Dental Implants with Metal Allergies

Question submitted by: Anna

I am losing a tooth and want to get a dental implant. However, I have some metal allergies and I’m worried about the metal in the implant. I’m highly allergic to nickel and mercury. I want to get the best tooth replacement possible, but obviously if I’m allergic that won’t be the best replacement. Is there anything on the market that is metal-free when it comes to dental implants? My dentist hasn’t heard of any and insists I don’t have anything to worry about. But, I am worried. This will be in my jaw. An allergic reaction there would be very dangerous. Would I be better of with a holistic dentist?

Anna

Dear Anna,

I am glad you wrote. Your dentist has one thing right and one thing wrong. Let’s get the wrong one first. There is a non-metal option. Besides zirconia crowns, zirconia dental implants are now available. They are not as well-known as the traditional implants and there is not as much data on their longevity, but that is simply because they haven’t been around as long. Zirconia is sometimes called ceramic steel because of his strength.

What your dentist got right is that you do not have anything to worry about when it comes to the traditional dental implants especially as it relates to the allergies you listed. Dental implants are made from titanium. This is extraordinarily biocompatible and has been used in prosthetics for decades. It’s use is not limited to dental work. It is also commonly used in other prosthetics, such has hip or knee replacements.

You’ll have to work to find a dentist who uses them because they are newer. You don’t necessarily need a holistic dentist. I’d look for someone who advertises as a metal-free dentist. They are more likely to use it. Whatever dentist you use, needs to have post-doctoral training in placing dental implants. This is an advanced procedure with serious complications if it is done incorrectly.

This blog is brought to you by Tucson Prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.