I’ve always looked after my teeth carefully. I’ve never even had a cavity, so I’m feeling a bit out of my depth here. I was in an accident that caused me to lose one of my teeth. I know I need to replace it and I know that dental implants are the best replacement option. What I don’t know is how that is impacted when you have metal allergies. My understanding is the implant fixture is metal. Would it be unsafe for me to get an implant?
Paula
Dear Paula,
You didn’t mention what type of metal allergies you have. The most common metal allergy is nickel. There is no nickel in dental implants. Dental implants are made from titanium, which is highly biocompatible. It has been used in many types of prosthetics in the human body for decades. You’ll be safe with that replacement.
Though titanium allergies are extraordinarily rare, if you happen to be someone who is dealing with that, you there is still a way for you to replace your tooth with an implant. Some dentists are now using zirconia implants. These are metal-free. Zirconia is known as ceramic steel. This is strong enough to do a fine job.
Not as many dentists use this option so you may have to search around. It’s not that they are not as good. It’s more that they are new and we don’t have as much data on their longevity simply because they haven’t been around as long.
Jn your place, if you don’t have a titanium allergy, I would just get the traditional dental implants that have the data behind them. The other important factor would be the dentist who does the procedure. You will want to make sure they have extensive post-doctoral implant training, as well as a good amount of experience.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
