Nobody likes the intrusive nature of airport security. Being held up with a security screening is a flier’s biggest inconvenience. In preparation, you pack according to TSA rules and remove all metal jewelry. But for some folks, there are metal parts permanently implanted within their body. These metal additions are sure to set off metal detectors. At this point, you may question if dental implants will cause you a problem at the airlines, but rest assured, the permanent replacement of your missing teeth won’t interfere with your itinerary.
Dental Implants at the Metal Detector
While dental implants will show up on a metal screening, their small size and location make them unimportant to TSA officers.
Dental implants are small enough that TSA officers won’t need to check them to verify they aren’t something else. A full-size dental implant is only 3.4 to 5.8 mm in diameter, and mini implants are even smaller at 1.8 to 3.3 mm in diameter. Both options are smaller than a dime.
Most airports are equipped with the kind of imaging software that shows the location on the body of any detected metal. When a TSA officer sees the small amount of metal and the location of the metal, they will likely allow you to pass through undisturbed.
Surgical fixation hardware or limb prosthetics, on the other hand, are much larger and may inspire a secondary screening. Often, these screenings are not fully intrusive or time-consuming.
Dental Implants: Are They Worth It?
Dental implants are the most permanent and comprehensive way to replace teeth. They preserve the integrity of the jawbone and provide the base for restorations that are as strong and durable as natural teeth. They are easy to take care of by a normal oral health care routine of brushing twice a day, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. With proper care, they can last a lifetime and provide you with a confident smile.
Contact Pasadena Smiles for Dental Implants
For more information on dental implants, contact Pasadena Smiles. Our team is well-informed about the dental implant process as well as aftercare. Our dentists, Dr. Farrah Koutchek and Dr. Vincent Spero, are experienced in providing this beneficial service.