MRI with dental implants: nuances of undergoing magnetic resonance imaging when you have dental implants.

MRI is prescribed to patients quite often, because today tomography is considered one of the safest and most accurate non-invasive diagnostic methods. Magnetic resonance can be done in almost any large medical center equipped with the necessary equipment.

The examination is carried out as follows: the patient is placed in a special apparatus (tomograph), inside of which there is a powerful magnetic field. Sensors on the patient's body emit special electromagnetic pulses, which are detected by a computer.

From a school physics course, we know that near a strong magnet, metals begin to “radiate,” and such interference interferes with obtaining a high-definition image. Therefore, the main contraindications for this type of diagnosis are pacemakers, insulin pumps, endoprostheses, knitting needles and other metal objects inside the human body.

With the constant development of dentistry and the advent of new equipment, it is not surprising that more and more people are turning to specialized clinics for dental treatment or prevention. But even if the word “implantation” is familiar to you firsthand, there is always a risk that you will need to undergo MRI diagnostics. But, in this case, is it possible to do an MRI with dental implants? Will this affect the result?

Is it possible to do an MRI if you have dental implants?

A dental implant is a complex structure that is placed in the jaw bone in order to then install a prosthesis in this place. The usual material from which implants are made is titanium. However, sometimes alloys or other metals are used - titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy or zirconium dioxide.

The same physics says that metals can be divided into three types:

• A ferromagnet, which reacts worst of all to the magnetic field around it, heats up and moves if there is no fastening;
• Diamagnetic;
• A paramagnetic material that is almost unaffected by a magnet, especially if the structure is small in size.

Titanium is the latter type of metal, so it cannot cause any problems during MRI. However, brain scans may still have a blurry image if you have implants or other dental work, such as braces or posts. A “blurry” image can seriously complicate the diagnosis.

Is it possible to do an MRI with an implant? This question interests those who were prescribed an MRI and were warned that during the procedure there should be no iron objects on the body, since the field created by the magnet affects metal and electronic devices.

Dental prosthetics have changed with the advancement of technology. If earlier prosthetics were made of high-strength steel, now they are made of alloys that are inert to the human body. When and is it possible to do an MRI with dental implants?

Types of implants with which MRI can be done

Dental prosthetics can be done using metal-ceramic crowns, pins and implants, which are a relative contraindication for MRI. Previously, steel and gold crowns were placed, now they are made from metal alloys based on cobalt-nickel, cobalt-chrome, gold, platinum, coated with ceramics. They are attached to the remaining part of the tooth or a pin (screw) inserted into the tooth root. If a tooth is missing (adontia), an implant is implanted into the jaw.

Implants can be made from:

• cobalt-chromium alloy;
• Titanium and its compounds are an inert material, do not react to the field created by a magnet, take root well, and are used for the manufacture of medical implants.

What does a magnetic field do to an implant during MRI and is it possible to perform this procedure? Metals behave differently under the influence of a magnet:

• paramagnetic materials practically do not react to a magnetic field. These are platinum, titanium, zirconium;
• Diamagnets repel a magnetic field, their temperature does not change;
• Ferromagnets are magnetized, displaced, and their temperature rises. These include iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium.

This is interesting! A contrast agent that contains halidonium has been successfully used to visualize blood flow. If the ferromagnetic metal is not dangerous, then the paramagnetic substances from which implants are made can be used in MRI.

The severity of the reaction of the metal to the magnet depends on the mass of the object. They found that 20 cm of steel wire heats up to 47 degrees Celsius in a mid-polar tomograph. The mass of prostheses is much smaller and they consist of alloys, the structure of which changes the ferromagnetic properties. The dentures are firmly attached to the jaw bone, and under the influence of a magnet, only a loose object can move - a vascular clip, shot, shrapnel, mine fragments.

It is possible to do an MRI with a dental implant; it is not dangerous for the patient. But with an MRI implant, you can get a distorted image, which makes it unsuitable for diagnosis.

Distortions are observed in the images:

• brain, head;
• chest (heart, lungs, etc.);
• shoulder joints.

Images of the abdominal cavity, pelvis and lower extremities do not reveal any defects. Devices have appeared that can improve image quality; you just need to change the settings. If you have an MRI with a dental implant, notify your doctor, and he will decide whether you can do an MRI or whether it should be replaced with another method.

