Is it possible to do an MRI with titanium implants. Examinations and prosthetics - is it possible to do an MRI with dental implants. How to properly prepare for implantation surgery Is it possible to have an MRI with dental implants
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Magnetic resonance imaging is presented as an innovative examination method, thanks to which it is possible to diagnose any pathological processes, even if they are at an early stage of development. , because it allows you to study in detail the cartilage, the bone structure of the teeth and the soft tissues that are adjacent to them. Against the backdrop of this trend, a completely logical question arises: is it possible to do an MRI with dental implants?
Dental implants are special posts that are placed in the lower or upper jaw by a dentist to be used as a support for a denture. The procedure is very common in modern dentistry, as it allows you to correct any defect in the dentition. Returning to the issue of the possibility of performing an MRI in the presence of dental implants, it is necessary to know what material was used to make the pin, since the magnetic field of the tomograph affects different materials in different ways, which can be classified as paramagnetic, diamagnetic or ferromagnetic.
- Implants made of nickel, cobalt, iron and other similar materials are ferromagnets and under the influence of a magnetic field they are actively magnetized, and most importantly, they interfere with obtaining a reliable result, leaving artifacts (noise) in the images.
- Products made of diamagnets do not change their temperature under the influence of a magnetic field, since they repel the magnetic field. Examples of such materials are silver or gold.
- The most popular and widespread are implants made of paramagnetic materials, which are inert with respect to the magnetic field. It can be zirconium, platinum or titanium.
Titanium implants perfectly take root in the patient's body. In modern dentistry, this material is most often used. The MRI procedure for patients with such implants in the gums passes without any negative consequences. Before undergoing a diagnostic procedure, it is worth clarifying what material was used in the manufacture of your orthodontic appliances.
Patients' fears about the possibility of MRI in the presence of structures in the oral cavity are associated primarily with medical series, where during the diagnostic procedure the skin in the area is torn off, pins are pulled out of the bones and teeth. In fact, magnetic resonance imaging does not lead to such consequences, especially if paramagnetic materials were used as implant materials. They do not react in any way to the field created by the tomograph, therefore they do not cause negative consequences.
Myths and reality
For many, MRI in the presence of dental implants is associated with dire consequences, but it's time to debunk these myths.
- The first common myth is that implants move during the diagnostic procedure and damage soft tissues. In fact, the strength of the magnetic field is able to displace only those elements that are not fixed in the body. These can be surgical clips on the vessels of the brain or on the heart, fragments, bullets. As for the pins, they are securely fixed in the bone tissue and cannot move and damage the oral cavity during MRI.
- The second myth is related to the ability of a tomograph to heat up metals. It was already mentioned earlier that the magnetic field actively affects only ferromagnets, that is, medical steel products. Depending on the dimensions of the product, they can really heat up during the diagnostic procedure, but you should only be afraid if the dimensions of the product are large enough. Do not worry, there are no implants of this size in the oral cavity. As for the rest of the materials, they are absolutely safe and do not heat up during MRI.
If the patient still has concerns about pain, you should not worry, because there is always the opportunity to use the special button that the specialist gives before starting the diagnosis.
What does the patient feel during the procedure?
Many patients with implants worry about how they will feel during an MRI and whether or not they will feel pain. However, there is no need to worry about this. The effect of a magnetic field on the body is determined only by the chemical composition of the alloy from which the implant is made, so this nuance must be clarified before the procedure. Otherwise, the work of the tomograph is standard, does not cause pain or discomfort, with the exception of noise, which can be avoided with the help of headphones.
Possible image distortion
Distortion of diagnostic results is the only unpleasant consequence of MRI in the presence of dental implants, which is why the specialist must be warned about the presence of such. The presence of pins in the teeth is not a categorical contraindication, however, the results may be distorted, but this can be avoided.
On different models of the tomograph used by a particular clinic, the specialist can change the settings depending on the type of dental implant, which will make the images as clear as possible. To do this, the patient must take an x-ray of their jaws and bring a panoramic x-ray, which will be performed by an MRI. The photograph should clearly show the dentures and their location. An MRI may also be used to examine the oral cavity, but these situations are extremely rare, as conventional X-rays or computed tomography are used for this. When using a tomograph to scan other parts of the body, the results are not distorted, and the procedure takes place in a standard manner.
