Most implant pages answer the same six questions. These are the ones that come up in the chair afterwards — practical, awkward or simply not covered anywhere obvious. If yours is not here, ask it at your consultation; there is no question about your own treatment that is not worth raising.
About the implant itself
Will an implant set off airport security scanners?
No. The amount of metal is very small and does not trigger walk-through detectors. You do not need a card or a letter to travel.
Can I have an MRI scan with implants?
Yes. Titanium is not ferromagnetic and dental implants are not a barrier to MRI. They can cause some local distortion of the image in the immediate area, so tell the radiographer you have them, particularly if the scan is of the head or neck.
Can you be allergic to titanium?
True titanium allergy is very rare. If you have known metal sensitivities, mention them — zirconia implants exist as an alternative, and testing can be arranged where there is genuine reason for concern.
Will the implant set off anything at the dentist, like an ultrasonic scaler?
No, but the instruments used around implants do differ from those used on teeth, because a conventional metal scaler tip can scratch the implant surface. Any dentist cleaning around an implant should know this. Mention your implants when you book.
Does the implant ever need tightening?
The implant does not, but the screw holding a screw-retained crown occasionally loosens and needs retightening. It is a short appointment and not a failure — but it should not be ignored, because a loose screw damages the components over time.
About suitability
I smoke. Will you refuse to treat me?
No, but we will tell you plainly that smoking is the strongest modifiable risk factor for implant failure, and we will ask you to consider stopping around the surgical and healing period. It is your decision, made with accurate information rather than without it.
I am pregnant. Can I have implants?
Elective surgery and non-urgent radiographs are usually deferred until after pregnancy. Emergency dental treatment is a different matter and should not be delayed. Tell us if you are pregnant or think you may be.
I take medication for osteoporosis. Does that rule me out?
Not automatically, but it changes the risk assessment substantially and must be discussed with both us and the doctor who prescribed it. Never stop the medication on your own. Bring the name, dose and duration to your consultation — see who is a candidate for dental implants.
Can I have an implant if I grind my teeth?
Yes, with planning. Grinding changes the number and position of implants, the material chosen for the crown, and whether a night guard forms part of the plan. It is not a contraindication; it is a design constraint.
I have had gum disease. Is it pointless?
No. It means the condition needs treating and stabilising first, and monitoring more closely afterwards. Our gum and periodontal care page covers that stage.
About the experience
I am very anxious. What can be done?
Say so early rather than on the day. Sedation is available, appointments can be arranged at quieter times, and a great deal of anxiety comes simply from not knowing the sequence — which the implant procedure, stage by stage is written to address.
Will I be awake?
Under local anaesthetic, yes, and most patients find it less demanding than they expected. Sedation is an option if you would rather be less aware of it.
Can I drive myself home?
After local anaesthetic alone, usually yes. After sedation, no — you will need someone with you.
How long will I be in the chair?
A single straightforward implant is typically under an hour. Grafting, multiple implants or full-arch work take considerably longer, and you will be given a realistic estimate beforehand.
About things going wrong
What happens if the implant does not integrate?
It is removed, the site heals and is usually grafted, and placement can normally be attempted again later. It is uncommon, and it is a setback rather than the end of the option.
If a crown chips, does the whole implant have to be replaced?
No. The restoration and the implant are separate components. Screw-retained crowns in particular can be removed, repaired or remade and refitted.
Should I get a second opinion?
For any substantial plan, yes, and no clinician worth consulting will take offence. Bring your radiographs and your written plan so the second opinion is based on the same information.
The plan I was given elsewhere is very different from yours. Which is right?
Often both are defensible and differ in philosophy — how aggressively to graft, whether to save a borderline tooth, which restoration to use. Ask each clinician to explain what they would do differently and why. The explanation tells you more than the plan does.
About cost and value
Why is there such a range in prices?
Mostly because of what else the case needs and what restoration is included. Our article on what affects the cost of dental implants explains what should be itemised.
Is it worth it for one back tooth?
Sometimes not, and we will say so. If the bite is stable, the opposing tooth is not over-erupting and you are chewing comfortably, monitoring can be a reasonable choice.
Ask us your own question
Nothing above replaces an examination of your own mouth. See our dental implants page or book an appointment.
To arrange a consultation at our clinic on Abbas El-Akkad in Nasr City, call +20 101 969 7597 or message us on WhatsApp.
