Are dental implants safe in MRI exams?

Last Updated: Apr 08, 2013

I have a patient with implants in her mandible which are used to retain an overdenture. She is schedule to have an MRI and her doctor asked if it was safe to do the MRI with the implants in her mandible. I told her that since there are no abutments (Locators) placed yet, there are only titanium implants which (hopefully) is safe in the strong magnetic field. Then I remembered the cover screw which I imagine is not titanium. So I offered to remove the cover screws (the tops of the implants are exposed at the level of the gingiva) when she goes for the MRI and immediately afterward we can torque down the Locator abutments. What do you recommend I tell her doctor and how should I manage this case? what materials are safe and unsafe in MRI environments?

11 Comments on Are dental implants safe in MRI exams?

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04/08/2013

I always thought the cover screw was titanium too.

ben manzoor

04/09/2013

interesting ...for all main stream implant companies..cover screw and healing abutments are titanium (grade 4) or titanium alloy(grade 5). I believe when you take xrays you can see the same opacities.

Max Suleiman

04/09/2013

Would agree completely Ben, Cover screws for most major systems are titanium too.

Robert S

04/09/2013

MRIs are fine with implants No worries

Robert S

04/09/2013

Also fine with airport security. I once carried 16 to find that out

Dolly Chopra

04/09/2013

Titanium implants should be no problem with an MRI. An MRI uses a powerful magnet to scan the human body. It is a problem with things containing ferrous metals(i.e. iron and steel). Implants and the restorative materials on them typically contain non-ferrous materials only( titanium,gold,platinum, etc.) The one possible area might be if you have a removable prosthesis that uses magnets for retention. It is probably a good idea to take out any removable prostheses(dentures,bridges,etc.) before an MRI and leave them outside the MRI room.

CRS

04/10/2013

I like to take a refrigerator magnet and see if it sticks on the implant! Just kidding is Titatium magnetic? Where are the material scientists?

Daniel B

04/10/2013

Cover screw MUST be from titanium ( always same raw material as the implant, grade 4. grade5, grade 23 .....).must have the same compatibility. If not buy from another company.

tarek

04/10/2013

MRI and implants: Fine, never heard any issues regarding that.

Dot

06/29/2016

had MRI today - (breasts) magnetic field of 1.5T, as I have 3 implants: -for 2 newer - no problem at all -for the oldest one (have it cca 30 years) I had strange sensation, feeling some 'force' , some tinkling feeling even approaching, near the MRI tube prior of scan, but with technitian I decided to go (they had not such cases with other patients) during the scan I had some mild sensations all the time, so I press the tooth with the tongue to minimize the feeling and manage to cope till the end (haven't notice heating, just some strange sense arround that oldest implant) when came home I checked with the strongest refrigerator magnet I have and the oldest implant reacts with it :-O so it seams there are some ferrous materials in it (weaker refrigerator magnets did not react - checked as I have huge collection of magnets)

MIKE

05/05/2018

HOW ABOUT ZIRCIONA IMPLANTS NO WORRIES THERE AND LESS OF A CHANCE OF INFECTION AND REJECTION ..... HUGE + FOR CANCER PATIENTS ..... :)

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