If you have dental implants and your doctor has recommended an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, you may be wondering, “Can I get an MRI with dental implants?”
This is a common concern because MRIs use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. Many people worry that their dental implants could move, heat up, or interfere with the scan.
The good news is that most modern dental implants are considered MRI-safe. Dental implants are typically made from biocompatible titanium or titanium alloys, which are non-ferromagnetic and generally do not pose a safety risk during MRI examinations.
In this article, we’ll explain how MRIs work, whether dental implants are safe inside an MRI machine, and what you should know before your scan.
What Is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses the following:
- Powerful magnetic fields
- Radio waves
- Computer processing
to create highly detailed images of organs, muscles, nerves, joints, and soft tissues.
Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
Doctors commonly use MRI scans to diagnose the following:
- Brain disorders
- Spinal injuries
- Joint problems
- Tumors
- Sports injuries
- Soft tissue conditions
Can You Get an MRI with Dental Implants?
Quick Answer
Yes. In most cases, you can safely undergo an MRI if you have dental implants.
Modern dental implants are generally made from titanium, which is
- Non-ferromagnetic
- Biocompatible
- Highly resistant to magnetic attraction
- Safe for MRI environments
The implant is securely fused to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration and is not pulled out or displaced by the MRI scanner.
Why Are Dental Implants Usually MRI Safe?
The safety of dental implants largely depends on the material used.
Titanium Implants
Most dental implants are manufactured from medical-grade titanium.
Titanium offers several advantages:
- Excellent strength
- Corrosion resistance
- Biocompatibility
- Ability to bond with bone
- Minimal interaction with MRI magnetic fields
Because titanium is only weakly magnetic, it is not attracted to MRI magnets in the way that iron or steel objects are.
Will an MRI Move My Dental Implant?
No.
A properly integrated dental implant is firmly anchored within the jawbone.
The magnetic field generated during an MRI is not strong enough to dislodge or move a well-healed titanium implant.
Patients can undergo MRI scans without worrying that their implant will shift during the examination.
Can Dental Implants Heat Up During an MRI?
This is another common concern.
Fortunately, modern dental implants generally do not heat up to dangerous levels during MRI scans.
Titanium conducts very little magnetic energy compared with ferromagnetic metals, making clinically significant heating unlikely.
Patients typically do not feel any difference in their implant during the scan.
Can Dental Implants Affect MRI Images?
Although dental implants are considered safe, they can occasionally create image artifacts.
Image artifacts are small distortions or shadows that appear on MRI images near metal objects.
When Does This Matter?
Artifacts are most likely when the MRI is focused on the following:
- The jaw
- Mouth
- Face
- Sinuses
- Neck
If your MRI is examining another area—such as your knee, spine, abdomen, or shoulder—your dental implant is unlikely to affect image quality.
Modern MRI software can often reduce these artifacts.
Should You Tell the MRI Technician About Your Dental Implants?
Absolutely.
Before any MRI scan, you’ll complete a safety questionnaire.
Always inform the MRI staff if you have:
- Dental implants
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Orthodontic braces
- Retainers
- Implant-supported dentures
- Other implanted medical devices
Providing this information helps the radiology team plan the scan appropriately.
What Other Dental Restorations Are MRI Safe?
In addition to dental implants, many common dental restorations are MRI-compatible.
These include:
- Porcelain crowns
- Ceramic crowns
- Dental bridges
- Composite fillings
- Gold restorations
- Most orthodontic retainers
Some older metal restorations or orthodontic appliances may produce more image distortion but are still generally considered safe.
Are All Dental Implants Made of Titanium?
Most modern implants are made from titanium or titanium alloys.
Some newer implants are made from zirconia, a ceramic material.
Titanium Implants
- Most common
- Excellent long-term success
- MRI-safe
Zirconia Implants
- Metal-free
- White-colored
- MRI-safe
- Excellent aesthetics
Both materials are generally compatible with MRI examinations.
What Happens If You Have Other Metal Implants?
Your healthcare provider may ask about:
- Pacemakers
- Cochlear implants
- Artificial joints
- Surgical clips
- Metal plates
- Spinal implants
Unlike dental implants, some implanted medical devices require special MRI precautions.
Always provide a complete medical history before your scan.
Tips Before Your MRI
To help ensure a smooth MRI experience:
- Inform the MRI technician about your dental implants.
- Bring your implant information card if available.
- Remove all removable metal objects.
- Follow the imaging center’s preparation instructions.
- Ask questions if you have concerns.
These simple steps help ensure both safety and image quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have an MRI after getting dental implants?
Yes. Once your dentist confirms your implant placement, MRI scans are generally considered safe.
Will the MRI damage my dental implant?
No. MRI machines do not damage properly placed titanium or zirconia dental implants.
Can dental implants interfere with MRI results?
They may create small image artifacts near the mouth or jaw, but they rarely affect scans of other body parts.
Are zirconia dental implants MRI-safe?
Yes. Zirconia is a ceramic material and is considered MRI-compatible.
Should I remove my implant before an MRI?
No. Dental implants are permanently fixed and should never be removed for an MRI scan.
Myths About Dental Implants and MRI
Myth: Dental implants will be pulled out by the MRI magnet.
Fact: Properly integrated titanium implants remain securely anchored in the jawbone.
Myth: Dental implants make MRI scans impossible.
Fact: Millions of patients with dental implants safely undergo MRI scans every year.
Myth: Dental implants become dangerously hot during MRIs.
Fact: Modern dental implants are designed using MRI-compatible materials and typically do not experience clinically significant heating.
Conclusion
So, can you get an MRI with dental implants? The answer is yes. Most modern dental implants are made from titanium or zirconia, both of which are considered safe for MRI examinations. These materials are highly biocompatible, securely integrated into the jawbone, and do not pose a significant risk during scanning.
While dental implants may occasionally create minor image artifacts in scans of the head or jaw, they rarely interfere with MRI studies of other parts of the body. The most important step is to inform your radiologist or MRI technician about your dental implants before the procedure.
With proper communication and modern imaging technology, patients with dental implants can safely undergo MRI scans with confidence.
