Dental Implants Metal Allergy
Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore missing teeth. The most common material for dental implants is pure titanium or sometimes, titanium alloy (a compound of two or more metals). Both are highly biocompatible to bone and encourage bone regeneration, allowing for optimal osseointegration (fusion to the bone).
Titanium has a unique ability to permanently bond with natural bone structure, called biocompatibility, which was discovered in the 1950s and first used to create a dental implant in the 1960s. With proper care and maintenance, an implant will become a natural part of your mouth which is why titanium is the preferred material for most dental implants. Titanium is widely used in both medical (i.e. joint replacements) and dental applications because of that special affinity with bone. Bone cells generate and attach to the metal, strengthening the bond between the implant in the jaw bone, creating a stable foundation for a dental implant.
An allergy is the body's immune system overreacting to a foreign substance. An allergy can be as inconsequential as a minor rash or as life-threatening as organ systems shutting down. An allergy to titanium is extremely rare, occurring in only about 0.6% of the population so patients that suffer from metal allergies may think that they are not a candidate for dental implants but fortunately, advances in dental technology have afforded an opportunity for patients to receive the best dental care available.
A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth in modern dentistry because an implant replaces the entire structure of a tooth, all the way down to the root! The implant itself is an artificial tooth root and is beneficial in supporting bone structure. The roots of our teeth regularly stimulate bone regeneration to prevent the deterioration of the jaw bone. Without some form of stimulation, natural or artificial, bone deterioration can lead to ill-fitting dental prosthesis, loss of more teeth, and even changes in facial structure.
On a dental implant, the portion of a tooth that is visible above the gum line is affixed onto the implant with either a screw or cement. The artificial tooth is usually made of porcelain and will not cause any allergies in the patient.
Metal Allergy and Dental Implants
Generally, metal allergies are specific to particular metals: about 17% of women and 3% of men are allergic to nickel while even smaller percentages are allergic to cobalt or chromium. The most common allergic reaction to metals occurs from external contact on the skin with jewelry, clothing clasps or other items such as belt buckles. These present as a rash or other anomaly on the skin. An allergy to metal in a body part replacement could result in the body rejecting the part altogether, at which point another treatment path will need to be explored.
Though rare, a mental allergy could stand in the way of a patient receiving a traditional titanium dental implant. An allergy to an implant is suspected when there is chronic inflammation in the gum tissue and/or a rash around the implant.
Testing For Titanium Allergy
While it is not unheard of, dental materials typically have a very low chance of side effects but if you are concerned about a potential metal allergy, your physician or allergist can perform a type of blood test that isolates your white blood cells, exposes them to titanium, and measures the immune system’s response to the titanium.
This is called a MELISA test, which can be performed before you receive a dental implant. Some common symptoms of a titanium allergy to a dental implant include hives or bumps in the mouth, dry patches on the gum tissue, tissue inflammation around the implant, and sores or swelling in the soft tissues in the mouth.
Are there alternatives to titanium dental implants?
Patients suffering from metal allergies that include titanium do have an alternative option in zirconia implants. Zirconia is a ceramic material that can be used to fabricate not only the implant but the abutment and crown. Zirconia is a great option for dental implants and may even appeal to patients without allergies! Benefits of a zirconia dental implant include:
- corrosion resistant
- high biocompatibility, comparable to that of titanium
- great strength and durability
- less plaque accumulation, making them more hygienic
Zirconia implants were first developed in 1987 and are now widely used by Dentists. This non-metal ceramic material is ideal for patients who have exhibited symptoms of metal allergies to materials such as titanium. Zirconia is not as strong as titanium but it is still able to take on most abuses that dental implants incur. Zirconia is resistant to corrosion, has great biocompatibility with bone, and is very durable. If you are interested in dental implants but are concerned about metal allergies, speak with your Dentist about zirconia implants.
What alternatives to dental implants are available?
Dental implants are typically the best choice for those who can endure implant surgery and the extensive healing time but not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. For patients who are unable to receive a dental implant, a traditional dental bridge can be a great option! A bridge is constructed of two crowns joined on each side of a number of fake teeth, or pontics. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth on each side of the space and the pontic fills the open space.
Speak with your Dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants and which type, titanium or zirconia, will give you the best results for your individual case and meet all of your needs. Even if you are a patient who has a rare allergy to certain metals, you are likely to still be able to enjoy the great benefits of a dental implant with a zirconia dental implant.