If you have dental implants and your doctor has recommended MRI imaging, you may be wondering whether it’s safe. Most people can get an MRI with dental implants. MRI machines use powerful magnets, but modern dental implants are made from materials that don’t respond to magnetic fields, which means they are safe for MRI scans. That said, it’s always important to let your MRI technologist know about your implants before your scan begins.
In this guide, you will learn how MRI works, why most dental implants are MRI-safe, how implants may affect image quality and what to expect when you schedule your scan.
What Is an MRI Scan?
An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a safe, non-invasive way to see what is happening inside your body. It uses strong magnets, radio waves and a computer to give your doctor a detailed, radiation-free look at soft tissues, organs and internal structures.
Doctors recommend MRI scans to help diagnose or monitor a wide range of conditions, including:
- Injuries
- Neurological disorders
- Tumors
- Infections
Because MRI creates such detailed images, it gives your doctor a clearer picture of what may be causing your symptoms and helps guide the next steps in your care.
Is It Safe to Get an MRI Scan With Dental Implants?
In most cases, you can get an MRI with dental implants. The key factor is the material your implant is made from. MRI machines use powerful magnetic fields, which can interact with certain metals. However, today most dental implants are made from titanium, titanium alloys or zirconia. These materials aren’t ferromagnetic, meaning they aren’t attracted to magnets.
Because these materials don’t respond to magnetic fields the way ferromagnetic metals do, they’re considered safe for MRI. Your MRI technologist will review your health history and screen you before your scan to confirm that your specific implant doesn’t pose a concern.
Do Dental Implants Affect MRI Images?
While modern dental implants are MRI-compatible, they can still affect the quality of your images depending on where you’re being scanned. Metal objects in or near the area being scanned can cause artifacts, which are distortions or signal changes that may make the images around the implant site and nearby areas harder for your radiologist to read clearly.
For example, if you’re getting a brain or head MRI, dental implants may cause minor distortion in the images around the mouth or jaw. This can look like small dark spots, bright areas, blurring or shadowing near the implant.
Letting your technologist know about your implants ahead of time helps them note your dental history before the scan and, when needed, adjust the exam to reduce image changes near the implant. It also gives the radiologist helpful context when reviewing your imaging results.
Are Any Dental Implants Not MRI-Safe?
Not all dental implants are made the same way, and the materials used can affect how your imaging team approaches your scan. Older implants or those with certain metal components may need to be reviewed before your scan to confirm they are safe and that your imaging team will be able to get the clearest results possible. Some dental devices, such as implant-supported bridges with certain metallic parts, may require additional review before an MRI.
If you’re unsure about your specific implant type or when it was placed, contact your dentist before your MRI appointment. Your dentist can give you the implant’s name, material and manufacturer, which helps your radiology team determine whether any special precautions are needed. When in doubt, always discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider.
Other dental work worth mentioning during your MRI pre-scan screening includes:
- Metal fillings
- Crowns
- Braces
- Retainers
These are typically MRI-safe, but metal dental work can sometimes create image artifacts.
Do You Need to Remove Dental Implants Before Getting an MRI Scan?
You don’t need to remove dental implants before an MRI. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, so they stay in place during the scan.
However, you should remove external metal items before entering the MRI room, including:
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Removable dental devices such as retainers or dentures
- Hairpins, barrettes and hair clips
- Any clothing with metal fasteners, threads, zippers or underwire
- Hearing aids and electronic devices
During the screening process, your technologist will walk you through exactly what to remove. They will also stay with you to make sure you feel comfortable and prepared before your scan.
Schedule Your MRI Scan With American Health Imaging
Having dental implants doesn’t have to stand between you and getting the answers you need about your health. At American Health Imaging, our team takes time before every scan to review your history, address any concerns and make sure you feel confident before your exam begins.
A board-certified, subspecialized radiologist reads every MRI exam so you and your doctor can feel confident when discussing your results. American Health Imaging is in-network with 99% of insurance plans and offers MRI services at up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging.
With same-day and next-day appointments, extended hours and convenient locations across Georgia, Alabama, Texas, South Carolina and Florida, getting your MRI has never been easier.
Talk to your doctor about imaging and schedule your MRI scan with American Health Imaging today.