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Ask UsMetal Allergy: Are Implants Still An Option?
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Sharon, a prospective dental implant patient from New York, asks:
I am a 48 year old female in excellent health with an allergy to nickel. I have problems wearing any metal jewelry for more than a few hours. I am scheduled for mini-implant placement next week. I’m wondering, if any negative effects have been reported in dental implant patients who may have a metal allergy or sensitivity? Any information, such as recent studies etc., would be appreciated.
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8 Responses to “ Metal Allergy: Are Implants Still An Option? ”
Sharon, I recently searched the internet for information on titanium allergies. What I found would indicate that your risk of having an allergic reaction to titanium ** may ** be slightly higher since you already have the nickel allergy. HOWEVER, even in that case, your risk is extremly low. Remember, titanium is used for most everything durable that is implanted in humans, with very high success rates. Dental implants in general have better than 90% success. One of the most common allergies is to nickel. I was able to find only a very small number of verified titanium allergies (less than 20 worldwide, over years) although an allergist might have better information. I don’t have my listings, but others here will, no doubt, present some.
First of all, this is grade IV titanium, which means it is not pure but an alloy. Although rare, metal allergies do occur and can occur with grade IV titanium as pure titanium is too brittle. Most likely the allergy to the other metals in the alloy. I had a patient spit two implant out at me after less than one month with an ISQ (mentor) reading of >50 and initial torque stability at 40-50 Ncm. After the second one was spit out, a gram stain of the tissue was obtained and it was full of eosinophils which could mean a severe allergy. After questioning the patient, he came forth that his facial, nasal and tongue piercings all failed shortly after being placed.
Hello Sharon,
I work for the world’s leading dental esthetics company, Nobel Biocare and am often asked about this type of allergy. You can always have a skin test done by your doctor and Nobel Biocare will provide the titanium to do so. The results of this test would only apply to Nobel implants as other companies may not have the same alloy. Simply contact you local Nobel Biocare representative and make this request.
Hello Sharon,
Do never trust a sales rep. Trust your GP or specialist. They are the best to give you the right direction to fallow (they have the knowledge). I’am also a sales rep working for a well known implant campagny.
Sharon,
You ask a very important question. There is a test through Clifford Labs in Colorado that will perform compatibility testing for dental materials including implants. It can even identify brands of implants that may not be satisfactory. It requires a blood draw and takes about 1 week. I have used them for years especially when extensive dentistry is expected. This service is also available for prosthetic replacements.
Regards,
Dr. S
Clifford Lab.’s practice/service provides a unique way for risk communication and risk managerment.
What might be the limitation and advantage of using sensitivity to GROUP or FAMILY?
Another concern is this is a blood based test on soluable compounds, not a mucosal reaction on surface.
Is skin-based test good enough for risk managerment? Any data to support this claim?
I had a dental implant in January 2008. I am scheduled to have the final tooth inserted later this month (April). Since the day I had the implant put in I have had a bad metal taste (like sucking on a penny) and an upset stomach. At first I thought it was the antibiotics so I stopped taking them but no change. I have other gold in my mouth but have never had a reaction to metal. Anybody have the same reaction or cure.
Have you been on a medicated antibacterial mouth rinse such as Clorhexidine after the Implant was placed? Sometimes prolonged usage of the mouth wash can leave a metallic taste as they alter the perception of taste by modifying the taste buds. Usually reverses on stoppage of Mouthwash
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