Do Implants Set Off Airport Scanners? And Other Odd Questions Patients Ask.

13th October 2026

Do Implants Set Off Airport Scanners? And Other Odd Questions Patients Ask.

Unlike questions about airport scanners and going to the gym, this is one question that is definitely not odd. In fact, it is something every patient should feel comfortable asking.

When you are considering dental implants, there are some questions you might expect to ask your dentist. How much do they cost? How long does treatment take? Am I suitable for implants? These are all perfectly sensible questions, and ones I’m asked regularly here at The York Dental Suite.

But then there are the questions that are a little more unexpected.

Can you still go to the gym? Will dental implants set off airport scanners? And what happens if you forget you have an implant and bite into something particularly hard?

We have heard plenty of questions over the years, so here are some of the more unusual ones, alongside a few useful things to know if you are considering dental implants in York.

 

Will dental implants set off airport scanners?

It is an understandable question if you travel regularly. Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials such as titanium, but they are small and securely positioned within the jaw.

In normal circumstances, dental implants will not set off airport security scanners or metal detectors. There is no need to worry about being stopped at security and having to explain that you have had dental treatment.

So, if you are planning a holiday after your treatment, airport security is one less thing to think about.

 

Can I still go to the gym with dental implants?

Yes, but the answer depends on where you are in your treatment.

Following implant surgery, you will be given specific aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period while the area begins to heal. Activities that significantly raise your heart rate or blood pressure may not be advisable immediately after surgery.

Once your implant has healed and your treatment is complete, there is no reason why having dental implants should stop you enjoying your normal exercise routine.

Whether you enjoy running, cycling, swimming or lifting weights, dental implants are designed to become a secure, functional part of your smile.

 

Can I eat normally with dental implants?

This is one of the most important practical questions, although perhaps not quite as odd as asking about airport scanners!

Dental implants are designed to restore both the appearance and function of missing teeth. Once your treatment is complete and your implant has fully healed, you should be able to enjoy a wide range of foods.

During the healing period, you will need to follow your dental team’s advice about what you eat and how you care for the treatment area. After that, your implant-supported crown, bridge or denture can provide a stable alternative to missing teeth.

At The York Dental Suite, we offer a range of implant solutions, including single tooth implants, implant retained dentures and All-on-Four same day teeth for replacing an entire arch using four implants.

 

What if I don’t have enough bone for an implant?

This is a much more common and important question.

After a tooth is removed, the bone around the empty socket can gradually shrink. In some cases, this can make implant placement more challenging.

Our in-house Oral Surgeon, Maria Cobo, can assess your individual situation and discuss whether procedures such as bone grafting, bone augmentation or socket preservation could help.

Socket preservation can be carried out following an extraction to help maintain the bone in the area and optimise the site for a future implant or other tooth replacement.

If you are unsure whether you are suitable for implants, you may also find my previous blog, Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?, useful.

 

 

I’m scared of the dentist, so how can I have dental implants?

As a Dental Phobia Certified dentist, I understand how daunting dental treatment can feel. I take time to listen to your concerns and make sure you feel comfortable and in control throughout your treatment. The area is carefully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure.

My aim is to make your experience as calm and manageable as possible, with treatment carried out at your pace, and you’re always welcome to listen to your favourite music or an audiobook while we work.

 

What Do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants varies depending on how many implants you need and the complexity of your treatment. As a guide, a single implant with an abutment and crown typically starts from £2,945.

We will provide a personalised treatment plan and quotation following your consultation, and flexible finance options are available to help spread the cost.

If you are considering dental implants in York, no question is too strange or too straightforward to ask. As an award-winning private dentist in York, we offer carefully planned implant treatment with specialist oral surgery available in-house.

Ready to ask your questions? Contact The York Dental Suite to arrange your consultation and discover how we could help restore your smile.