“I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date! No time to say ‘hello, goodbye,’ I’m late, I’m late, I’m late!”
This quote by the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland may remind you of days at the airport. Does it always seem like you just aren’t giving yourself quite enough time and you are just barely making your flight?
Something to be mindful of when you go through airport security is the potential for your dental implants to set off 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!
Will My Dental Implants Be a Problem 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 by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents 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 Situation When My Dental Implants Could Be an Airport Issue?
You should be fine with your dental implants when traveling in America. But TSA regulations are not implemented everywhere in 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, you might set off the metal detectors when you are traveling internationally, but if you plan ahead and don’t run late like the White Rabbit you should be just fine. Traveling should not be a reason to deny yourself the benefits of dental implants.
About the Practice
At Cambria Smiles, our mission is to provide a truly unique dental experience. Our priority is for you and your family to get the high-quality care you need in a gentle environment. Our three-dentist team ensures that we’re able to offer a wider range of services with more appointment times available. We accept dental insurance, or you can sign up for our membership to get discounts and flexible payment plans. To schedule an appointment for dental implants or to learn more about our other services, visit our website or call (805) 927-4811.