Will Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors?

Your Uber driver actually got a speeding ticket on your way to the airport; you’d never heard of such a thing before today. Even though it was a standard traffic stop and didn’t take long, you still barely made your flight. Something to be mindful of when you go through airport security is the potential for your dental implants to trigger the metal detectors. If you aren’t leaving yourself any time to spare, getting held up for a thorough inspection could prove costly. Will dental implants set off metal detectors?  Read on to find out from your dentist in Midwest City.

Am I Going to Have a Problem with My Dental Implants at the Airport?

Dental implants have a titanium base, so wondering if you are going to have an issue with airport security makes sense. The reason dental implants require titanium is that it’s a durable material capable of fully bonding to the bone in your jaw during a process called osseointegration.

Dental implants were more of a concern at the airport in the past when most reconstructive medical materials were made from stainless steel. This type of metal does set off metal detectors, including those used at the airport. In addition to titanium, your dental implants also may incorporate zirconia. Fortunately, titanium is only slightly magnetic, and zirconia is not at all.

The metal detectors used in airports work by creating an electromagnetic field. This field becomes energized when magnetic metals pass through, thus causing the alarm to go off. Beyond steel, other magnetic metals include iron, nickel, and cobalt-chromium. Since none of these metals are used in modern dental implants, you shouldn’t fear causing a scene when you arrive at the airport metal detector.

Is There a Chance My Dental Implants Could Be an Airport Issue?

You should be fine with your dental implants when traveling in North America. But airport regulations are not the same throughout the world. Some international airports utilize more sensitive technology that can detect even the smallest amounts of metals.

Because of this, there is a chance your dental implants can set off some of these detectors overseas. The best thing you can do is give yourself more time to go through security since the risk of you being delayed will be higher.

It’s not the end of the world. If you were to set off the metal detector, you just need to explain that it is because of the titanium in your dental implants. You will likely undergo an additional pat-down before being sent on to your plane – just make sure you allow yourself the extra time for this circumstance.

So, will dental implants set off metal detectors? You might trigger the metal detectors when you are traveling internationally, but if you plan ahead and quit running late with no time to spare you should be just fine. Traveling should not be a reason to deny yourself the benefits of dental implants since they are the premier tooth replacement option.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. He serves as a visiting faculty member for Spear Education. If you are interested in dental implants, he can perform placement and restoration at his office location, plus CareCredit financing is available. Schedule a consultation on his website or call (405) 732-0431.