Dental Implants Metal Allergy
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 one of the best ways to restore missing teeth and is generally made of titanium. A titanium allergy is extremely rare, occurring in only about 0.6% of the population. Patients with metal allergies may wonder if they are able to receive a dental implant. In most cases, anyone with a metal allergy can still receive a dental implant.
The most common material for dental implants is pure titanium or titanium alloy (a compound of two or more metals), both of which are biocompatible to bone and encourage bone regeneration, allowing for optimal osseointegration.
A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth in modern dentistry because an implant replaces the entire structure of a tooth. The implant itself is a prosthetic tooth root and a prosthetic tooth crown (the portion of a tooth that is visible above the gum line) is affixed onto the 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.
How does a metal allergy affect dental implants?
A mental allergy could stand in the way of a patient receiving a traditional dental implant. 13% of people have a sensitivity to nickel, cobalt, or chromium, all of which have the highest prevalence of metal allergies. An allergy to an implant is suspected when there is chronic inflammation and/or a rash around the implant. While it is not unheard of, dental materials 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 skin test to ensure the implant’s compatibility with your body.
Typically, metal allergies are specific to particular metals: roughly 17% of women and 3% of men are allergic to nickel while 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 that create rashes or other anomalies on the skin. An allergy to metal in a body part replacement could result in the body rejecting the part altogether.
Can you be tested for a titanium allergy?
There is 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.
What are the alternatives to titanium dental implants?
Titanium has a unique ability to permanently bond with natural bone structure. This biocompatibility was discovered in the 1950s and was first used to create a dental implant in the 1960s. Osseointegration is the fusion between the bone and the implant. 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 medical (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.
Patients that have metal allergies that include titanium have the option of 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 with benefits that include:
- Biocompatibility comparable to that of titanium
- Resistant to corrosion
- Strong and durable
- More hygienic due to less plaque accumulation
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.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants so even though a patient may express interest in implants, they may be better treated with a dental bridge. While it is extremely rare, it is possible for a person to be allergic not only to titanium, but also zirconia. A dental bridge can be a great option for patients who are unable to receive a dental implant. It is constructed of two crowns attached to either side of a fake tooth. The crowns are cemented onto the teeth on each side of the space and the fake tooth (pontic) fills the gap.
Even if you are a patient who has a rare allergy to certain metals, you are likely to still be able to enjoy the extensive benefits of a dental implant using a zirconia implant. Speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for dental implants and which type will best suit your individual case and needs.