Can I get an MRI If I have dental implants?
Need an MRI with dental implants? Learn about safety, potential risks, and tips from ClearChoice to stay prepared.
Dental implant treatment offers a durable, natural-looking way to replace your teeth and restore their look and function. However, given the metal used, you may have concerns about MRIs. The good news is that most dental implants are made of non-magnetic materials, making them safe for MRIs. This article explains dental implants and MRIs in more detail and what precautions to take to promote a safe, effective imaging procedure. If you have more questions or want to learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation with your local ClearChoice Dental Implant Center today.
How dental implants work
A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone, replacing a missing tooth by serving as an artificial tooth root. The process of getting dental implants will begin with a free consultation at your local ClearChoice Dental Implant Center. If you decide to move forward with getting implants, you can attend a Smile Design Appointment, where you can work with your ClearChoice doctor to customize your new teeth.
During the dental implant procedure, your dentist will surgically insert the implant. You’ll then wait for the site to heal and the post to fuse to the jawbone through osseointegration. This takes 2 to 4 months. You’ll receive a healing abutment and set of healing teeth in the meantime while we prepare your final implant restoration. If you’re getting a single tooth implant, you can return to the dentist to receive an abutment and a crown, which complete the implant restoration and mimic the look, feel, and function of your natural tooth. For patients receiving fixed full arch dental implants, the final restoration will be a custom-designed full arch prosthesis, securely attached to the implants to provide a stable, natural-looking, and fully functional set of teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, making them an excellent long-term solution for replacing teeth.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging procedure that allows doctors to examine the body's internal structures, including organs, bones, and other tissues, in detail. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to manipulate and disrupt certain molecules and particles in the body. The movement of these particles generates detailed images of the body’s structures on the computer. Unlike X-rays, MRIs do not use radiation. So, they are safer than X-rays for more frequent use.
Furthermore, X-rays typically excel only at showing bones, teeth, and similar dense and hard structures. Meanwhile, MRIs can show soft tissues in great detail that includes muscles, tendons, and spinal discs.
Is it safe to get an MRI if I have dental implants?
Yes, getting MRIs is generally safe for people with dental implants. Titanium, the most common implant material, is not a magnetic metal, so it will not interfere with the MRI’s magnetic fields during the procedure or cause problems with the imaging results. That said, certain older implants may contain magnetic metals. Therefore, you should always disclose the implant to your doctor and the MRI provider.
Dental implant MRI safety
Here is what to do if you have dental implants and need an MRI:
Inform the healthcare professional
Always inform your healthcare professional about your dental implants before you book your MRI appointment. This is important for health history and the MRI itself. Inform the MRI provider about the implants when you arrive as well. Even if they have the information from your doctor, they will likely ask about any metal devices in or on your body, so inform them of the implants.
Provide detailed information about your implants
Give extensive detail about each of your dental implants. That includes information such as:
Materials used
Implant placement date
Implant location
Complications, if any, that arose
Providing this information promotes safety when it comes to getting an MRI. Your doctor and MRI provider can tailor the procedure and recommend alternative imaging modalities if needed.
Consult with a dental professional if needed
Speak with your dental provider if you have concerns about dental implants and MRIs. They can answer further questions and provide documentation regarding materials used, implant placement date, and other relevant information. You can also involve your dental provider in the conversation, having them work with your healthcare and MRI providers to aid a safe and effective imaging procedure.
Potential safety precautions when getting an MRI with dental implants
Radiologists may take several precautions for a safe, effective imaging procedure for patients with dental implants:
Triple-check implant materials: Verify with your dentist and doctor that your implant materials are non-magnetic and MRI-compliant.
Use alternative imaging modalities: You may be recommended to get a CT scan or X-ray instead of an MRI from your doctor, depending on what needs to be imaged, if implants are a concern.
Limit the area: The provider may be able to isolate the target area to avoid dental implant issues. For example, if you have an ankle injury, they could place the MRI machine over your lower legs only.
Consulting specialists: The MRI provider may consult other specialists, like a dentist, to confirm the implants are good to go.
Follow all other safety precautions: You may have to remove any jewelry and disclose other things that may cause issues with the MRI.
Learn more about dental implants
Dental implants from ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers are an excellent way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. These days, they are generally safe for MRIs as well. Still, it’s crucial to provide your healthcare provider and radiologist with extensive details about them so they can tailor treatment and recommend alternatives if necessary. So, if you’re ready to explore how dental implants can give you a bright and healthy smile, book a visit with your local ClearChoice Dental Implant Center today.
Dental implants and MRI FAQs
Do dental implants contain metal?
Yes. Most dental implants are made of titanium. Titanium is durable, biocompatible, and not magnetic, hence its wide use. Regardless of the material, inform your provider and radiologist of the implants and provide details.
Can I get an MRI right after getting dental implants?
Yes, you can get an MRI right after dental implants, assuming the materials are not magnetic. However, your dentist will likely recommend that you rest and heal at home for a few days after the procedure. Speak with your dentist to learn what they suggest.
Can any dental work interfere with an MRI?
Any dental work that uses magnetic metals can interfere with an MRI, since MRIs use powerful magnets. Older bridges, crowns, or fillings may use magnetic metals. Therefore, speak with your dentist to see if they have documentation about the materials used. If you no longer have contact with that dentist, speak with another to decide the best course of action.