's individual preferences.
If replacement is appropriate, Dr. Cornelius can discuss available metal-free restorative options.
Mercury amalgam fillings require special consideration during removal.
Dr. Cornelius is SMART Certified through the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.
When an amalgam restoration is being removed, Dr. Cornelius follows SMART protective protocols designed to reduce mercury exposure to the patient, dental team, and environment during the procedure.
After removal, the tooth is evaluated and restored using an appropriate mercury-free, metal-free material whenever clinically appropriate.
For patients interested in replacing existing amalgam restorations, this creates continuity between safe removal and biological restoration.
No.
One of the most important principles of biological dentistry is recognizing that patients—and clinical situations—are different.
There is no single restorative material that is automatically ideal for every tooth or every person.
Dr. Cornelius considers factors such as:
The mouth is part of the body, and dental restorations remain in the oral environment for many years.
That is why Dr. Cornelius believes patients should know what materials are being considered before treatment.
His biological approach asks several questions:
These considerations allow restorative dentistry to become part of a broader whole-body approach rather than simply repairing individual teeth.
Dr. Cornelius has pursued extensive education beyond traditional dental training to deepen his understanding of biological dentistry, restorative materials, oral surgery, ceramic implantology, and whole-body health.
He is an IABDM Certified Biological Dentist through the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine.
Dr. Cornelius has also trained under internationally recognized biological dentist and ceramic implantologist Dr. Dominik Nischwitz (“Dr. Dome”) and has completed certifications through Dr. Nischwitz’s training programs in which he participated.
He has additionally pursued advanced hands-on training with Dr. Judson Wall in Utah, further expanding his knowledge of biological dental and surgical protocols.
Biological restorative dentistry should consider the entire treatment process.
Dr. Cornelius's approach includes:
The goal is not simply to make a damaged tooth look whole again.
The goal is to restore the tooth thoughtfully—with attention to structure, function, materials, aesthetics, and the patient as a whole.
For patients looking for a biological dentist, holistic dentist, metal-free dentistry, or biocompatible dental restorations in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Eric D. Cornelius provides restorative care centered around thoughtful material selection and conservative dentistry.
From tooth-colored composite fillings and same-day ceramic crowns to metal-free bridges and ceramic implant restorations, Dr. Cornelius combines modern restorative technology with biological principles.
If you need a new dental restoration or have questions about materials already present in your mouth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric D. Cornelius.
Dr. Cornelius can evaluate your teeth and existing restorations, discuss material options, and develop a personalized treatment plan focused on preserving healthy tooth structure and using biocompatible, metal-free materials whenever clinically appropriate.
Because what goes into your mouth matters.
Request An Appointment