Will My Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are one of the best possible treatment options available! These awesome little implants can completely restore the look, feel, and functionality of your smile and change your life. You might be curious about receiving dental implants, but you have a few questions about them, such as “Will they set off metal detectors?” Keep reading to learn more about the composition of dental implants and why you don’t have to worry about them causing any problems at the airport!

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Dental implants need to fuse with your jawbone to successfully restore your missing teeth—this process is called osseointegration. There is only one type of metal that’s able to naturally fuse with your bone matter: titanium. Most of the time, the posts of dental implants are composed of titanium; however sometimes zirconia can also be used, especially for patients who have allergies or sensitivities to metal.

Will Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors?

The short answer here is no, dental implants should not set off metal detectors. Most metal detectors function by creating an electromagnetic field in a given area. When a magnetic metal enters this field, the field becomes energized and the alarm sounds. Magnetic metals like iron, nickel, steel, and cobalt-chromium set off metal detectors very easily.

However, titanium isn’t magnetic, meaning that titanium dental implants won’t sound the alarm! Zirconia implants, which have become quite popular, only contain small trace amounts of metal which will not set off metal detectors either in most cases.

It’s also important to note that not all metal detectors are the same. Today, many airports in the U.S. utilize full-body scanners rather than traditional metal detectors. These systems tend to use radio waves or low-level radiation, similar to X-rays. While these scanners can detect your dental implants, the operators are unlikely to even mention it; after all, many patients have had their teeth replaced with dental implants and it’s rarely a cause for a security-related concern. That said, if you are pulled aside—just be sure to explain that you have implants!

If you’re curious about dental implants, you should know that they won’t make traveling any more of a hassle by setting off metal detectors. Talk with your dentist if you think dental implants might be a viable option for your missing teeth.

About the Author

Dr. Idan Snapir has over 20 years of experience in dentistry and proudly serves patients and families in the Van Nuys, CA area! Dr. Snapir received his dental doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles and has undergone countless hours of continuing education, with much of it focused on dental implant placement, full mouth rehabilitation, and orthodontics. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including dental implants! To schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone: (818) 392-5816.