Can You Get an MRI with Dental Implants?
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Dental implants are safe during MRI scans. Modern implants use titanium or zirconia, non-magnetic materials that will not move, heat, or cause harm in an MRI’s magnetic field. Below are a few facts about MRI safety with implants, preparation, and what to expect.
MRIs Are Safe With Modern Dental Implants
Implants made from titanium and zirconia are non-ferromagnetic, meaning they do not interact with the magnetic field of an MRI machine. Unlike ferromagnetic metals such as iron or certain stainless steels, titanium and zirconia will not be pulled, shifted, or heated.
Modern systems are designed considering MRI compatibility. Whether you have a single implant or a full-arch restoration, the materials used in contemporary implant dentistry pose no safety risk.
Why Dental Implant Materials Are MRI-Compatible
Titanium is paramagnetic, with a weak magnetic response that is irrelevant during MRI imaging. This property, combined with great biocompatibility, makes titanium the standard for dental and orthopedic implants. The material does not attract magnets, does not heat in response to radiofrequency pulses, and poses no safety concern in even the most powerful MRI scanners.
Zirconia, a ceramic used for implant abutments and full-ceramic systems, is non-metallic and non-reactive in magnetic fields. Patients who choose zirconia implants have zero metal content, eliminating even minor imaging artifacts.
What About Dental Crowns, Bridges, and Other Restorations?
Porcelain, zirconia, and composite crowns are safe for MRI scans. Metal crowns and bridges, including gold alloys or porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations, are also safe but may create minor image distortions. These artifacts appear as signal voids but do not prevent diagnosis or pose a risk to the patient.
Artifacts are a technical imaging issue for the radiologist, not a safety concern. If you are scheduled for a head or neck MRI with metal dental work, the imaging center may adjust protocols to minimize distortion while the procedure remains safe.
Older Dental Work and Uncommon Exceptions
Dental restorations placed before the 1990s may contain ferromagnetic metals, including stainless steel posts. While rare in modern dentistry, patients with very old dental work should inform their MRI technician during pre-scan screening.
Will Dental Implants Cause Artifacts on MRI Images?
Titanium dental implants can create minor signal voids in MRI images in head, neck, or jaw scans. These artifacts appear as dark areas where the image signal is lost, but they do not prevent accurate diagnosis. Radiologists interpret scans with implant artifacts and can adjust imaging sequences to minimize interference.
For imaging near the implant site, such as the temporomandibular joint or sinuses, our team may use metal artifact reduction techniques. These adjustments are common and do not delay the scan. For brain or spinal MRIs, dental implants in the lower jaw have a negligible impact on image quality.
How to Prepare for an MRI with Dental Implants
Inform the MRI technician and radiologist that you have dental implants during the pre-scan questionnaire. Although titanium and zirconia implants are MRI-safe, disclosure allows the team to adjust protocols if needed and ensures accurate documentation. No physical preparation is required.
If you have a dental implant card, bring it to the imaging center. This card includes the manufacturer, material, and placement date. While most centers do not require documentation for titanium implants, having it available can expedite screening.
Should You Bring Implant Documentation?
Implant documentation is helpful but not required for most MRI scans. The Practice provides implant cards and written confirmation of materials upon request for patients undergoing frequent imaging.
What If the Implant Feels Loose or Uncomfortable?
An implant that feels loose is unrelated to MRI safety and indicates a clinical issue requiring dental evaluation. Looseness can result from incomplete osseointegration, peri-implantitis, or a loose abutment screw. None of these are caused or worsened by MRI exposure, but should be addressed before elective imaging.
If you notice a change in how your implant feels, schedule an evaluation. The MRI will not dislodge, damage, or affect the stability of a properly placed implant, even one experiencing clinical problems.
Can You Have a Head or Brain MRI With Dental Implants?
Head and brain MRIs are safe for patients with dental implants. The implants may create small artifacts in the lower facial region, but these do not obstruct brain imaging or interfere with neurological diagnosis. Radiologists routinely perform head and brain MRIs on patients with dental implants without complication.
Modern MRI machines, ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 Tesla, do not affect titanium or zirconia implants regardless of the area being imaged. Dental implants will not compromise scan quality or safety.
Why Patients Choose The Practice for Dental Implant Care
The Practice uses premium-grade titanium and zirconia implants from leading manufacturers, all MRI-compatible and backed by extensive clinical research. Every implant meets the highest standards for biocompatibility, structural integrity, and long-term performance.
Our precision in treatment planning and surgical execution has earned The Practice a reputation for implant success. Patients receive documentation of their treatment, including implant specifications and material certifications, simplifying future medical care and providing peace of mind during MRI or diagnostic imaging. Learn more about dental implants at The Practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About MRI Safety and Dental Implants
Is there metal in a tooth implant?
Most dental implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible metal that integrates with the jawbone. Titanium is non-magnetic and MRI-safe.
Will an MRI pull out titanium?
Titanium is non-ferromagnetic and will not be pulled or moved by an MRI’s magnetic field. This makes titanium ideal for implants that may be exposed to MRI imaging.
Can you have a CT scan with dental implants?
CT scans are safe with dental implants and often produce less artifact than MRI. Metal implants may create streak artifacts, but radiologists can adjust protocols to minimize interference.
Do dental implants affect the MRI scan quality?
Dental implants can create minor artifacts in the immediate area, particularly in head and neck MRIs. These do not prevent accurate diagnosis, and radiologists interpret scans with implant distortions using established protocols.
MRI scans are safe for patients with modern dental implants. Knowing the difference between MRI safety and image artifacts allows you to approach diagnostic imaging with confidence.
The Practice in Franklin specializes in precision implant dentistry using the highest-grade MRI-compatible materials. If you are considering dental implants or have questions about existing implants and upcoming medical imaging, call (615) 599-7800 to schedule a consultation.