Could you be allergic to titanium dental implants? (2023)

FAQs

How do you know if you are allergic to titanium dental implants? ›

Some of the common symptoms of a titanium allergy to a dental implant include hives and bumps in the mouth, dry patches of gum tissue, inflammation of the gums around the implant, and sores or swelling in the oral soft tissues. It's possible to detect a titanium allergy ahead of time with a MELISA test.

Titanium allergies are rare, occurring in about 0.6% of the population, according to one study. That means as many as 1.8 million people in the U.S. may be allergic to titanium to some degree. Other studies suggest the allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to titanium could be much higher.

However, some people can be intolerant to the metal and can experience hyper-sensitization or an allergic reaction with titanium implants. Titanium allergy is rare, though – research shows that an average of less than 1% of people who undergo a dental implant surgery report a titanium 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)

Some signs of allergic reactions include loss of taste, swelling around the gums, and a tingling sensation. Sudden allergic reactions are a sign of dental implant failure because they indicate that your body is rejecting the implant.

One of the causes of implant failure can be attributed to allergic reactions to titanium. There have been reports of hypersensitive reactions such as erythema, urticaria, eczema, swelling, pain, necrosis, and bone loss due to titanium dental implants [15, 67, 68].

One of the causes of implant failure can be attributed to allergic reactions to titanium. There have been reports of hypersensitive reactions such as erythema, urticaria, eczema, swelling, pain, necrosis, and bone loss due to titanium dental implants [15, 67, 68].

According to the International Congress of Oral Implantologists it is rare that your body will reject your dental implants. However, this does not mean that your dental implant will not fail. A successful dental implant is one that is placed in healthy bone and is properly cared for after the surgery takes place.

It is not considered a toxic metal but it is a heavy metal and it does have serious negative health effects. Titanium has the ability to affect lung function causing lung diseases such as pleural disease, it can cause chest pain with tightness, breathing difficulties, coughing, irritation of the skin or eyes.

Multiple investigators have found that titanium implants can induce inflammation in the surrounding tissue over time, leading to the expression of certain mediators known to cause local and systemic health problems. While acute disease is unavoidable, chronic diseases (cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc.)

Is there nickel in titanium dental implants? ›

While titanium is considered to be “nickel free,” and titanium alloy is commonly used as an alternative to stainless steel alloys for patients who may have nickel sensitivity, it is possible that trace amounts of impurities including nickel could be contained within these materials.

Painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN) is a known complication of dental implant therapy. Besides cases resulting of nerve damage during surgery or implant placement, some patients report delayed neuropathic-like symptoms only after implant loading i.e. crown placement.

The most commonly used Ti-alloy in dental implant [7, 32] is Ti–6Al–4V, which is also known as Grade V titanium alloy, composed of 6 and 4% of aluminium and vanadium, respectively, together with addition of maximum 0.25% of iron and 0.2% of oxygen. The remaining of the alloy is titanium.

The clinical presentation of patients with metal implant reactions is often nonspecific. Patients can present with localized dermatitis or rashes but also with systemic eczematous dermatitis. Swelling, pain, draining sinuses, and inflammation at the implant site may mimic infection.

Implants rarely trigger metal allergies, even in people with known sensitivities. But if a reaction does occur, removal or replacement of the implants with a different titanium alloy typically provides relief from any symptoms.

Some of the side effects of having metal in the body include: Corrosion: Titanium is relatively corrosion resistant. However, given enough time within the human body, even titanium may eventually corrode and require removal. Leaching: Ions from the titanium can leach away from the surgical site to nearby tissues.

If they have poor oral health with their natural teeth, it's not likely to improve with implants. Poor oral health is primarily related to the lack of oral hygiene. Someone who doesn't brush regularly and allows their teeth and gums to decay without action are not ideal candidates.

It should be noted that the success of dental implants is around 97%, which is high. But it does mean that there is a chance that it will fail or be rejected 3% of the time.

