Looking for a metal-free dentist that places dental implants.

I am missing some teeth in back and am on the hunt for a metal-free dentist that uses metal-free dental implants. Losing teeth makes me feel much older than my sixties. So far, it seems that my back teeth are the ones that are weakest. The farthest ones back in my mouth on both sides are missing.

It is my understanding that dental implants have metal in them and I have an extreme metal allergy. Actually, I am allergic to nickel, cobalt and mercury. It’s pretty severe because I cannot even wear clothes or shoes with metal buckles or threading. Any metal decoration on my attire makes me react too.

Therefore, I’m not holding out much hope that I can get dental implants. But, there seems to be more metal-free dentistry options available these days. I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of a metal-free dental implant option?

– Cynthia in New York

Cynthia,

Well, there may be hope for you yet. Nickel allergies are more common than you may think. Also, there are many individuals that suffer from issues with cobalt. Titanium is a viable dental implant solution. You may be surprised to learn that titanium is a highly biocompatible material that is used in dentistry.

Since you have extreme metal allergies, it would be wise to go ahead and have an allergy test done for a titanium allergy. The last thing you want to do is move forward with such an elaborate, costly procedure as dental implants without being 100 percent sure. Dental implants are nearly completely comprised of titanium.

Just because you are allergic so some metals, you shouldn’t rule them all out. For example, metals exist in minerals in our diet as well, including iron, zinc and even calcium. So, it would be great to move forward with the titanium allergy test.

However, it is understandable that you would be apprehensive with titanium. In which case, you may be able to explore zirconia dental implants, a metal-free option. Zirconia is an extremely durable ceramic. And as far as I know, it is the only metal-free dental implant. You may have to do some research to find the right metal-free dentist that uses and has seen success with zicronia implants. But, it will be worth it.

Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth. You will love the confidence and self-worth they provide too.

Thank you for your question. Hopefully, this will be helpful as you continue exploring your options.

This post is sponsored by Lexington cosmetic dentist Hamburg Expressions.