Contents
Dental implants are the preferred method of replacing missing teeth, as they most realistically simulate natural-looking and feeling teeth. While implant surgery can be applicable to many people, it is only suitable for certain individuals. An allergic reaction to metal implants patients may experience, especially with the kind of metallic material used in their construction. If you’re thinking about getting metal dental implants or already have them installed, understanding these risks and implications should be a priority so that you can take preventative measures if necessary.
What Causes Metal Allergies?
If you experience metal allergies, then it’s natural to worry about your body’s response to dental implants. Is this route of tooth replacement even feasible for those with sensitivities? It all depends on the type of metals that cause distress.
Most patients with metal allergies are sensitive to nickel; however, cobalt, copper, and chromium are common triggers.
Implants are made primarily of titanium alloy. Trace amounts of other metals may be included, but titanium is the base metal.
When metal materials such as titanium and nickel are used in contact with the body, some individuals may develop contact dermatitis or an allergic rash at the point of contact with their skin. It is rare, but this type of allergic response can also occur on a person’s gums after they receive metal dental implants.
What Is the Risk of Being Allergic to Dental Implants?
Titanium is considered nonallergenic and is the material of choice for dental implants. Thanks to its high resistance to corrosion and its biocompatibility with the body’s immune system, titanium is also preferred by the medical field for orthopedic implants that are placed within bones.
In addition, titanium dioxide, the most common titanium compound, is used as an additive and flavor enhancer in many foods and consumer products, including toothpaste and cosmetics.
Despite its wide use, studies have shown that people can be allergic to titanium-based materials. Symptoms of this type of metal allergy may include muscle pain, swelling, fatigue, a metallic taste in the mouth, and skin rashes or lesions.
However, titanium carries a much lower allergic risk than other metals. So patients who react to implants are often allergic to the other metals that make up the titanium alloy.
Am I Rejecting My Implant?
While titanium generally causes fewer problems than metal ions, some people may be allergic to it.
The International Journal of Implant Dentistry notes that titanium alloy particles can get deposited in the surrounding tissues due to implants’ corrosion and wear. In some people, this can cause bone loss due to inflammatory or hypersensitivity reactions that cause implant failure.
So how can I recognize if I have a dental implant allergy?
Seminal studies cited by the International Journal of Implant Dentistry report that titanium allergy symptoms include:
- Erythema (skin redness, in this case, in the tissues around the implant)
- Urticaria (hives that may be seen on the skin or gum surface)
- Eczema (itchy inflammation of the skin or gum tissue)
- Swelling or pain
- Necrosis (death of cells or tissue, in this case, around the implant)
- Toxic reactions in other tissues cause yellow nail syndrome (which can also affect the lungs and airways)
- Bone loss
You must contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Can You Get Dental Implants if You Have Metal Allergies?
If you have metal sensitivities or other medical health conditions, bring them up at your initial implant surgery consultation. Our oral surgeons must have a clear and complete picture of your overall health to determine if you are a candidate for implants.
For patients with a history of allergies or metal hypersensitivity, a metal allergy testing or blood test can help answer your questions. These tests may determine if you will have an allergic reaction to titanium or any other metals used in dental implant posts.
Implants rarely trigger metal allergies, even in people with known sensitivities. But if a reaction occurs, removal or replacement of the implants with a different titanium alloy typically relieves any symptoms.
Diagnosis
To determine if you suffer from a metal sensitivity, consult your dentist or doctor, who will likely suggest carrying out metal hypersensitivity testing, such as skin patch testing, which involves placing titanium samples onto your skin to check for any adverse reactions. Some physicians might also recommend in vitro blood tests to detect metal allergy, including the lymphocyte transformation test, the lymphocyte migration inhibition test, and the commercially available MELISA test. If it is found that you are sensitive to metals present in dental implants, other treatment options could be considered, such as ceramic-based crowns or bridges instead.
The International Journal of Implant Dentistry points out that zirconia implants can be an alternative to titanium implants. But there needs to be long-term clinical data associated with their usage, so your dental professional is the best person to speak to about alternative options.
In conclusion, allergies caused by metal implants are fairly uncommon yet potentially dangerous occurrences. Good knowledge about their signs and risk factors is paramount for avoiding complications should they arise unexpectedly during treatment.
It’s important to consider whether metal allergies could be an issue before dental implant surgery, as potential alternatives are available. Be sure to talk to your dentist about any current allergies or sensitivities prior to arranging any treatment plan involving metal materials.
References:
https://www.oralsurgeryofutah.com/2017/02/08/the-facts-about-dental-implants-and-metal-allergies/
