Don’t Be Alarmed: Will Your Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors?

November 26, 2025

A man being scanned with a metal detector at airport security.

When you’re missing teeth, it can make you feel ashamed or embarrassed to smile. For those who don’t want to call attention to themselves, this can be extremely stressful. The great news is that with restorations like dental implants, nobody ever has to know that you’ve had your teeth replaced. But many patients are still apprehensive about treatment, because they worry that their new smile will still draw unwanted attention. Whether you’ve been concerned about your prosthetics looking fake or obvious, or if you’ve heard they might embarrass you by setting off metal detectors, here’s why there’s no need to worry!

Do Dental Implants Set Off Metal Detectors?

Although there’s no way to know for sure where this myth got started, the truth is that no, your dental implants will not set off metal detectors. These units work by generating a magnetic field which when it encounters certain metals, creates a response that is picked up by the detector. They are typically triggered by ferrous metals like iron, steel, and nickel, as well as non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminum, brass, and alloys like stainless steel. However, because dental implants are made of biocompatible, non-magnetic titanium, they should not be detected by this type of device.

Do Dental Implants Look Fake?

Dental implants have earned a reputation for looking and feeling just like your natural teeth. That’s because the crowns, bridges, or dentures used with your posts are made of durable, lifelike porcelain that can be matched to the rest of your smile so nobody will know they’re not real. Best of all, because they’re permanently secured to your jawbone, they won’t need to be removed for cleaning and soaking like dentures, nor will they slip or come loose while you’re eating or speaking.

Do Dental Implants Get Cavities?

Your new dental implants will be so lifelike and realistic you’ll likely forget you have them, but just because they look and feel like real teeth doesn’t mean they can get cavities like them. Still, you’ll need to take excellent care of your oral health with this type of prosthetic, because poor hygiene can lead to a condition called peri-implantitis. In fact, although they boast an impressive 95 percent success rate, peri-implantitis is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure. Thus, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for your regular exam and cleaning appointments.

Remember, while you may be nervous about your dental implants looking or feeling unnatural, the truth is that you don’t become the number one method of tooth replacement for no reason. Today’s dental implants are more durable, lifelike, and long-lasting than ever, so stop hiding your smile and speak to your dentist today about this life-changing treatment!

About Our Practice

At West Hartford Dental Group, our talented trio of skilled and caring dentists is proud to help patients restore their beautiful smiles with the help of durable, lifelike dental implants. Whether you need to replace one or multiple teeth, this treatment can provide lasting results that nobody will ever need to know isn’t your natural smile. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit our website or call 860-236-4249.