Dental Implants and Metal Allergy
In general, the allergic risk of titanium material that is used in dental implants is smaller than that of other metal materials. However, the increase in prevalence of allergic reactions to such implants have caused many to worry about their implants.
Can I get dental implants if I have a metal allergy?
The short answer is yes.
Many patients that have a metal allergy can still get dental implants. You should not let the fear of your metal allergy stop you from seeking out dental implant treatment. We have great options for patients who have metal allergies.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are synthetic tooth root replacements that come in either fixed or removable models. Typical dental implants are made of two or more compounded metals (pure titanium or titanium alloy). These artificial substitutes for tooth roots are either in blade-like, screw or cylinder form. The titanium in the implants are what are used to fuse the implant with the jaw bone ensuring that the implant will stay in place, will not slip or make any noise. These implants in many ways are designed to function just like natural teeth.
How Quickly is your Implant Site Meant to Heal?
Your dental implant surgery is performed in stages. Typically, a single tooth implant will take 6-12 weeks to heal completely. During this time, yoru new artificial tooth will begin to fuse with your jawbone and become stronger.
There are some ways that you can speed up your dental implants recovery process. Some methods include eating soft foods and limiting your physical activity while getting an adequate amount of rest.
If you feel like your implant site is not healing correctly or is taking too long to heal, see your dentist immediately. This might highlight your metal allergy or another problem that your dentist will be able to highlight for you.
Am I Rejecting My Implant?
While the titanium material used in dental implants causes far fewer problems than other metals, there are some people who are allergic to it.
How can I recognise that I’m allergic to my dental implant?
If you are previously unaware of any allergies that you could have titanium allergy symptoms include:
- Swelling or pain
- Bone loss
- Eczema (itchy inflammation of the skin or gum tissue)
- Toxic reactions in other tissues (causing yellow syndrome)
- Urticaria (hives that may be seen on the skin or gum surface)
- Erythema (skin redness, usually in the tissues around the implant)
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
Diagnosing A Titanium Allergy
If a dental or medical professional suspects that you might be allergic to the titanium in your dental implant, the first step is to take diagnostic tests such as patch tests to formally diagnose if you are actually allergic to it.
Alternatives to a titanium implant
It can be disappointing that you are rejecting your implant or not taking to it as well as you had hoped. The good news is there are other options available to you. Zirconia implants can be a good alternative to titanium implants. One of our dental professionals at The Neem Tree can help you treat your titanium allergy and ensure that you fill the gap in your mouth with the best treatment that works for you!
Other than a metal allergy, are there other risks or dental implants?
There are several risks that are associated with dental implant surgery which you need to be aware of before making the decision to go forward with your treatment. These risks include nerve damage, infection at the implant site and more. These need to be thoroughly discussed with your dentist at your consultation appointment.
Conclusion
Although Titanium has been considered to be a non-allergic material there have been many patients exhibiting allergic symptoms after reacting to their titanium dental implants. Therefore, our practice advises that pre-implant patients should carry out allergy tests and be asked about a history of hypersensitivity reactions to metals along with a recommended patch test to these patients who have experienced such reactions.
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Contact us today to find out more about dental implants by contacting one of our practices in Esher, Surrey or Wandsworth, South West London.