Metal Allergies and Dental Implants

By Sammy Noumbissi, DDS, MS

Miles of Smiles Implant Surgery

. https://www.milesofsmilesdental.net/

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Metal Allergies and Dental Implants

By far, the most commonly implanted metals used in orthopedics and dental implantology are cobalt/chrome, stainless steel and titanium. Virtually all implants are alloys, meaning they are a combination of several different metals. Besides titanium, smaller amounts of other metals are also found in dental implants. Approximately 10-15% of the population experiences some form of allergic reaction to metal and it is important to consider alternatives to metal implants. Furthermore, allergic responses can range from a mild rash to death from a multi-system shutdown known as anaphylaxis.

Metal dental implants were originally made out of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy, providing the only option for anyone replacing teeth with dental implants. Titanium and titanium alloys have been generally considered osteophilic and therefore considered to be biocompatible. With growing evidence to the contrary provided by researchers and patients alike, we now know that placing metallic dental implants and other restorative devices can potentially provoke allergic reactions.

One study involving 1,500 patients demonstrated that titanium allergy could be clearly detected in dental implant patients. A notably higher risk of positive allergic reaction was found in patients whose implants failed for no other known reason other than that they had a higher incidence of allergic reaction. Muscle pain and chronic fatigue are the more serious symptoms associated with an allergy to metals or metal toxicity. Unfortunately, people don't link overall fatigue with an immune disorder stemming from a metal implant. They can suffer from this type of reaction for months or years before seeking help.

Zirconia Dental Implants

Today, zirconia dental implants are considered to be the best and safest alternative to titanium implants. Their advantage is that they are ceramic, and thus there is no concern of corrosion, allergic reaction or electromagnetic interference. Overall qualities of ceramic dental implants include; biocompatibility the zirconium used in the manufacture of ceramic dental implants is an inert material with very low allergic potential, strength superior to that of metal implants, corrosion free no metallic taste, no electromagnetic disturbances or interferences.

We treat the whole person with safe, natural and painless methods. Our innovative approach to dental care focuses on the mouth-to-body connection by identifying and treating issues pertaining to allergies and autoimmune disorders.