Can I do TMS if I have a metal dental implant?
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Sign in to commentGreat question, and you'll be glad to know this comes up all the time. Titanium dental implants are NOT a contraindication for TMS. You're correct that titanium is non-ferromagnetic, meaning it won't be affected by the magnetic field. The absolute contraindications are: - Ferromagnetic metal implants in or near the head (certain aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, metal plates from surgery) - Implanted stimulators (deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators) Dental implants, titanium plates, braces, and dental fillings are all safe. Your TMS provider will do a thorough screening at your consultation, but based on what you've described, you should be fine.
I had this exact worry! I have a titanium plate from a jaw surgery 10 years ago. My TMS doctor confirmed it was totally fine. I'm 20 sessions in with zero issues.
What about braces? My teenage daughter is being evaluated for TMS and she currently has metal braces.
Metal braces are also safe for TMS treatment. The magnetic field is very focused on the scalp/cortex area and standard orthodontic hardware doesn't pose any safety concerns. However, some patients with braces report a mild vibration sensation in their teeth during treatment — it's harmless but worth mentioning so she's not surprised.
Thank you Dr. Wong and Dr. Martinez — this is exactly the reassurance I needed. I'll bring this up at my consultation but I feel much less anxious about it now.
Cleared with a permanent retainer behind my front teeth. They asked the orthodontist to confirm material in writing.
I have two titanium implants and was cleared after a quick check with my prosthodontist. Titanium is non-ferromagnetic so it's generally fine.
If your implant is anywhere on the jaw or below, you're almost certainly fine. The coil's effective field drops off sharply outside ~3-4cm.
My TMS provider had me bring my dental records. Took 10 minutes and I was cleared. Don't let this stop you from asking.
Cochlear implant is the big disqualifier — that one is firm. Dental work, orthopedic plates in the leg, IUDs: usually fine after a check.
I had to bring the receipt from my crown placement to confirm zirconia. Annoying but quick.
The rule of thumb my doc gave me: anything within ~30cm of the coil and ferromagnetic = problem. Dental implants are usually titanium = not a problem.
My TMS clinic had a one-page screening checklist with specific keywords (ferromagnetic, deep brain stimulator, vagal nerve stim, etc.). Ask for it ahead of time.
Tongue piercing — they asked me to remove for sessions. Not a hard no, just a precaution.
Cleared with braces too — they used a slightly modified angle. Worth asking specifically.
Get a letter from whoever placed the implant confirming the material. Most TMS clinics will accept that and move on.
Cleared and finished a full course with three crowns and a titanium implant. Zero issues. Don't let this be the thing that stops you.