As you can see, MRI with dental implants takes place according to the standard scheme and does not cause negative consequences or pain. The only thing you need to do is to warn the specialist in advance about the presence of foreign bodies in the body and clarify what materials they are made of.
Hardware diagnostics, without which modern medicine is unthinkable, involves the exposure of patients to various types of radiation, including electromagnetic radiation.
The dental apparatus of a person, especially an elderly one, most likely contains metal products - crowns, inlays, implants.
How does their presence affect the results of the examination using MRI? What are the contraindications and precautions for a person with implants undergoing an MRI examination? Is an MRI dangerous for him, is it necessary to prepare for it?
Information about all this is provided below.
The essence of the procedure
Magnetic resonance imaging is a method of examining the human body using a device called magnetic resonance imaging. The principle of operation of the latter is based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
The essence of NMR is that when human tissues are irradiated with electromagnetic waves, the hydrogen nuclei contained in them are oriented in a special way.
Based on the electromagnetic response obtained from such oriented particles, a virtual three-dimensional image of the examined organ is built and displayed on the monitor screen. Its study allows the doctor to make a conclusion about the presence or absence of pathology in the organ.
The magnetic resonance tomograph consists from the chamber in the form of a tunnel open on two or three sides, a horizontal table on which the patient is placed, and a complex of equipment controlling the tomograph (console, monitor).
In the non-working position, the table is located outside the chamber. The magnetic resonance imaging procedure involves placing the patient on a horizontal table, moving him inside the chamber, irradiating the examined organ with electromagnetic radiation, and displaying its three-dimensional image on the monitor.
The duration of the procedure depends on its nature and the organ being examined, and usually lasts from 15 to 60 minutes. During the entire examination, the patient must remain still.
The tomograph makes a loud noise. In order not to experience discomfort, the patient is offered to use headphones or ear plugs. The device has a signaling device, with the help of which the patient can contact the doctor at any time and inform him of his state of health, if the latter suddenly deteriorates sharply.
Unlike x-rays, electromagnetic radiation that a person is exposed to during an examination is absolutely safe for him.
Indications for appointment
Magnetic resonance imaging is a very informative way to examine the pathologies of the soft tissues of the body. It is used to diagnose:
- tumors of different etiologies - both malignant and benign;
- internal inflammation and abscesses;
- diseases of the brain and spinal cord;
- anomalies in the development of various organs;
- pathology of the heart and blood vessels;
- and a host of other diseases, especially those that affect soft tissues.
Construction material
Depending on the nature of the interaction of metals and polymers with human tissues, there are 3 types of materials from which dental implants can be made.
- bioinert materials. These include zirconium, titanium and its alloys, ceramics, tantalum, glassy carbon, silicone, and some others.
- biotolerant structures. Include chrome-cobalt and gold alloys, stainless steel.
- bioactive materials. These include calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite sprayed onto implants.
Reference. Biotolerance is the resistance of a material to the effects of an organism, in which a connective tissue layer is formed between the implant and human tissues.
Bioinertness - this property of an artificial material is accepted (fused, not rejected) by the body due to the absence of a toxic effect in it.
Bioactivity - the ability of the material to cause the desired tissue response to the presence of the implant, contributing to rapid integration and fusion.
Biotolerant materials are not currently used in dental implants due to their lack of bioinertness. Some bioinert materials (ceramics, to be honest) have increased fragility and lack of manufacturability, so they are also not used.
The most favorable tissue reaction is caused by implants made of titanium, zirconium and their alloys. Most implants are currently made from titanium. Both zirconium and titanium do not distort the electromagnetic field, so their effect on the results of an MRI examination is reduced to zero (see below for details).
Stainless steel and cobalt chromium alloys often used to make crowns. And since these materials are magnetic, the presence of crowns from them can distort the results of MRI if the head area is scanned. In this case, the doctor may cancel this study of the head and recommend some alternative method.
Impact on survey results
The impact of dental implants on MRI results depends on two factors:
- The material from which the implant is made.
- The location of the area to be scanned.
Distortions of the electromagnetic signal can cause products made of magnets - materials that have the ability to magnetize and interact with external electromagnetic radiation.
In our case, this is the radiation generated by the tomograph. Ferromagnets are nickel, iron, cobalt and their alloys. These materials account for 95% of all magnets that exist in nature. In addition, alloys of chromium and manganese, gadolinium have magnetic properties.
