Can porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns undergo MRI?
Disease description:
Lately, I don't know what's going on, but I've been having a particularly severe headache. My husband suggested that I go to the hospital for an MRI scan. I previously had porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns placed—can I still undergo an MRI with these crowns?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Whether porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be used during MRI mainly depends on the material of the crown.
In general, if the crown is made of non-metallic materials such as zirconia, alumina, or cast porcelain, they have minimal impact on MRI because these materials do not cause interference in MRI scans. However, if the crown contains metallic materials, such as metal alloys or titanium alloys, they may interfere with MRI, as metals can move or create artifacts in the strong magnetic field of MRI, potentially affecting the accuracy of the imaging results.
Before undergoing an MRI, patients should inform their doctor in detail about their dental restorations, especially the material used in their crowns. If the crown might interfere with the MRI, the doctor may recommend additional measures—such as removing the crown or choosing alternative imaging methods—to ensure accurate results.
