If you have a dental implant, or you’re thinking about getting one, you may be wondering if the metal component of the restoration could cause problems with airport security or metal detectors. After all, whether you enjoy traveling for business or pleasure, you wouldn’t want to put your plans on hold at the expense of maintaining a healthy smile. However, patients with dental implants really don’t have to worry about this occurring and can normally travel with confidence. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Dental Implants Won’t Set Off Metal Detectors
Dental implants are small posts that replace the root of a missing tooth. They’re typically made from titanium, since this material is known for being strong, lightweight, and highly biocompatible, meaning it can fuse safely with your body. Titanium is actually the same material used in many medical devices, such as hip and knee replacements, since it’s highly durable and also unlikely to trigger allergic reactions.
Even though titanium is technically a metal, it doesn’t react to magnetic fields in the way that iron or steel would. Plus, the amount of metal actually used in the dental implant is very small. Modern metal detectors are calibrated to detect larger or more magnetic metals, not tiny, medical-grade posts inside your body.
This means that whether you’re walking through airport security, attending a concert, or simply entering a secure building, your implants will stay completely under the radar. However, you’re still more than welcome to let security know about your implants; they’ll be quite understanding and accommodating!
Other Tips for Traveling with Dental Implants
Some other tips you should keep in mind if you’re planning to travel with dental implants include:
- Keep up with your daily oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day, no matter what time zone you’ll be in.
- Avoid bad habits that might lead to a dental emergency.
- Consider scheduling a dental appointment before you leave to ensure that your smile is in great shape before being away from home.
If you’re heading on vacation or passing through security, you can relax knowing your dental implants won’t cause any holdups. It’s just another reason why they remain one of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth!
About the Practice
Here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates, our team takes pride in providing patients in Worcester and the nearby area with a wide range of services, ranging from in-house dental implant placement to tooth extractions and beyond. If you’re hoping to rebuild your smile, we’d be happy to work with you every step of the way. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a consultation, please reach out online or by phone for more information or assistance. Telephone: (774) 220-7355.
