Can You Get an MRI with Dental Implants? What You Need to Know

If you have or are considering getting dental implants, you may be wondering: Can you safely get an MRI if you have them?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most common diagnostic tools used in modern medicine, but because it relies on strong magnetic fields, patients with metal in their bodies often have questions and concerns about how it could interfere with the scan or cause complications.

The good news is that for the majority of patients, dental implants are safe during an MRI scan. In fact, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recognize that most modern implants are safe under standard MRI conditions.

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Dental implants are small posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They serve as a foundation for crowns, bridges, or full-arch restorations such as All-on-X dental implants.

Most modern implants are made from titanium or zirconia, both of which are biocompatible, durable, and widely used in medical devices.

• Titanium implants: The most common type. Titanium is non-ferromagnetic. This means it does not strongly react to magnetic fields, making it safe in MRI environments.

• Zirconia implants: Less common but growing in popularity, zirconia is a ceramic material and completely non-metallic. Zirconia implants do not interfere with MRI scans at all.

Why Titanium and Zirconia Are Safe in MRIs

• Non-ferrous properties: Titanium is not attracted to magnetic forces the way ferrous (iron-based) metals are. This means it won’t be pulled or moved during an MRI.

• Minimal interference: While small artifacts (distortions) can sometimes appear in images near the implant, these are usually very minor and don’t compromise diagnostic quality.

• Biocompatibility: Both titanium and zirconia are used in countless other medical implants, such as joint replacements and pacemaker housings, further proving their reliability.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), titanium implants are considered safe for MRI at both 1.5T and 3.0T scanner strengths (the two most common types of MRI machines used today).

What Should You Tell Your Doctor Before Getting an MRI?

Even though dental implants are safe for MRIs, you should always inform your healthcare team about any implants, medical devices, or foreign materials in your body before undergoing imaging.

This ensures your doctors can plan the scan appropriately and confirm compatibility with the MRI machine.

Information to Share with Your Provider

• That you have dental implants, including when and where they were placed

• The type of implant material (your dentist or oral surgeon can provide this information)

• Any other medical devices, prosthetics, or implants you may have

• If you’ve had prior dental surgeries that might involve metal (such as older bridges, plates, or screws)

Your radiology team will take this information into account and make adjustments if necessary.

What If You Have Other Dental Work Besides Implants?

While implants themselves are MRI-safe, other types of dental restorations and appliances can sometimes cause imaging issues.

Here are a few examples:

• Crowns or bridges with metal: May cause small distortions in nearby images.

• Metal fillings (amalgam): Typically safe, but may create minor artifacts in head and neck scans.

• Orthodontic braces: These can cause significant image distortion in the head and neck area, sometimes requiring removal if a scan of that region is needed.

• Old surgical plates or screws: These are usually titanium as well, but always worth mentioning to your provider.

MRI safety is not just about the implants themselves, but about all dental and medical devices present in the body.

Tips for a Smooth MRI Experience with Dental Implants

If you’re scheduled for an MRI and have dental implants, follow these steps to ensure everything goes smoothly:

• Communicate openly: Always tell your doctor and MRI technician about your implants.

• Bring documentation: If possible, bring details about your dental implants (such as implant type and placement date).

• Relax: Remember that millions of patients with implants undergo MRIs every year without issue.

• Ask questions: If you’re feeling uncertain, ask your dentist or oral surgeon to explain the safety of your specific implants.

The Bottom Line: MRIs and Dental Implants

So, can you get an MRI if you have dental implants? In most cases, the answer is yes. Modern titanium and zirconia implants are considered safe for MRIs, and both the FDA and American College of Radiology confirm their compatibility with medical imaging. While a few older implant types may not be MRI-safe, these are rarely used today.

At Stubbs Dental Implant Center, we use high-quality titanium dental implants from a reputable implant provider, ensuring not only long-term durability but also safety with procedures like MRIs. If you’re ever unsure about your dental implants or if you have questions about how dental work might affect other medical procedures, feel free to reach out! We’re always happy to provide the information and peace of mind you need before undergoing medical imaging.