Has your doctor recommended magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, but you have dental implants? Since dental implants are made from metal, you may be concerned if dental implants will cause issues with an MRI Scan.
Fortunately, it is safe for your dental implant to go through the MRI scanner. Here is why:
What Is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging does not use radiation. Instead, this technology uses a strong magnetic field, radio wave frequency, and a contrasting dye to create images of your organs, bones, and tissues for your doctor to view on a computer screen.
Some reasons your doctor may request an MRI include the following:
- Spine and joint abnormalities
- Aneurysms
- Bone infections and tumors
- Brain tumors or injuries
- Soft tissue tumors
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Eye or inner ear issues
- Stroke
The images captured during the scan create a clear picture of your organs, so your doctor can diagnose any tumors or other internal conditions. It’s a non-invasive scan.
Biocompatibility of Dental Implants
Dental implants have been around since the mid-1960s to replace single or multiple teeth. They can also stabilize an implant-supported-denture. Materials used for implants have changed over the past few decades, but they have all been biocompatible with the human body.
Titanium alloys, polymers, and zirconia do not cause inflammation or damage tissues and won’t rust or deteriorate because of the body’s natural forces.
Titanium and zirconia are the most common materials for dental implants and are accepted by the body to integrate with the surrounding jawbone fully.
Dental Implants and MRI Scanning
MRI scanners use strong magnets, and certain materials can interrupt the scan. These are known as ferromagnetic metals, which react with the magnetic field and disrupt the results of the MRI.
That is why before the test, you must remove jewelry, watches, or clothing with metal components. Even pacemakers and cochlear implants must be removed. But how do dental implants and MRI scans work?
Dental implants are made from zirconia and titanium, which are not ferromagnetic metals. Both materials are safe to enter an MRI machine.
This is because zirconia and titanium are not strong enough to be magnetic and cannot disrupt the magnetic field. Even though titanium is a metal, it is not dangerous for patients1 who need an MRI. However, you must notify your doctor that you have implants.
Communication with Your Technician Is Essential
Although having an MRI with titanium and zirconia dental implants is safe, previous dental treatment may concern your MRI technician. Providing your medical team with a detailed dental and medical history is essential to the safety of your MRI procedure. Some silver or metal fillings, metal crowns, braces, and some dentures may contain metal materials that interfere with the scan.
Benefit from Advancing Technology
Materials for dental implants and components used for MRI equipment continue to advance yearly. This is good news as the number of people with dental implants continues to increase. And as dental implant materials continue changing, you won’t have to worry about limiting your options for receiving medical imaging because you chose to replace your missing teeth with dental implants.
Get Your Dental Implants from Experienced Periodontists in NY
Don’t let your current or future health problems delay replacing your missing teeth or stabilizing your dentures. You can safely get dental implants without worrying about them interfering with medical imaging.
At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester, we provide high-quality dental implants to restore the look and health of your smile. Contact us today to learn how you can benefit from dental implants. 585-685-2005
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6369045/
