Can I undergo an MRI scan with porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns?

Mar 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 45-year-old male who had porcelain crowns placed a few years ago. Recently, my doctor recommended an MRI scan, but I'm not sure if it's feasible. Can I undergo an MRI scan with porcelain crowns?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi

Having porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) dental crowns generally does not prevent a patient from undergoing an MRI scan, but the specific impact depends on the materials used in the crowns and the body region being examined. If the dental crowns contain metal components, such as nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium alloys, they may generate artifacts during the scan, which could compromise the image quality of surrounding tissues. However, many modern dental crowns are made entirely of non-metallic materials such as all-ceramic or zirconia, which have minimal impact on MRI scans and generally do not interfere with the results. Additionally, if the area being examined is far from the oral region, the influence of the dental crowns is negligible.

To ensure the examination proceeds smoothly, it is important to inform the doctor about the specific details of any porcelain crowns before scheduling the MRI, including the materials used and the time of installation. If the material composition of the crown is unknown, consult a dentist for detailed information. If the crown contains metal and may affect the imaging results, the doctor will adjust the scanning protocol or consider alternative diagnostic methods based on the individual case. Avoid wearing any metal jewelry before the examination and follow the doctor's instructions for preparation to minimize potential interference.