Will Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors?

Dental implants are small screws that replace the roots of missing teeth. Though they can be made from zirconia, titanium is usually the material of choice. This is because titanium is biocompatible, which means that it can fuse with the jawbone to create a strong, long-lasting bond. Since implants are made from metal, you may be wondering if they will set off metal detectors. Continue reading to learn if people with dental implants need to worry about setting off metal detectors.

How Do Metal Detectors Work?

Metal detectors use pulse induction (PI) technology, which creates a series of pulses. This forms a magnetic field around those who walk through it that causes a natural echo, which the machine uses to produce a reading.

When a magnetic field is produced by metal objects when they pass through the metal detector. This disrupts the echo to create a larger, longer echo. This reveals the location of the metal object.

Why Dental Implants Don’t Set Off Metal Detectors

Metal detector settings vary by country, but dental implants likely won’t set them off. There are a few theories for why this is. The first is that since your jawbone insulates the implants this may prevent the metal detector from identifying them. Even so, this explanation doesn’t account for orthopedic dental implants, which are just as insulated by the body but still set off metal detectors.

The second theory is related to the material the implants are made from. Dental implants are usually made from titanium. This metal is paramagnetic, which means that some materials are weakly attracted by externally applied magnetic fields. The weak magnetic field created by titanium will likely not set off metal detectors.

If you have dental implants and you’re worried that you’re going to set off metal detectors, don’t be. These titanium screws are unlikely to cause problems, so you can continue to enjoy you’re beautiful beam worry-free!

About the Practice

Gerome and Patrice Family Dentistry is led by Dr. Mark Gerome and Dr. Gina Patrice. These two skilled dentists offer a variety of services to patients in Loveland and the surrounding communities so they can keep their smiles in good shape. They offer dental implants for those missing teeth and can give you advice on how to make them last as long as possible. Call Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry at (405) 943-8575 or visit their website to learn more about the benefits of dental implants.