Can MRI be Done with Dental Crowns?
The short answer is yes, an MRI can generally be done with dental crowns in place. However, the type of crown and the specific MRI procedure can influence the outcome. Let's delve into the details.
Most modern dental crowns are made from materials that are MRI-compatible. These materials don't significantly interfere with the magnetic field used in MRI scans. This includes:
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns: While the metal component might cause some minor artifacting (distortion) in the image, it generally doesn't prevent a successful scan.
- All-ceramic crowns: These crowns are typically made from materials like zirconia or porcelain, which are completely MRI-safe. They usually don't cause any image distortion.
- Gold crowns: Gold is also MRI-compatible and poses no issues during the scan.
What are the potential problems?
While most crowns are MRI-compatible, there are some situations where issues might arise:
- Older crowns with significant metal content: Very old crowns might contain higher levels of certain metals that could potentially cause more significant image distortion than modern crowns. This distortion could obscure the area being scanned, making it difficult to get a clear image.
- Specific MRI techniques: Certain advanced MRI techniques are more sensitive to metallic artifacts. Your radiologist might choose to use a different scanning technique to minimize potential interference.
- Location of the crown: If the crown is located very close to the area being imaged, there's a slightly higher chance of artifacting. However, this is usually manageable.
What should I tell my doctor or radiologist?
It's always best to inform your radiologist about your dental crowns before your MRI scan. This allows them to assess the potential for artifacts and choose the most appropriate scanning protocol. They can also advise if any special precautions are needed. Providing details about the type of crown (if known) can also be helpful.
What if I have a metal-based implant in my mouth?
This is a slightly different scenario than crowns. Metal dental implants are metallic and can cause significant artifacts in MRI images. The radiologist will likely take this into account when planning your scan.
Does having dental crowns affect the MRI results?
In most cases, the presence of dental crowns will not significantly affect the results of your MRI. Minor image distortion (artifacting) might occur, but usually, the radiologist can still interpret the image accurately. The key is open communication with your medical team to ensure the best possible outcome.
Will my dental crowns be damaged by the MRI?
No, the magnetic fields used in MRI scans are not strong enough to damage dental crowns. There's no risk of your crowns being affected by the procedure.
What if I have concerns about my dental crowns and MRI?
If you have any concerns about your dental crowns and an upcoming MRI, don't hesitate to contact your dentist or radiologist. They can provide you with personalized advice and address your specific concerns. Open communication is essential for ensuring a safe and effective MRI procedure.
