Can I have an MRI scan even if I have implants or orthodontics?
Dental treatment involves the use of many metals. These metals include titanium for implants, cobalt, chromium, and nickel for orthodontic treatment, and silver and palladium for crown restorations. TheseCan I have an MRI after having dental work done with metal?The question is.
- Why do we use so much metal in dental treatment?
- About MRI
- Do you have to undergo MRI for dental treatment?
- Dental care in undergoing an MRI
- About Magnetic Attachments
- What if a magnetic attachment has been placed in your mouth?
- Will magnetic attachments be covered by health insurance?
- Is it safe to use other metals in dentistry for MRI imaging?
- Future Use of Metals in Dental Treatment
- Please check if magnetic attachments are installed.
Why do we use so much metal in dental treatment?
Dental treatment is independent of regular medical treatment. This is because teeth, which are the subject of dental treatment, are not capable of self-repair. For example, if you fall and injure your leg, it will often heal without any treatment. This is because it has the ability to repair itself. On the other hand, suppose a tooth is chipped due to a fall.Teeth do not have the ability to repair themselves, so chipped areas do not heal naturally.The tooth is then restored with a material. Thus, if a tooth is chipped or partially or completely lost, material restoration is required.Since teeth are very hard tissues, metal has originally been used extensively in dentistry to make them as strong as teeth.
About MRI
MRI is a type of imaging test in which radio waves are directed at hydrogen atoms, which are abundant in the human body, and the resulting electrical signals are visualized. The most important features are,Where there is no radiation exposure.It is. All other imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, and scintigraphy, expose the patient to radiation,MRI can be considered a gentle imaging test for the body.Because MRI provides somewhat clear images of not only hard tissues such as bones, but also soft tissues such as muscles and blood vessels, MRI is often used relatively frequently to diagnose and monitor the progress of diseases.
Do you have to undergo MRI for dental treatment?
As a common disease for MRI imaging in dentistry,temporomandibular joint diseaseThe TMJ is not only a hard tissue, such as bone, which is a specialty of dentistry. The temporomandibular joint is not only hard tissue such as bone, which is a specialty of dentistry,Soft tissues such as muscles and fibers are also abundantTherefore, in addition to conventional imaging tests, MRI scans are sometimes performed.
However, MRI cannot be performed at the level of a general practitioner, so MRI must be performed at a large hospital or dedicated facility. AlsoDiagnosis and status confirmation of oral cancerAn MRI may also be taken for MRI is an important imaging modality because oral cancer can also develop in areas rich in soft tissue.
Dental care in undergoing an MRI
In taking an MRI, it is important to note that dental care,When magnetic metals are usedIt is. Magnetic metals, as the name implies, are metals that emit the force of a magnet. In dentistry, a system may be used in which magnetic metal is given on the teeth or implants and on the prosthetic (dentures, bridges or implants) side to try to maintain the prosthesis with the force of a magnet.Magnetic AttachmentIt is also calledWhen MRI is performed with magnetic metals present in the body, not only are the images greatly disturbed, but the magnetic force attracts objects in the examination room, which may cause injury.There are
About Magnetic Attachments
Magnetic attachments are used in dentistry because, as mentioned earlier, the loss of teethTo obtain retention of the prosthesisIt is. When more teeth are lost, there are fewer remaining teeth to maintain the prosthesis, and even if maintenance can be obtained on the remaining teeth, the burden is greater.
In addition, for edentulous patients with no teeth at all, maintenance must be sought in the jawbone. The problem is solved by adding magnetic metal to the teeth, on the implants, and in the prosthesis, relying on magnets for maintenance. The treatment is as followsEffective treatment option due to its relative simplicity and lack of invasivenessIn many cases, they are employed as
What if a magnetic attachment has been placed in your mouth?
With the magnetic attachment in the mouth,If an MRI must be taken, the magnetic attachment must be removed.If magnetic attachments are attached to implants or teeth, they must be removed, and the magnetic attachments may have to be remanufactured after the MRI scan. If you choose to undergo treatment with magnetic attachments, be sure to check in advance what will happen if an MRI scan is required.
Will magnetic attachments be covered by health insurance?
If magnetic attachments are to be placed on the teeth,Partially covered by insuranceThe insurance will be When attached to implants, they are not covered by insurance. If you wish to have treatment using a magnetic attachment, check with your dentist in advance to see if it is covered by your insurance.
Is it safe to use other metals in dentistry for MRI imaging?
Magnetic metals in the mouth can affect MRI imaging, but what about other metals used in dentistry? Conclusion,Other metals used in dentistry are generally not a problem if they are found in the mouth.Titanium used in implants and nickel-titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt-chrome used in wire orthodontics also do not require special care. However, if an MRI of the head area is to be taken, it is advisable to declare to the doctor or radiologist in advance if there is an opportunity to take an MRI of the head area, because the image may be disturbed by the presence of metals used in dentistry.
Future Use of Metals in Dental Treatment
Although many metals are currently used in dentistry, this trend has been gradually changing in recent years. The use of high-strength plastic fillings and crowns is becoming possible even with insurance coverage, and the advent of hard ceramics such as zirconia has expanded the range of ceramic treatments. In addition, implants made of ceramic or artificial bone are also becoming available for titanium implants. The demand for conventional wire orthodontics is also decreasing due to the increased use of mouthpiece orthodontics, which do not use metal.
Metal-free dentistry is likely to expand rapidly in the future.It will be possible to take an MRI after dental treatment without any difficulty. Perhaps the time will come when MRIs can be taken after dental treatment without difficulty and without concern.
Please check if magnetic attachments are installed.
Although a wide variety of metals are used in dentistry, MRI imaging is rarely a problem unless magnetic metals are used. However, it is advisable to notify the dentist in advance because the presence of non-magnetic metals in the mouth may disrupt the MRI image.
Written by dentist/issy
After graduating from the National School of Dentistry, he trained at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Dental Hospital, and is currently working in general and orthodontic dentistry.
Member of the Japanese Society of Oral Implantology