MRI with Dental Implant: All Things You Need to Know

Magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) is a very common imaging tool to assist doctors in diagnosing health problems that impact the body's tissues and organs.

A variety of soft tissues and organs can be examined with an MRI, including the jaws and teeth. Computer applications are used to convert this data into a 3D picture.

Indeed, MRIs are frequently used to check for malignancies, assess the condition of your heart's chambers, and detect any damage to your brain following a stroke.

During the procedure, a powerful magnetic field is sent through your body's various tissues, and each tissue responds differently to this.

However, going through this procedure is a matter of controversy among those with dental implants.

Dental Implants and MRI

Certain metals, such as cobalt, nickel, and steel, are extremely vulnerable to the powerful force of magnets. They interact with it in certain ways.

Experts refer to these metals as “ferromagnetic metals”, which interfere with MRI accuracy by reacting to the magnetic field generated by the MRI machine.

Therefore, before having an MRI, patients are recommended to take off anything that contains metal. 

The majority of high-quality, contemporary dental implants are composed of zirconia or titanium. 

Thus, patients who have titanium dental implants can get an MRI without worrying about any safety hazards, side effects, or decreased precision.

Although zirconia and titanium dental implants don't interfere with MRIs directly, MRI may be a true concern for those with previous dental procedures.

You should give a thorough medical and dental history to both your doctor and the treating diagnostic professional when combining dental implants and MRIs.

Ferromagnetic materials found in braces, crowns with metal elements, metal fillings, and even dentures or veneers may cause interference with an MRI scan.