I need to get a tooth replacement for one of my back teeth. I’ve been told dental implants are the best option. However, I have some metal allergies and I understand that these are made of metal. Does this mean that I have to get a different replacement option?
Kurt
Dear Kurt,
I am glad you wrote. You are correct that dental implants are the best tooth replacement available. They are the closest thing to having a healthy natural tooth in your mouth again. While most of them are made of metal, that metal is titanium. This is a very biocompatible metal. These have been used in prosthetics for decades, including things like hip and knee replacements. While it would be completely foolish to say there are no titanium allergies, I’ve never heard of one. You can get a test to tell you whether or not you are allergic to titanium.
Let’s say on the off chance that you are allergic to titanium. This does not necesarily mean that you cannot have a dental implant. There are now zirconia implants. These are metal free, yet still strong enough to handle your bite. Some dentists do not do them because they are newer and we do not have the same amount of long term data that we have on their metal counterparts.
The important thing with dental implants is that you make certain the dentist who places the implants has the training necessary to do this correctly. Dental school alone is not enough or you could end up with a horror story. Also be aware if an oral surgeon will be the one placing the implant, it is important that it is the dentist who determines the placement, not the surgeon. It is imperative you see the dentist first, not the surgeon. Some dentists do both, but be aware of the importance of letting the dentist lead in this process. They are the ones with the bite training and you want your bite to line up properly or you will end up with a lifetime of pain.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.