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mri with dental implants

Is it Ok to have an MRI with Dental Implants?

Sharing your medical history and current medications is important whenever you visit a healthcare professional, whether it’s your doctor or dentist. This information helps them make informed decisions about your care,  including potential interactions between medications.  Similarly, there may be concerns about metal implants and medical procedures.  However, the good news for patients with dental implants is that MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) are perfectly safe.

What is an MRI?

An MRI scan uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs, soft tissues, and bones inside your body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, which use radiation, MRIs are completely safe and don’t involve any radiation exposure. MRI scanners are large, tube-shaped machines that use magnets to generate a strong magnetic field. Radio waves are then pulsed through the area of your body being imaged.  A computer program analyzes the way these radio waves react with the tissues, creating detailed pictures. MRI scans are versatile and can be used to examine a wide range of organs and tissues.  Doctors may use MRIs to:
  • Detect tumors or abnormalities in the brain, heart, muscles, bones, and other tissues.
  • Evaluate the health of your heart chambers and valves.
  • Assess damage caused by stroke or other injuries.
Because MRIs provide detailed cross-sectional images, they offer a valuable tool for medical professionals to diagnose and monitor various health conditions.

Dental Implants and Biocompatibility

Dental implants have revolutionized how we replace missing teeth.  These implants can stand in for a single tooth, rebuild several teeth in a row, or even provide stable support for dentures.  Over time, advancements have led to the development of biocompatible materials like zirconia, titanium alloys, and polymers.  These materials are kind to the body, meaning they won’t irritate or damage tissues and are resistant to corrosion or wear from the body’s natural processes.  Because implants like those made of titanium and zirconia integrate well with the jawbone, they can promote healthy bone growth around them.  This variety of implant options empowers patients to achieve a full, functional set of teeth, eliminating the need for traditional dentures or bridges.

Metals, Dental Implants, and MRI Scans

MRI scans use powerful magnets to create detailed images inside your body. Because of this strong magnetic field, safety is a top priority. The biggest concern is removing any ferromagnetic metal objects, which can be attracted to the magnet with surprising force. This includes things like oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, and even some implanted devices. Before your MRI, a healthcare professional will take a thorough medical history, including details about any implants you have. The Radiological Society of North America has a comprehensive list of metal components to check for, ranging from pacemakers to piercings. The good news is that most dental implants, made of titanium, titanium alloy, and zirconia, are non-ferromagnetic and perfectly safe for MRIs. However, it’s still wise to inform your doctor about any dental implants you have before an MRI. Even non-ferromagnetic metals can slightly interfere with the image quality. Additionally, let your doctor know about any other metal objects in your body, such as fillings, crowns, braces, or dentures. The advancements in both dental implants and MRI technology are positive news for patients. With most implants being MRI-compatible, you can enjoy the benefits of both procedures without worrying about limitations.