The following metals used for the manufacture of implants do not have magnetic properties.
- Titanium.
- Zirconium.
- Silver.
- Copper.
- Gold.
Polymers and ceramics also do not have magnetic properties.
In the presence of implants or crowns from the above materials, you can undergo an MRI without any fear. Even if the head is being examined.
If an area containing artificial structures made of ferromagnets is irradiated, the image of the organ on the monitor may turn out to be distorted, blurry, blurry. This makes the test result inaccurate.
However, if an area that does not contain magnetic materials is examined, the results of the examination remain accurate even if the neighboring area of the human body contains such materials.
In particular, the examination of the chest using MRI will give an accurate result even if there are crowns or implants made of ferromagnetic material in the oral cavity.
Considering that the main metal from which implants are made is titanium, which is not magnetic, we can conclude that the presence of implants is not a contraindication for MRI.
However, nuances are possible here, under which this general conclusion will be true. For example, some ferromagnet is part of the alloy from which the implant or crown is made. Therefore, the patient before undergoing an MRI must warn the doctor that he has implants.
It will be good if he presents the doctor with an orthopantomogram of his dentition, by which you can determine the number and location of implants.
A feature of magnetic resonance imaging scanners is that they are amenable to settings, which in some cases allow minimizing the influence of foreign objects in the human body on the scan results.
The more the doctor conducting the tomography is informed about the location and material of the implant, the more accurate the result of the examination will be.
In the video, the specialist expresses his opinion on the passage of an MRI with dental implants.
Feelings of patients
As a rule, a person does not experience any significant discomfort or pain during an MRI scan. However, sometimes, depending on the individual characteristics of his body, the following sensations are possible:
- Feelings of warmth in the area of radiation.
- Tingling - in the case when tomography is combined with intravenous injections.
- Feeling of coolness, pain in the eyes, nausea, slight pain - when using contrast agents for tomography.
All these phenomena do not pose a danger to human health, and should not cause concern.
Sometimes, when undergoing an MRI, a patient may experience mental reactions - fear of an examination or a confined space. In this case, a doctor may prescribe sedatives that relieve anxiety and anxiety.
As for the implant itself, regardless of the material, it is not exposed to any harmful effects as a result of electromagnetic radiation. The system does not heat up, does not move, does not create pain or discomfort in the patient.
Every woman should take care of her health and know that after 35 years it is necessary to undergo breast ultrasound and fluorography once a year. And after breast augmentation it is extremely necessary. But most girls after plastic surgery are wondering whether the examination after the operation will be reliable, and whether all breast zones will be visible on the devices.
It is very important to take care of yourself and think about the future, so it is necessary to pass all examinations on time. Will implants interfere with ultrasound, mammography, CT, MRI? This is the most popular question among women who have breast augmentation. The answer is no! The presence of breast implants will not affect the examination in any way, and will not interfere with the final diagnosis, provided that the examination is carried out using modern technology.
Before the examination, it is recommended to carefully select a clinic. As a rule, all modern clinics are equipped with the latest models of technology. Beforehand, it is recommended to clarify whether a breast examination with implants is possible, as well as to consult with a specialist who will select the most appropriate examination method.
Types of examinations:
1. Ultrasound - ultrasonography. Ultrasound must be done before plastic surgery, and then repeated annually after it. Today it is the most common method of examination. Ultrasound allows you to study the mammary glands before surgery, as well as to exclude various complications, inflammation and adverse changes already during the rehabilitation period.
2. Mammography. Despite the fact that mammography is the most accurate method of examining the breast, it still has some difficulties. In cases where the implant was placed over the pectoral muscle, during the examination, it may block some areas of the breast. If the implant is placed under the muscle, the blocked area is insignificant. The disadvantage of this method is that it will not help to determine the rupture or leakage of the breast implant. When performing mammography, each gland is compressed first horizontally, then vertically, so the patient should warn the doctor in advance about the presence of a breast implant in the mammary glands.
3. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging. A feature of the method is the use of a powerful magnetic field. MRI allows you to determine the rupture or leakage of the implant, to identify foci of tumors and metastases.
4. CT - computed tomography. This type of examination is considered the most accurate for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Computed tomography is referred to as an X-ray method for examining the breast.
5. Fluorography. Breast implants can be seen on the x-ray. The patient should warn the doctor in advance about their presence, but they will not interfere with the examination of the lungs in any way, because. implants easily transmit x-rays.
