We are often asked: If you have dental implants, can you expect security delays at the airport when going through the metal detectors?
Some types of medical artificial joints will set off metal detectors. Fortunately, because they’re SO small in comparison, dental implants do not – in most cases.
Metal detectors work by transmitting an electromagnetic field from the search coil into the ground. Any metal objects (targets) within the electromagnetic field will become energized and retransmit an electromagnetic field of their own. This is what causes the machine to beep.
Why Dental Implants Don’t Trigger Airport Metal Detectors
Because titanium is more difficult to detect and only a tiny amount is used in a tooth implant.
If you have a hip replacement, knee replacement, metal plate and screws, metal rod, or one of many other types of orthopedic implants, you may (or may not) set off the airport metal detector. But with dental implants, it’s a lot less that likely you’ll set off an alert.
Why you don’t need to worry about airport security
If your dental implants do set off the airport metal detectors, it doesn’t mean you’re in for a long security delay.
Worst-case scenario, you’ll be called aside for further screening. If this happens, just tell the TSA agents about your dental implants and you’ll likely be on your way in a very short time.
What about International Airports?
Although International airports may have different screening protocols than the TSA, dental replacements aren’t any more likely to be a problem outside of the U.S. than they are here
The science behind airport metal detectors doesn’t vary from country to country, and the same basic principles of security apply, no matter where you travel. If your tooth implants trigger an alarm, you can expect an extra level of screening, but it shouldn’t be much of a delay at all.
