MRI Safety and Dental Implants
If you’re preparing for an MRI, you may have questions about your dental implants and MRI safety. MRIs use powerful magnets to produce images of your internal structures and organs. Certain metals can not interfere with image quality and, in some cases, create a safety risk. Many patients express concerns about heating, movement, or imaging distortion due to their implants.
Here’s the good news: because modern implants are made from non-ferromagnetic materials, dental implants are typically safe in MRI scans. And while even non-magnetic implants can cause some image distortion, it’s both minor and manageable for a skilled technician.
If you have dental implants and are undergoing an MRI, it’s important to discuss them with your medical team. Be prepared to disclose the type of implants you have and when they were placed.
With a reputation built over more than 70 years, Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a trusted source for guidance on MRIs with dental implants. Working closely with radiologists and other medical providers, our oral surgeons regularly assist patients with dental implants—including older or specialized implants—to help ensure safe and accurate imaging.
In this article, we’ll explore the topic of dental implants and MRI scans, including:
- Why modern dental implants are generally MRI-safe due to titanium or other non-ferromagnetic materials
- How older implants made with stainless steel may require additional precautions
- Whether dental implants interfere with MRI image quality
- Why it’s essential to inform your radiologist and MRI technician about any dental implants
- How oral surgeons can advise on implant materials and MRI safety
What Are Dental Implants Made Of?
Titanium, titanium alloys, and zirconia are some of the most common materials used in dental implants today. Chosen for their durability, strength, and biocompatibility, these materials have the added benefit of MRI safety.
Older implants were sometimes made from stainless steel and other metal alloys, which may pose a greater risk during an MRI. These materials may also appear in specialized or experimental implants. Knowing the material composition of your implants before an MRI is essential.
Considering dental implants? Read more to see if you are a Good Candidate for Implants.
Titanium and Zirconia Implants
Titanium and zirconia are the two most common materials used in dental implants today. Titanium is lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, and biocompatible, helping it integrate effectively with the jawbone. Zirconia, while not as strong as titanium, is often used in holistic dentistry and for patients with a metal allergy.
Both materials are non-ferromagnetic, meaning that they do not respond to magnetic fields. As a result, dental implants made from these materials are typically compatible with MRI safety. Heating and movement are extremely rare, and image distortion is usually minimal.
Older Stainless Steel Implants
Older and experimental dental implants often contain stainless steel or other mildly magnetic metal alloys. Stainless steel implants are more likely to cause distortion in MRI images as well as mild heating and movement during a scan.
These implants may not prevent you from undergoing an MRI, but are often considered “MR Conditional,” meaning extra precautions are required. That’s why it’s so important to discuss your implants with your medical team before starting.
Can You Get an MRI with Dental Implants?
Most patients with dental implants can safely undergo an MRI, but it’s critical to discuss your implants with your radiologist or MRI technician. Come prepared to discuss the materials of the implants and their components, when you received them, and where they are located in your mouth.
This information will help your MRI technician evaluate and address any concerns about implant movement, heat, or discomfort during the MRI. If needed, they can also make adjustments to ensure your safety and a usable image when you get an MRI with dental implants.
How MRI Scanners Interact with Implants
An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your internal organs and soft tissue. MRIs are often used to diagnose internal concerns related to the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and joints, allowing medical providers to look inside the body without surgery.
MRIs use powerful magnets, which makes most metals dangerous in and around the MRI environment. Patients must avoid wearing any metal, including underwires and zippers, and disclose any implants, devices, jewelry, and tattoos that may contain metal.
The primary concerns around dental implants and MRI scans include image distortion, heating, and movement. These issues are far more common with stainless steel implants and components. Modern, non-ferromagnetic implants are unlikely to heat or vibrate during the scan, but may cause some minor distortion or blurring.
Areas of Potential Imaging Interference
Do dental implants affect MRI results? Yes. Even non-magnetic dental implants may cause some distortion or blurring in MRI imagery, impacting the clarity of the image. These distortions (called “artifacts”) most often occur in scans focused on the head and jaw near the location of the implants.
An experienced MRI technician or radiologist can typically adjust imaging protocols to improve the clarity of the scan.
Dental Implants and MRI Safety Considerations
If you have dental implants and expect to undergo an MRI, communication with your medical team, your oral surgeon, and your radiologist is key. Always disclose your implants, their composition, and their location.
If you’re not sure, consulting with your oral surgeon can help to better understand your implants and determine whether additional precautions are needed.
Informing Your Radiologist and MRI Technician
Even when dental implants are MRI-safe, your medical team should know about them. Dental implants can impact both the quality of the image and its interpretation.
Providing accurate information about your dental implants allows your team to optimize image quality and safety settings, helping to ensure a successful scan, a clear image, and a proper diagnosis.
Myths About MRIs and Dental Implants
Many people worry that their implants will move, explode, or cause significant heating during an MRI. In reality, most dental implants use non-magnetic materials that do not respond to magnets and do not cause heating or movement during an MRI.
Even implants made with mildly magnetic materials may be safe with the right settings and precautions. It is rare for dental implants to completely prevent an MRI. When heating and vibration occurs, it is usually minor. Understanding dental implants and MRI compatibility and discussing your implants with your radiologist helps to reduce fear and improve safety.
Learn more about the Dental Implant Process: Step-by-Step Guide.
MRI & Dental Implant Safety Guidance from Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Advances in dental implant materials, especially titanium and zirconia, have not only improved the durability and quality of dental implants, but helped to ensure their safety during MRIs.
While implants can cause minor image distortion, this is usually manageable with skilled imaging professionals. Clear communication with your radiologist, oral surgeon, and any other medical care providers helps to ensure the safest experience and most accurate results from an MRI with dental implants.
The Bergen Oral Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery team offers more than 70 years of experience, a team of dual-degree surgeons, and expertise in even the most complex cases to help guide patients navigating dental implants and MRI safety.
With four locations in Bergen County, hospital privileges in New Jersey and New York, and a combined 2,000 Google reviews averaging nearly five stars, our practice is trusted by patients and dentists alike.
To learn more about dental implants and MRIs and prepare for an upcoming scan, call or text 201-477-2667 or request an appointment online.
Personalized, gentle, comprehensive patient care is our number one priority.
MRIs and Dental Implants (FAQ)
Are Dental Implants Safe During an MRI?
Yes, most modern dental implants are considered “MRI safe” thanks to the use of non-magnetic materials like titanium or zirconia.
Do Dental Implants Affect MRI Images?
Implants near the scanned area may cause minor distortions, called artifacts, in the resulting image. Radiologists can typically adjust for image clarity to ensure a good result from your scan.
Do Older Implants Pose a Risk with MRI?
Older stainless steel implants are more likely to experience mild heating and vibration, and may require additional precautions to keep patients safe. Patients should consult their oral surgeon and radiologist before undergoing an MRI scan.
Should I Inform the MRI Technician about My Implants?
Absolutely. Always notify the MRI team of any dental implants to ensure safety and image accuracy, even if your implants are made of MRI-safe materials.
