MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a modern diagnostic method that utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. But the common question is: Can you have an MRI with dental implants since they are typically made of metal? Please read our article to learn the answer to this question.
Can You Have an MRI with Dental Implants?
In most cases, you can safely have an MRI with dental implants. However, there are some points to consider before undergoing the examination if you have dental implants.
MRI-safe Materials
Getting an MRI with dental implants will not cause harm to your health because modern dental implants are made of titanium, which does not heat up or move in response to MRI’s magnetic fields, or ceramic-based or zirconium, which is not magnetic. Thus, dental implants are considered MRI-safe (pose no hazard in all MRI environments) or MRI-conditional (safe under specific conditions, such as magnetic field strength and scan duration).
Clarity of the MRI Results
That being said, dental implants may cause some distortion in MRI images, particularly in areas close to the jaw, mouth, or brain. This can occur due to a phenomenon known as artifact—distortion or shadowing in the MRI image caused by the presence of metal. However, more modern MRI machines and advanced imaging software are designed to reduce metal artifacts and produce clearer images, even when metal is present in the body. Techniques such as “metal artifact reduction sequences” (MARS) can be used when implants are located near the imaging site.
Some issues might arise and require adjustments to the examination only in the following cases:Â
- The implant contains ferromagnetic materials (uncommon in modern implants)
- You have temporary implants or other dental appliances made of metal alloys
- The MRI scan is highly localized to the oral region and requires maximum clarity
In cases when you are getting an MRI of areas of your body far from the jaw where implants are located (such as the spine, shoulders, knees, etc.), your dental implants are unlikely to cause any damage.
If you are undergoing an MRI of your head, jaw, sinuses, or brain, we recommend informing your doctor and radiologist that you have dental implants and the materials they are made of, and following MRI safety guidelines. Getting an MRI with dental implants does not cause any pain and can not harm or dislodge your dental implant or the tissue around it.
Alternative Methods of Examination
In rare cases when dental implants might interfere with the clarity of the MRI results, your doctor might suggest the following examination methods as an alternative:
- CT (computed tomography)
- Ultrasound
Other Dental Appliances that Can Interfere with MRI
- Metal braces or permanent metal retainers, which typically contain stainless steel or nickel-titanium, are magnetic or conductive and can cause significant image artifacts for MRI scans near the face, jaw, brain, or cervical spine.
- Removable dentures and partial dentures can contain metal clasps or frameworks, which can cause artifacts and obscure adjacent anatomy. Always remove these appliances before an MRI examination.
- Metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns and bridges can also cause minor artifacts if the scan is near the mouth or head.
- Silver amalgam dental fillings or onlays might cause some distortion in high-resolution facial or brain scans.
Always inform your doctor and the radiologist if such dental appliances are present in your mouth. In some cases, you can proceed with the MRI with minimal adjustments; in others, your doctor will choose an alternative scanning method.
Make an Appointment at Turquoise Dental
If you need dental implant services or an examination, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist at Turquoise Dental. Our specialists are looking forward to your visit.
