If you’ve recently gotten dental implants, you might be wondering whether they will cause trouble the next time you go through airport security or enter a secure building. Metal detectors are sensitive, and many people worry that their implant could trigger an alarm. Fortunately, you can breathe easy — dental implants are unlikely to cause any problems at security checkpoints.
What Dental Implants Are Made Of
Dental implants typically consist of three parts:
- Implant Post: The titanium (or sometimes zirconia) screw surgically placed into the jawbone.
- Abutment: The connector piece that attaches to the implant post.
- Crown: The visible portion of the restoration, often made from porcelain or ceramic.
Titanium is the most common material for implants because it is biocompatible (safe for the body) and extremely strong. Zirconia implants, which are completely metal-free, are also available for patients with metal sensitivities.
Why Implants Don’t Trigger Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are designed to detect larger amounts of metal, such as those found in keys, belts, or electronics. The amount of metal in a dental implant is very small and unlikely to be picked up by security scanners. Even if you have multiple implants, their placement within your jawbone makes them hard to detect.
In rare cases, if you have several dental restorations — such as implants, metal crowns, or bridges — they may register on a highly sensitive detector. But for most people, implants go completely unnoticed.
What to Do When Traveling
If you’re worried about traveling with dental implants, here are a few tips to make your experience smoother:
- Stay calm: Dental implants are extremely common, and security personnel are used to people with joint replacements, pacemakers, and other medical devices.
- Carry documentation (optional): Although not necessary, you can ask your dentist for a note or card stating that you have dental implants. This can provide peace of mind if you’re stopped for secondary screening.
- Remove other metal items: To avoid confusion, make sure to take off belts, jewelry, and empty your pockets before going through security.
Dental Implants Are Travel-Friendly
One of the major advantages of dental implants is their ability to function and feel like natural teeth and that includes being airport-friendly. Unlike dentures, there’s no need to remove them during screening or worry about special cases when traveling.
Dental implants will not set off metal detectors in most cases, so you can go through airport security worry-free. If you do get stopped, a simple explanation will usually resolve the situation quickly. This is just one more reason why dental implants are a reliable, hassle-free solution for missing teeth, both at home and while traveling.
About the Practice
Would you like the highest-rated option when it comes to replacing your missing teeth? At McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas, we can outfit you with dental implants to restore your look, confidence, and functionality! We have dentists who specialize in implantology and will provide a precise, fully digitized dental experience. And with IV sedation and general anesthesia available, we can ensure that your visit will be a calm, comfortable one. Ready to get started? Visit our website to schedule your appointment or call (760) 621-8700.