Traveling can be stressful enough. Between the tight schedules and airport security, the last thing you want to have on your mind is your teeth. Still, many patients wonder if their dental implants will set off a metal detector. If you’ve silently wondered if your traveling days have come to an end—take a breath. Dental implants don’t set off metal detectors. Here’s why you can walk into any secure venue with confidence.
Material Matters
Dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloys, which are metals. However, they’re also very small compared to the amount of metal needed to trigger detection equipment.
Metal detectors look for large, dense metal objects, like keys, coins, and tools. In most cases, implant fixtures are only a few millimeters wide. So, even if you have several implants, the total amount of metal is still far too little to cause a detector to react.
Modern Security Technology Ignores Medical Devices
Could you imagine what would happen to airport security lines if hip replacements or pacemakers set off detectors? Thankfully, today’s security systems are much smarter than older models.
Airport body scanners and metal detectors are programmed to ignore common medical devices, including screws and plates from surgeries and dental implants.
These systems have functionalities that let them focus on larger, potentially dangerous objects instead of tiny medical-grade materials. This means your implants aren’t just unlikely to set off alarms—they’re intentionally filtered out!
What About Full Arch Implants Like All-on-4?
Even full-arch restorations, such as All-on-4 dental implants, contain very little metal compared to something like a belt buckle. The posts are designed to be small and lightweight, so they’re not dense enough to trip any sensors.
So, whether you have a single implant or a full-mouth restoration, you can expect the same smooth experience at security checkpoints.
With this information, you can head into your next adventure with confidence, comfort, and a stress-free smile. If you’re preparing for an upcoming trip and still have questions about your implants, your dental team is always there to help, so don’t hesitate to call.
About the Author
Dr. Ira Goldberg earned his DDS from the University of Michigan and has spent nearly 30 years providing advanced implant and cosmetic care. A Diplomate of both the American Board of Oral Implantology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, he continues to teach and mentor dentists nationwide. Call (973) 313-5314 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Morris County Dental Associates or visit our website to learn more about our services.