Can MRI Be Done With Dental Crowns?

If you are scheduled for a scan and have restorative dental work, you might be wondering: Can an MRI be done with dental crowns? This is a common question we receive at Meliora Dental, as patients want to ensure their medical imaging is both safe and accurate.

The short answer is yes, you can typically have an MRI with dental crowns. However, there are a few details regarding materials and image quality that are helpful to understand before you head to your appointment in Leeds.

How MRI Interacts with Dental Materials?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of the body. Because of this, any metal in or on your body is a point of concern.

Most modern crowns and bridges are made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. These materials are non-metallic and completely non-magnetic, meaning they do not react to the MRI at all. They are perfectly safe and will not affect the scan.

What about metal-based crowns?

Some older crowns or specific types of restorations use metal alloys. These might include gold, silver, or porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns.

While these metals are often used in dentistry, they are generally non-ferrous. This means they do not contain enough iron to be pulled by the magnet or to cause a safety risk to the patient. You do not need to worry about the crown being moved or dislodged during the procedure.

The Issue of Image Distortion

The main concern with metal dental crowns during an MRI is not safety, but rather something called an artifact. An artifact is a technical term for a distortion or a shadow in the final image.

If you are having an MRI of your knee or shoulder, dental crowns will have no impact. However, if the scan is focusing specifically on your head, neck, or jaw, a metal crown can sometimes create a blur in the immediate area. Radiologists are very used to this and can often adjust the settings of the scan to work around these small distortions.

Communicating with Your Medical Team

Before your scan, the imaging centre will provide a safety questionnaire. You should always list any dental work, including crowns, bridges, or dental implants.

If you know your crown is made of a specific metal, you can mention this to the technician. At Meliora Dental, we keep detailed records of the materials used in your treatments. If you are unsure what your crown is made of, our team in Leeds can verify this for you so you can provide accurate information to your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my dental crown heat up during an MRI? 

A: While some metals can react to the radiofrequency energy of an MRI, the small amount of metal in a dental crown rarely heats up to a level that would cause discomfort or damage to the tooth.

Q: Do I need to have my crowns removed before a scan? 

A: No, dental crowns are permanently cemented to your teeth and are not designed to be removed and replaced. They are considered safe to remain in place during the procedure.

Q: Are dental implants safe for MRI? 

A: Yes, most dental implants are made of titanium, which is non-ferromagnetic. Like crowns, they are safe for the machine but may cause minor image distortion if the scan is of the face or jaw.

Protecting Your Long-Term Dental Health

Whether you have porcelain or metal-based crowns, the most important thing is that they are well-maintained. A secure, healthy crown is less likely to cause any issues during medical procedures and will last much longer.

Regular checkups allow us to ensure your restorations remain perfectly bonded and that the underlying tooth stays healthy. If you have any concerns about your dental work or need to prepare for an upcoming medical procedure, we are here to provide the clarity and care you need.