Reciprocal actions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging with dental prostheses and oral tissues - awareness among the dentists.

OBJECTIVE

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) does not use ionizing radiation and provides a comparatively better resolution. It is an important tool for the diagnosis of problems related to the head and neck area. It has various applications in dentistry, including MRI-based planning for implant placement. Previously, studies have been performed to assess its medical use, but very few studies have been conducted on its applications in dentistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pre-validated online questionnaire was distributed through various messenger groups and social media. The questionnaire comprised two sections to collect demographics and assess the knowledge and awareness among dentists about the interactions between dental prostheses and materials with MRI.

RESULTS

In the present study, 63.20% of respondents indicated that MRI provided a good view of the implant sites, TMJ and salivary gland tumours, but the majority believed that metallic and titanium implants do not interact or cause artefacts on MRI imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that dental undergraduates and graduates had limited knowledge of the interactions of dental materials and prostheses with MRI. Dentists should be aware of interactions of MRI with the various dental materials and prostheses and possible image distortion to ensure the safety of the patient.