If you have recently gotten dental implants, hopefully you are enjoying your new teeth and all the benefits they provide! But now that the summer travel season is approaching, you might wonder if your implants will affect your vacation plans. Do dental implants set off metal detectors in airports? This blog post explains why you have no reason to worry.
Metal Detectors and Dental Implants
Metal detectors work by emitting an electromagnetic field. Metal objects react to that field, causing the metal detector to beep.
Fortunately, most metal detectors are not sensitive enough to pick up on the tiny amount of titanium that is used in dental implants. While they might set off an alert for larger prosthetics, like hip or knee replacements, dental implants may go unnoticed. Plus, titanium has a weak magnetic field, and many older security devices cannot detect it at all.
Even if your implants do set off the detector, the airport security personnel are unlikely to question you too much; they see thousands of people every day, and dental implants are quite common!
What About Body Scans?
In recent years, many airports have upgraded from metal detectors to body scanners. These are more likely to identify dental implants. However, TSA agents, as well as security personnel at international airports, are trained to identify the difference between medical devices and potentially harmful objects.
It is unlikely that you will be pulled aside for further screening. Even if you are, the process should be fast and easy. Just respectfully explain that you have dental implants, and you should be able to continue with your travels.
Traveling with Dental Implants Is Easy
Dental implants should not complicate your travel plans. Rather, because they are so similar to natural teeth, they should make it easier to enjoy your trip! Unlike traditional dentures, you will not have to worry about bringing a storage case or special cleaning supplies. You can just go on vacation, enjoy your favorite foods, and smile confidently for photos!
Meet the Practice
At Premier Family Dental, our team proudly offers comprehensive dental implant services. One of our dentists is even a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. If you have questions about this treatment and how it might affect your daily life, we would be happy to speak with you. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Waco, TX, office at 254-732-0309.