Patients with dental implants often worry whether imaging procedures are safe. Both MRI and Cone Beam CT (CBCT) are generally safe and commonly used in patients with dental implants.
Why Dental Implants Are Imaging-Compatible
Most dental implants are made of titanium, which is:
non-magnetic
stable during MRI scanning
highly compatible with radiographic imaging
This makes them safe for both MRI and CBCT.
MRI and Dental Implants
MRI does not cause movement or heating of titanium implants.
However, implants may produce minor image artifacts in nearby facial regions.
MRI scans of other body parts remain unaffected.
CBCT and Dental Implants
CBCT is widely used in dentistry for:
implant planning
bone assessment
sinus evaluation
post-implant follow-up
Metal implants may cause slight scattering artifacts, but CBCT remains highly valuable for diagnosis.
What Patients Should Inform Before Imaging
Inform your radiologist if you have:
• dental implants
• metal restorations
• orthodontic appliances
This helps optimize image interpretation.
The Key Message
Dental implants rarely interfere with MRI or CBCT imaging. Both techniques remain safe and essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Could better awareness help reduce patient anxiety about imaging procedures after implant placement?
