Will San Jose Dental Implants Set Off Airport Security? That & Other Implant FAQs

Deciding to get a dental implant in San Jose is a major step toward restoring your smile and confidence. You’ve likely already asked the most common questions about the procedure, recovery, and cost. But what about the less obvious questions? The ones that might pop into your head long after your consultation?

At Bay Area Dental & Implant Center, we believe an informed patient is a confident patient. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the more unique—but still important—questions we hear about life with dental implants. Here are the answers to things you might not have thought to ask.

Will My Dental Implants Set Off Airport Security?

This is a surprisingly common concern, and the short answer is no. You can travel with complete peace of mind. Our dental implants in San Jose are made from titanium, a non-magnetic metal. This means they are highly unlikely to be detected by the metal detectors you walk through at airport security.

The small size of the implant also makes it difficult for these machines to pick up. So, feel free to book that vacation. Your smile won’t cause any delays at the security checkpoint.

Can Dental Implants Rust?

Your dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, and they will not rust inside your mouth. Titanium is a biocompatible material chosen specifically for its incredible resistance to corrosion and its ability to fuse with bone.

When titanium is exposed to oxygen, whether in the air or in your body, it forms a thin, stable, and passive oxide layer. This is a scientific way of saying that it creates a layer that protects the metal from reacting with its environment. That includes the saliva and fluids in your mouth. You can be confident your implant will remain strong and stable for decades without any risk of rust.

Is It Possible to Be Allergic to Dental Implants?

Allergies to titanium are extremely rare. Titanium is used in many medical procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, precisely because it is so biocompatible and hypoallergenic. Most of the time, what a patient might think is an allergic reaction is actually related to inflammation from other sources, like poor oral hygiene or a pre-existing medical condition.

However, in the very rare instance of a confirmed titanium allergy, alternative materials like zirconia implants are available. If you have a known history of severe metal allergies, be sure to discuss it with our dentist during your San Jose dental implant consultation.

Can I Get a Cavity in My Dental Implant?

No, you cannot get a cavity in your dental implant or its crown. Both the implant (the titanium post) and the restoration (the porcelain crown) are made of artificial materials that are immune to the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

This doesn’t mean you can neglect your oral hygiene. While the implant itself is safe, your gum tissue around the implant can still be affected by bacteria. Poor oral hygiene can cause an infection called peri-implantitis, which is similar to gum disease. This condition can cause bone loss around the implant and potentially lead to its failure. It is essential to brush and floss around your implants just like you would with your natural teeth.

Do San Jose Dental Implants Feel Different From Natural Teeth?

For the most part, a well-placed dental implant will look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. You can even chew and speak like normal. The most significant difference is something you won’t consciously notice. Natural teeth have a periodontal ligament, which is a small band of tissue that holds the tooth in the socket and provides a slight “cushion.”

Dental implants are fused directly to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. They do not have this ligament, so the connection is more rigid. Patients typically don’t notice this difference in day-to-day life, but it’s a key distinction in how implants are anchored in your mouth.

Let’s Clear Up the Curiosity with a Consultation

At Bay Area Dental & Implant Center, our goal is to provide you with a solution that restores not just your smile, but your quality of life. If you have more questions about getting San Jose dental implants, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ask anything that comes to mind.