If you have dental implants—or are considering getting them—you may wonder whether the metal in an implant can cause problems at airport security or during an MRI scan.
The reassuring answer is that dental implants generally do not set off airport metal detectors, and most modern titanium dental implants are considered compatible with MRI examinations. However, patients should always tell their healthcare provider and MRI technologist about any implants or other metal-containing devices before undergoing an MRI.
Here’s what you should know about dental implants, metal detectors, and MRI machines.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small fixture that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over time, the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, or support a full-arch tooth replacement.
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Most dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloys. Titanium has been widely used for dental and medical implants because it is strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly biocompatible.
Some dental implants are made from ceramic materials such as zirconia, but titanium remains one of the most commonly used implant materials.
Since titanium is a metal, patients sometimes worry that their implants will trigger security alarms or interact with powerful magnets.
Fortunately, this is generally not a problem.
Will Dental Implants Set Off Airport Metal Detectors?
Dental implants are very unlikely to set off airport metal detectors.
There are two primary reasons.
Dental Implants Are Very Small
Although titanium is a metal, the amount of metal contained in a dental implant is relatively small compared with larger metallic objects commonly detected during airport screening.
Even patients with several dental implants generally do not experience problems going through airport security.
Titanium Is Not Ferromagnetic
Titanium does not behave like strongly magnetic, iron-containing materials.
Because of its magnetic properties and the relatively small size of dental implants, titanium implants generally do not create the same concerns associated with larger ferromagnetic metal objects.
Therefore, having a dental implant normally should not require any special preparation when traveling through airport security.
Can You Have an MRI With Dental Implants?
In most cases, yes.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of structures inside the body.
Because titanium dental implants are not ferromagnetic, they generally do not present the same magnetic safety concerns as certain other metallic objects or implanted medical devices.
However, you should always tell the MRI technologist and your healthcare provider that you have dental implants before your scan.
This is important because not every dental restoration, appliance, or implant-related component is necessarily made from the same material.
Can Dental Implants Affect MRI Images?
While titanium dental implants are generally compatible with MRI examinations, metal in the mouth can sometimes create image artifacts.
An artifact is a distortion or interference that may affect the appearance of an MRI image, particularly when the area being examined is close to the mouth, jaw, face, or head.
Whether this matters depends on several factors, including:
- The type and location of the dental restoration
- The material used
- The area of the body being scanned
- The type of MRI examination being performed
For an MRI of a body part far from the mouth, dental implants may have little or no meaningful effect on the images.
Your radiologist or MRI technologist can determine whether your dental work requires any special consideration.
What About Crowns, Bridges, Braces, and Other Dental Work?
Dental implants aren’t the only dental materials you should mention before an MRI.
Tell the healthcare team if you have:
- Dental implants
- Implant-supported dentures or bridges
- Orthodontic braces or wires
- Permanent retainers
- Metal-containing crowns or bridges
- Other implanted or removable dental appliances
This doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot have an MRI. It simply gives the MRI team the information needed to evaluate your individual situation safely.
Do I Need a Dental Implant Card for Airport Security?
Most patients with routine dental implants do not need special documentation to pass through airport security.
Dental implants are common and generally contain too little metal to cause problems with standard airport screening.
If you have a more extensive implant-supported restoration or another implanted medical device, you can ask your healthcare provider whether documentation is recommended.
Dental Implants, Metal Detectors and MRI: The Bottom Line
For most patients, dental implants should not cause problems with airport metal detectors or prevent them from having an MRI.
Modern titanium dental implants are small and are not ferromagnetic. They generally do not trigger airport security detectors and are typically compatible with MRI examinations.
However, dental implants and other dental materials can sometimes create artifacts on MRI images. Always tell your physician, radiologist, or MRI technologist about any implants and dental appliances before your examination.
If you’re considering replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, Rapha Dental provides implant dentistry in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, serving patients from Delran, Willingboro, Moorestown, Riverton, Palmyra, Maple Shade, and surrounding Burlington County communities.
Learn more about dental implants at Rapha Dental or request an appointment.
References
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry — Dental Implant Information
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy — Dental Implants
- Johns Hopkins Medicine — Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- RadiologyInfo.org — MRI Safety
- Colgate Oral Care — Dental Implants and MRI Procedures