Does dental implant affect MRI?

Apr 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, whether dental implants affect MRI scans mainly depends on the materials used for the implants. If the implants are made of pure titanium or titanium alloy, they generally do not cause any interference. However, if other metal materials are used, they may affect the MRI. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo dental implant procedures under a doctor's guidance to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the surgery.

Generally speaking, whether dental implants affect MRI examinations mainly depends on the materials used for the implants. If the implants are made of pure titanium or titanium alloy, they usually do not cause interference. However, if other metallic materials are used, they may interfere with MRI imaging. Dental implants involve inserting artificial tooth roots into the upper or lower jawbone, which are then connected to prosthetic teeth via special devices and methods to achieve a stable restoration. The usual reference price for a dental implant ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan per tooth, with visible improvement typically occurring 3–6 months after surgery, although complications such as infection or bleeding may occur. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Modern dental implants are commonly made of pure titanium or titanium alloy. These materials have good MRI compatibility because titanium is non-magnetic and does not become magnetized in a strong magnetic field, nor does it cause significant magnetic interference. Therefore, they generally do not affect MRI image quality.

However, if certain components of the dental implant, such as the crown, are fabricated from other metallic materials like cobalt-chromium or nickel-chromium alloys, these materials may interfere with MRI images, causing artifacts that could affect diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, patients should inform their doctors about their dental implants before undergoing MRI examinations, particularly the materials used for the crowns, so that the physician can assess the situation and take appropriate measures.

It is recommended to visit a qualified hospital and undergo dental implant procedures under a physician's guidance to ensure surgical effectiveness and safety. In most cases, patients with dental implants can safely undergo MRI examinations, but it is advisable to consult with a physician beforehand to determine whether the implant materials are compatible with MRI, thus ensuring the accuracy and safety of the examination.

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