Thus, the presence of breast implants will not interfere with any of the listed types of examinations and obtaining accurate data on the condition of the patient's mammary glands and lungs.
A safe method for studying the pathologies of internal systems and organs is magnetic resonance imaging. This type of diagnostics is successfully used in all areas of medicine. Can I do an MRI with dental implants? In certain cases, this may be a contraindication to the procedure.
The essence of the method
MRI is a modern and universal method for diagnosing disorders of the human body. The essence of tomography is the use of such a physical phenomenon as nuclear magnetic resonance. During the study, hydrogen atoms located in the tissues of the human body give weak radio signals. They are "caught" and arranged by a special device - a tomograph, consisting of a magnet and maintaining a constant magnetic field. A computer helps to process and convert the received information into a three-dimensional image.
Completely excludes x-ray radiation. Therefore, most patients with certain indications can have an MRI. With the procedure is assigned only on an individual basis. The magnetic resonance method is completely safe for the human body.
Indications for appointment
The range of diseases in which a patient can be prescribed an MRI is quite wide. Due to the absence of x-ray radiation, the method is used to study pregnant women and children from a very early age.
Can I do an MRI with dental implants, braces or crowns? This method is an alternative that has more contraindications.
Most often, the technique is used when it is necessary to diagnose soft tissues and blood vessels. Diagnostics is recommended in the following cases:
- circulatory disorders;
- thrombosis;
- hemorrhages;
- vascular aneurysms;
- heart diseases;
- pathology of the musculoskeletal system;
- inflammatory processes of various origins;
- diseases of the internal organs.
Can I do an MRI with dental implants?
A huge number of people now have dental structures and products for various purposes, but this is not a reason not to undergo medical diagnostics. In dental practice, magnetic resonance imaging allows you to assess the state of visible and hidden elements for a simple overview of the dentition. If the patient has pins and other metal structures in the oral cavity, can an MRI be done? Many people undergo this procedure with dental implants.
Dentists assure that the presence of metal elements is not a contraindication to magnetic resonance therapy. To get the correct result, you must first warn the specialist about the presence of metal elements and the type of material from which they are made.
When is an MRI used in dentistry?
Patients suffering from the following pathological conditions need to be diagnosed:
- pain when chewing food;
- crunching when moving the jaws;
- pain syndrome in the lower jaw;
- spasm when closing and opening the mouth.
brain MRI
In neurology, the magnetic resonance therapy technique is used to study violations of the functionality of the vessels of the brain and spinal cord, and the spinal column. MRI of the brain with dental implants is indicated for increased intracranial pressure, suspected stroke, and skull trauma. Diagnostics will help determine the cause of frequent headaches, developmental pathologies, and the presence of infectious diseases.
A more detailed picture of the disease allows you to get the use of contrast in the diagnostic process. To do this, the patient is injected with a special substance that enters the blood vessels of the brain through the bloodstream. When exposed to a magnetic field, coloring of problem areas in the image occurs.
Implant materials
The material from which the dental structure is made can be paramagnetic, ferromagnetic or diamagnetic. They behave differently when exposed to a constant magnetic field. Are MRIs made from ferromagnetic alloys? It is quite possible to carry out the procedure, however, the final result can be greatly distorted.
Currently, experts prefer paramagnets - non-magnetic alloys. Titanium is one of the most popular materials. It has several advantages over other alloys:
- no toxic effects;
- high rates of survival of titanium implants with tissues;
- high strength and ductility;
- the absence of vanadium in the alloy;
- the presence of an oxide film on the surface that protects against the effects of the external environment;
- the material is not allergenic.
Features of the procedure
MRI with dental implants made of alloys of gold, platinum, palladium can show a distorted picture of the disease. Research in this case is not recommended. It should be borne in mind that the procedure will not bring any harm to a patient with ferromagnetic implants. Although some tend to think that the dental product may be dislodged or heated. Implants are small in size and well-fixed products, and therefore you should not be afraid of anything at all.
However, the resulting image will be unreliable and will not allow the doctor to make a correct diagnosis. Before the procedure, it is necessary to clarify with the dentist the type of material of dental structures. In the future, this information must be reported to the specialist who will conduct magnetic resonance imaging. This will allow you to properly configure the equipment and get a true picture of the patient's condition.