Testing by CLIA approved lab: LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics

A blood test for titanium measures the amount of titanium in the blood typically associated with industrial exposure or medical procedures. Specifically titanium ( along with chromium and /or cobalt) are often used in artificial joints.

Observations. An elderly patient who underwent dental implantation to the zygomatic bone was hospitalized in the ophthalmology department with impaired abduction of her right eye, also evident on ocular examination. Head computed tomography demonstrated damage to the lateral rectus and to the inferior oblique muscles.

How long does titanium stay in system? ›

When each titanium implant enters the body, it can last up to 20 years. Dental titanium and dental implants can stay in place for even longer than 20 years without any change in quality.

Overall, titanium implant posts are completely safe for the majority of patients. While it is important to be aware of the risks and discuss them with your dentist, there is little reason to be afraid of the titanium material used in dental implant posts.

Some research suggests that metal medical and dental implants may cause an autoimmune reaction in people with metal allergies and other genetic predispositions. Some of the diseases researched in connection to metal devices include: Multiple sclerosis. Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus).

Fever, Redness, and Swelling

Like pain, a bit of swelling around the surgery site is normal after getting dental implants. It should go down after the first few days, though. Increased swelling and redness, especially when accompanied, by fever, is a symptom of infection.

FAQ about Zirconia vs Titanium Implants

Titanium is stronger and more durable than zirconia, but zirconia implants are more biocompatible with the human body. Titanium implants have a success rate of up to 95%, while zirconia is less than that.

► Titanium Dioxide may be a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level.

How does titanium affect the body? ›

Safe in the body

Titanium is considered the most biocompatible metal – not harmful or toxic to living tissue – due to its resistance to corrosion from bodily fluids. This ability to withstand the harsh bodily environment is a result of the protective oxide film that forms naturally in the presence of oxygen.

But occasionally something will go wrong and patients will experience dental implant problems years later. While it doesn't happen often, it is a possibility. These issues can turn into major sources of stress for those patients who do experience it.

Conclusions: Ti allergy can be detected in dental implant patients, even though its estimated prevalence is low (0.6%). A significantly higher risk of positive allergic reaction was found in patients showing post-op allergy compatible response (ACRG), in which cases allergy tests could be recommended.

Nickel allotment in orthodontic alloys varies from 8% in stainless steel to 50% in nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy [1].

If the implant touches the nerve, it can result in facial pain, numbness, and other troublesome symptoms. If it is likely that the implant will touch the nerve, then the oral surgeon may recommend moving the nerve. A bone graft might also be recommended to build up the jawbone before it receives the implants.

Some of the patients who receive implants develop severe chemical sensitivity and chronic fatigue as well as autoimmune diseases, headaches, anxiety/depression, cognitive dysfunction, hormone imbalances, thyroid disease, arrhythmias, and chronic infections.

Although rare, there is still a possibility that they may occur. These risks are usually minor and easily treated. They include infection, injury to surrounding teeth or blood vessels, sinus problems and nerve damage. Every year, around 1% of the dental implant surgeries result in nerve injuries.

Some doctors offer a test called MELISA, which can identify a metal reaction before implant surgery. It is a blood test that looks at the white blood cell reaction when exposed to various metals.

These days, the primary materials used for implant fixtures and abutments is commercially pure titanium, grade 2 and grade 4, the screw is usually made from a titanium alloy classified as titanium grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V). Titanium grade 4 has the highest mechanical strength of all unalloyed Ti.

Can I have an MRI after dental implants? ›

Are dental implants safe in MRI scanners? When seeking implant dentistry from James A. Burden, D.D.S., many patients ask if dental implants will interfere with other medical treatment that requires MRIs. Fortunately, MRIs are completely safe to perform on patients with dental implants.

Titanium Allergy Symptoms & Tests

It's possible to detect a titanium allergy ahead of time with a MELISA test. This type of blood test isolates your white blood cells, exposes them to titanium and measures the immune response to titanium.

