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Can dental implants be placed in those patients with metal allergies?
Allergies are growing concern among American’s today. From pets to foods to seasonal symptoms, allergens seem to be everywhere. When it comes to dental implantation, allergies can be a concern for some patients, especially those with metal allergies. It is important to find out what dental implants are comprised of before undergoing treatment.
Today’s dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth for a naturally beautiful smile. Implants are inserted into the jawbone where they act as the ‘tooth root’—providing support for dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges and partial and full dentures. But what if you are allergic to metal?
Dental implants are made from titanium alloy—a sturdy material that effectively fuses or bonds with bone through a process called osseointegration (this process refers to the integration between living bone and an artificial implant). While it is rare, some individuals do have allergies to metals including vanadium, nickel, zinc and iron chloride. These allergies would normally exclude patients from implant candidacy, but advances in implant technology have brought about another option.
Patients who are allergic to metals can undergo treatment using Zirconia dental implants. Zirconia implants are metal-free dental implants made exclusively of ceramic zirconium oxide, which is much harder, and has more flexural strength than titanium. Zirconia implants provide the same stable support as titanium implants, but some precautions do need to be taken when undergoing implant treatments with this material.
Ceramic implants do have the ability to bond with bone, but the bonding process is slower, therefore Zirconia implants may not be considered immediate load implants. Patients will need to undergo a healing period before the permanent dental prosthetic can be placed—this will ensure implant success.
If you are considering dental implants and are concerned that metal or other allergies may effect your treatment (anesthesia can be another concern for those with allergies), it is recommended that you be tested by either your primary care physician or an allergist to determine if any reactions might occur during the implant treatment. Find out more about dental implants and see if these innovative treatments are right for you.