Dental prosthetics is a complex dental procedure where numerous materials can trigger allergic reactions. From anaesthetics to implants, many components can cause related discomfort.
Dental implant allergy is fundamentally a very rare phenomenon, however, it is still important to address it, as many people encounter medical metals for the first time during such a procedure in their lives and realise their previously hidden metal allergy.
It cannot be stressed enough that these types of reactions are extremely rare, affecting only a very small percentage of people, but it is still worth preparing for them before dental prosthetics.
If you are curious about the symptoms of implant allergy and when complaints typically arise, our professional article gathers all the necessary information, and even highlights alternative solutions.
Should you require this kind of tooth implant, dental implant in Budapest.
Titanium allergy? Rare, but not impossible!
A significant proportion of dental implants – similar to orthopaedic implants – are made from titanium of superior quality and purity.
For decades, the view has been held that such medical titanium implants cannot cause allergic reactions at all, but in practice it has become clear that in rare cases they can trigger a previously hidden metal allergy.
This is particularly problematic when titanium sensitivity is only discovered after implantation, so it is recommended to perform a metal allergy test before prosthetic dental work, which can easily prevent later discomfort.
How can implant allergies be detected in advance?
Implant allergy can be revealed with two effective tests, and it is particularly recommended to have it done if you have previously shown sensitivity to other materials or pollens.
Testing is also mandatory in all cases if the patient has previously experienced localised allergic reactions when wearing necklaces, earrings, bras, or belt buckles.
Skin prick test
One way to diagnose a titanium allergy is through patch testing. As part of this, allergists place special patches on the back that bring the skin into contact with various metals.
The patches must be worn for several hours, often days, for the allergy to be detectable. Although the test is uncomfortable, it causes less trouble than if the metal sensitivity is discovered after the implant has been fitted.
Blood test
Another way to avoid an implant causing allergic symptoms is the so-called lymphocyte transformation test.
At such times, a special blood test, essentially a laboratory blood examination, can detect whether the patient has a titanium allergy or not.
Implant allergy
What symptoms does an implant allergy cause?
The biggest problem with implant allergy is that the related symptoms don't appear immediately, but rather months or years later for the first time.
It is often the case that patients cannot immediately link the related complaints to a dental implant allergy, which significantly complicates the diagnosis.
This is a particular problem with titanium allergies, as its symptoms are particularly general and often do not indicate that the underlying complaints are related to the implant at all.
For example, a characteristic symptom of implant allergy can be chronic fatigue, concentration problems, insomnia, frequent or constant sore throat, headaches, and even joint pain.
If only such complaints occur in the patient, the diagnosis is often delayed, as numerous tests need to be carried out before the true cause can finally be identified.
The situation is simpler in cases where a titanium allergy produces localised symptoms. These include inflammation around the implant, bleeding or ulcerated gums, a tingling tongue, dry mouth, or rashes that spread to the face.
What to do if implant allergy is discovered after implantation?
If no allergy test was performed or the patient developed an implant allergy despite this, then the only solution to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms is the complete removal of the implanted prosthesis.
The gap will remain at this time, but depending on its extent and location, an alternative must be found to remedy this problem.
Fortunately, modern medicine offers numerous options for prosthetic work to be carried out effectively, even in cases of metal sensitivity.
Alternatives to dental implants in case of implant allergy
As described above, modern dentistry offers numerous solutions in the event that a patient develops a titanium implant allergy but wishes to have a missing tooth permanently treated. One of the following options will surely provide a good alternative in such cases.
Zirconium implant
If we are diagnosed with a titanium allergy, but insist on implantation for dental prosthetics, then a zirconium implant can be a good alternative.
The base material for zirconium is silicate sand, which is converted into zirconium dioxide through a special process, resulting in an extremely durable yet entirely metal-free ceramic-like material. This is why many people refer to this solution as a ceramic implant.
Thanks to their special material structure, zirconium implants fuse very easily with bone, and bacteria are also much less likely to settle on their surface, thus reducing the chance of inflammation and rejection.
It does not corrode and provides an extremely durable framework for the crown, which can also be made of zirconium, meaning it is completely metal-free. Practice shows that its load-bearing capacity is also adequate, capable of confidently withstanding the forces of chewing.
The same aesthetic result can be achieved with it as with titanium implants, so in many cases it offers a suitable alternative for tooth replacement if an allergic reaction has developed or preliminary tests have diagnosed the presence of a metal allergy.
Bridges
One of the characteristics of bridges is that, true to their name, they bridge gaps where teeth are missing. They can only be used when it's not a complete set of teeth that needs replacing, but rather a maximum of a few teeth, and when there is sufficient tooth material of adequate quality available on either side for retention.
Dental bridges are in every case attached to healthy teeth, these provide adequate support for the prosthesis. All of this is done in such a way that the patient does not have to say goodbye to the aesthetic value or functionality of their teeth.
If someone suffers from a metal sensitivity, the bridge can be made from special zirconia, which is zirconium dioxide. Besides being completely metal-free, it is also a natural material.
They can be considered as durable a solution as metal bridges, but they conduct neither heat nor electricity, so the patient doesn't have to worry about cold/heat hypersensitivity, and the unpleasant metallic taste is also absent.
Moreover, zirconium is very solid and can withstand load well, making it an ideal choice for replacing molars.
At the NaturaDent clinic, our metal-free zirconium bridges are also created using modern CAD/CAM machining technology, thus guaranteeing a perfect fit for properly prepared teeth.
Partial dentures
A partial denture also represents a good alternative in cases where a patient has developed an implant allergy. It is also a good solution if there is insufficient bone material for implantation, or if there are not enough of the patient's own teeth to construct a bridge.
Although partial dentures could only be made with a metal base plate for a long time, thanks to scientific advancements, there are now also plastic plate solutions that can replace several missing teeth simultaneously in a completely metal-free form.
These types are also characterised by outstanding durability, and with precise design, they can not only aesthetically replace missing teeth but also functionally perform the role of the original teeth.
In terms of cleanability, the partial acrylic resin clasp denture is also very advantageous, as it can be easily removed, allowing for thorough cleaning of both the prosthesis and the underlying gums, the care of which must be paid close attention to at all times.
Full dentures
There can, of course, be cases when implant allergy occurs in a patient for whom this method was planned to replace a complete tooth gap.
Mainly with mini-implants, full dentures can now be fitted, and if an allergic reaction is revealed in connection with this, the problem can typically only be resolved with a full denture.
Full dentures are only ideal when there are no healthy or usable teeth remaining in the mouth. They are made of special plastic, so they have a metal-free design.
In modern dentistry, dentures are manufactured with very precise designs. Thanks to the vacuum effect, they fit well, cannot dislodge, and not only offer an aesthetic solution but also restore the ability to chew normally.
