Because MRI devices use strong magnets, metal implants pose the specific risk of potential migration of implants and radiofrequency (RF)-induced heating of the implants, which may cause damage to the surrounding tissue [11].
When seeking implant dentistry from James A. Burden, D.D.S., many patients ask if dental implants will interfere with other medical treatment that requires MRIs. Fortunately, MRIs are completely safe to perform on patients with dental implants.
In general, metallic orthopedic implants are not affected by MRI. Your implant or device may come with a special information card that you should bring to your appointment and show to the technologist. Some implants are not compatible with MRI scanners.
Metal that's well secured to your bone, such as hip and knee joint replacements, will not be affected by an MRI. The metal won't heat up or move as a result of getting an MRI. If the metal is near an organ, such as the prostate, distortion of the image could become an issue.
As discussed in the prior Q&A, objects made of ferromagnetic materials — iron, cobalt, manganese, nickel and a few rare earth elements and their alloys — have the potential to move or twist in a static magnetic field creating potential danger.
Can I have an MRI if I have had a joint replaced? Yes. But if the MRI imaging is being done to look at structures near the knee implant, the metal of the implant can distort the image.
Crowns and fillings can be made of porcelain, resin composite, or gold. They vary in cost and durability but are widely available and do the same job as metal materials. While they pose no danger in an MRI machine, silver amalgam fillings have become unpopular with some patients for other reasons.
The reason for this is that the powerful magnetic fields that are generated can cause damage by making the foreign bodies move, or by stopping other implanted devices from working. Having a joint replacement in your body does not prevent you from having an MRI scan.
Today, some implantable devices are even made with a setting specific for MRI. The implant can be put into MRI mode to make it safe before the scan begins.
I have a hip/knee/shoulder replacement but I need an MRI? If you have metal in the area your provider would like you to have an MRI on you may be a candidate for WARP. WARP is special software installed on our Londonderry and Elliot Hospital MRI machines that help reduce the artifacts from metal.
Crowns made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold pose no risks from MRI. If a patient has a crown made with metal, or of porcelain fused to metal, they should consult their dentist before getting an MRI. The age of a crown may be a clue to the material used.
Loose metal objects can injure you during an MRI when they're pulled toward the very powerful MRI magnet. This means all jewelry has to come off, not only what you can see, and this includes belly-button or toe rings. 5.
Although some old MRI scanning equipment may not be compatible with your prosthesis, the majority of MRI scanning equipment today is safe and compatible with hip replacement parts. You also may have a CT scan of any part of your body after a hip replacement.
A CT scan may be recommended if a patient can't have an MRI. People with metal implants, pacemakers or other implanted devices shouldn't have an MRI due to the powerful magnet inside the machine. CT scans create images of bones and soft tissues.
Since the imaging speed is much faster than an MRI, CT imaging is affected less by slight movements, but it is still important that the patient remains as still as possible. CT scans are safe for patients with metal implants.
While your braces don't pose any risk to your health, the MRI may be distorted by your braces if it is attempting to capture a picture of your head, neck, or facial area that is close to your braces. The metal in your braces may distort the “tuning” of the MRI.
The cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices: Patients with CIED are at risk for inappropriate device therapy, device heating/movement, and arrhythmia during MRI.
Wear clothing without any metal. This includes your bra. Metal can heat up in the MRI environment, causing burns. Some newer fitness clothing will have metal in it.
You will be in constant communication with the MRI technicians and you can stop the scan at any time. We have a fan in case you get warm, blankets in case you are cool and bolstering pillows to help you stay comfortable during a long scan. We have a selection of music available to listen to through headphones.
Pins, plates and metallic joints
Metal that is well secured to the bone, such as hip and knee joint replacements, will not be affected by an MRI. The metal won't heat up or move in response to the machine. But if the metal is near an organ, such as the prostate, distortion could be a problem.
An MRI test can tell whether you have a meniscus tear or other related injuries, and it can help with treatment decisions. Arthroscopy can identify a meniscus tear and treat it at the same time. It can also see if you have other injuries.
People who have undergone a spinal fusion or had metal implants placed in their spine commonly complain of pain during the colder months of the year. This occurs because metal loses heat more quickly than natural tissue and, if it does, the nerves surrounding the device can get cold as a result and cause pain.
The MRI produces a magnetic field. You shouldn't wear deodorant before your procedure, as many of these products contain aluminum. Likewise, shower with regular soap, but avoid perfume, hair sprays, and gels, because they can also interfere with MRI results.
Even though titanium and zirconia dental implants don't interfere with an MRI, past dental treatment may present a concern for MRI technologists. For this reason, you should be extremely careful to provide your physician and the treating diagnostic technician with a detailed medical and dental history.
Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination. These items contain metals that might interfere with the magnetic field inside the MRI machine and cause you to have distorted images and wrong results.