Slight oozing of blood at the site of the implant can last for up to 72 hours. Forming blood clots is vital to the successful healing of your implants, as they protect the nerves endings in the bone. Disturbing these blood clots can lead to dry socket and excessive bleeding.

The result: redness, itching, swelling or a rash, with skin blistering or scaling at the site. The symptoms of a metal allergy range from mild to severe. Each time you're re-exposed to the offending metal, your skin reacts in the same way.

Clinical Characteristics of Hypersensitivity to Titanium. Researchers have described various clinical manifestations in patients with allergies to titanium including episodes of hives, eczema, edema, reddening, and itching of the skin or mucosa, which may be localized, or generalized.

Titanium toxicity can elicit a number of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, blurring of vision, respiratory inflammation, lymphedema, and hyperpigmentation of the nails and skin [[12], [13], [14]].

One of the causes of implant failure can be attributed to allergic reactions to titanium. There have been reports of hypersensitive reactions such as erythema, urticaria, eczema, swelling, pain, necrosis, and bone loss due to titanium dental implants [15, 67, 68].

Dental implants are generally safe and do not cause illness in most cases. However, titanium implants can make you sick if you are allergic to the metal. Though only 0.6% of the population has a titanium allergy, it can impact your health and wellness, including your dental implant's success.

Although titanium is the preferred choice for dental implants as it is an inert material, if used in oral implants, it may encourage toxic or allergic type I or IV reactions.

Redness, swelling, inflammation, and bleeding around the implantation site is a bad sign after the initial few days. Infections can and do occur—especially in smokers, people with an autoimmune disease or diabetes, and those with poor oral hygiene.

Is there a blood test for titanium allergy? ›

Blood based testing may give an more accurate measurement of titanium reactions than patch testing. Titanium particles are too large to penetrate the skin and the relationship between skin sensitivity and systemic hypersensitivity is ill-defined.

Overall, titanium implant posts are completely safe for the majority of patients. While it is important to be aware of the risks and discuss them with your dentist, there is little reason to be afraid of the titanium material used in dental implant posts.

When each titanium implant enters the body, it can last up to 20 years. Dental titanium and dental implants can stay in place for even longer than 20 years without any change in quality.

The Very Elderly (with some exceptions)

However, in general, implant dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists will hesitate before recommending implants for patients over the age of 85. The very elderly tend to have more chronic illnesses that could interfere with the healing process.

If they have poor oral health with their natural teeth, it's not likely to improve with implants. Poor oral health is primarily related to the lack of oral hygiene. Someone who doesn't brush regularly and allows their teeth and gums to decay without action are not ideal candidates.

Conclusions: Ti allergy can be detected in dental implant patients, even though its estimated prevalence is low (0.6%). A significantly higher risk of positive allergic reaction was found in patients showing post-op allergy compatible response (ACRG), in which cases allergy tests could be recommended.

Multiple investigators have found that titanium implants can induce inflammation in the surrounding tissue over time, leading to the expression of certain mediators known to cause local and systemic health problems. While acute disease is unavoidable, chronic diseases (cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc.)

While titanium is considered to be “nickel free,” and titanium alloy is commonly used as an alternative to stainless steel alloys for patients who may have nickel sensitivity, it is possible that trace amounts of impurities including nickel could be contained within these materials.

Safe in the body

Titanium is considered the most biocompatible metal – not harmful or toxic to living tissue – due to its resistance to corrosion from bodily fluids. This ability to withstand the harsh bodily environment is a result of the protective oxide film that forms naturally in the presence of oxygen.

Can dental implants cause neurological problems? ›

Painful post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PTTN) is a known complication of dental implant therapy. Besides cases resulting of nerve damage during surgery or implant placement, some patients report delayed neuropathic-like symptoms only after implant loading i.e. crown placement.

Late Dental Implant Rejection

It's typically a result of negligence, such as inadequate home care, dental hygiene, or postoperative trauma. Furthermore, dental implants may also be rejected due to misaligned teeth. Smoking may also result in dental implant rejection, though this is a new area of research.