Will Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors at the Airport?

Dental implants allow you to once again eat freely and smile with confidence. However, you probably have questions about how receiving them will affect different aspects of your life. For example, will dental implants set off metal detectors when you’re moving through airport security? Here’s the answer from a local dentist.

How Metal Detectors Work

There once was a time when you could enter an airport, check your bags and walk directly to your boarding gate. Since the tragedies of September 11, 2001, the experience of moving throughout an airport has drastically changed. Passengers must now pass through a security checkpoint that is equipped with metal detectors and staffed with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.

The metal detectors work by creating a magnetic field around you in a series of pulses. The magnetic field is then reflected back to the machine if there are any metal objects present. When a metal object (watch, belt, ring, etc.) passes through the detector, the return signal is detected by the machine and a beeping noise is produced to alert a TSA agent.

Will Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors?

In most cases, you don’t have to worry about a dental implant setting off a metal detector at the airport. That’s because most implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material that isn’t magnetic.

While reconstructive medical materials were commonly made from stainless steel in the past (a magnetic metal that sets off all kinds of metal detectors), implant dentistry has evolved.

A Word of Caution About International Travel

When moving through an airport in the United States, you’re within the jurisdiction of the TSA, and they are part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. However, when traveling abroad, there may be different regulations in effect.

In fact, you may encounter more sophisticated technology designed to detect even the most minute amounts of metal. So don’t be alarmed if you set off their detectors. When traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to give yourself some extra time just in case this happens. You shouldn’t be alarmed, though, as you’ll be given the opportunity to explain that you have a dental implant.

Now that you’re aware of how metal detectors work and what you can expect with dental implants, you have nothing holding you back from scheduling a restorative appointment. Better yet, you’ll have nothing to worry about when moving through the airport. While traveling abroad may require a little extra planning, having your teeth replaced won’t stop you from experiencing the country and world!

About the Author

Dr. Jason Kaopua earned his dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University. Throughout his career, he has completed advanced training in a wide variety of specialty topics, including dental implant placement. Dr. Kaopua builds lasting and attractive smiles with dental implants at Albright Family Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.