Titanium implants provide a minimal change in the image during MRI, and you can do MRI with them. It is necessary to bring X-ray data and conduct a comparative analysis. Before an MRI, you can check with your dentist what material the dental implant is made of; this will allow the doctor to correctly set up the tomograph.

MRI, or in other words magnetic resonance imaging, is an image that helps to accurately establish a diagnosis, examine the functioning of internal organs, detect tumors and monitor chronic diseases. Its advantage is that it does not use x-ray radiation, which means it is as safe as possible for human health. Is it possible to do an MRI with dental implants? This is a question that plagues dental office patients. There are stories among people that after examination they become dislodged, fall out and even explode. But is this true or is it true?

What's happened?

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the main methods used to diagnose brain diseases. In its process, detailed images are taken to diagnose the presence of a tumor, aneurysm, head injury, malfunction of blood vessels and the pituitary gland. Based on its results, a treatment method can be prescribed.

How is it carried out?

The procedure involves a special table on which the patient lies. This table automatically slides into the cylindrical shape of a special scanner. When performing a tomography, the patient must wear headphones, as the device makes some noise. The doctor performing the examination uses radio waves to adjust the image quality and the patient should not move for 10-30 minutes so as not to distort the diagnostic results.

During the procedure, two-way audio communication is used between the patient and the doctor. If the patient does not feel well during the process, he can inform the doctor about it. Sometimes, for the accuracy of the study, the subject cannot breathe.

Contraindications to MRI

Metal objects are not allowed to be present in the tomograph scanner. There are also a number of contraindications:

• tattoos made with certain dyes;
• clips for adjusting blood circulation pressure in blood vessels;
• ferromagnetic devices or implants, pacemakers.

MRI and are compatible, however, in order to avoid distortion of the results and any complications, you should prepare in advance.

Features of magnetic resonance therapy of patients with dentures

If a person with removable dentures is shown an MRI image, then there is no problem at all. I took off the prosthesis, went through the procedure and put it back on. In addition, pins, prostheses or implants made of gold or similar neutral materials are safe. Prostheses made of nickel, chromium and steel can cause distortion in the images.

Braces

Metal structures are installed to correct the appearance and bite of teeth. When diagnosing with a tomograph, they have a big drawback - a large impact area, which can lead to serious distortion of the study results.

When prescribing such a procedure, the patient will have to temporarily stop wearing braces, especially if we are talking about identifying an aneurysm or brain tumor.

Pins and implants

Another type of metal structures is crowns or. They are usually mounted on iron or titanium pins. The materials from which these dental structures are made are inert, which means they are not harmful to the body, but are extremely undesirable when performing tomography.

Is it possible to do an MRI with dental implants? This question is not clear-cut. If diagnostics are required for the abdominal cavity and other organs located below the lower back, then the presence of prostheses will not have any effect on the image.

When diagnostics is required for organs located above the lower back, in the neck, pituitary gland, brain and chest, serious distortions in the final tomography result can occur here. But you should understand that any examination has to be done with them, i.e. Removing dental structures and installing them again is not a cheap pleasure.

Metal prostheses

Each patient, when installing implants, should know for himself in the future what raw materials the product is made from. If it contains metal or metal-ceramics, then the doctor who will perform the MRI should be warned about this.

Let's dispel the myth - a prosthesis attached to hard bone tissue does not shift in any way under the influence of radio waves, but the result of the study will be slightly distorted.

If the medical institution has the appropriate equipment, the doctor can adjust the tomograph settings so that the negative impact from the tomograph is minimal. In addition, you can use another diagnostic option, for example, CT.

Rules for preparing for diagnostics

MRI with titanium is possible, but their presence will distort the final result of the study on a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. However, they do not in any way have a negative effect on the body. In addition, they do not become deformed or fall out after the examination.

First, you need to understand which organ will be examined. If it is below the lower back, then there is no need to worry, but if it is higher, then this is a reason to think about it. If you have removable dental structures, for example, braces or dentures, then it is better to remove them, and if the dentures are permanent, then you must warn the doctor about this.

Knowing the specifics of the patient, the specialist will decide to change the equipment settings during the study or refer him to a clinic with more modern and improved equipment. In addition, another type of examination may be offered.

Thus, when the doctor knows in advance about the possible distortion of the results, he will already understand what to do in the current situation and what points to focus on.

Currently, breast augmentation operations are available, if not to everyone, then to most of those who have such a need. They are affordable both in price and geographically due to the fact that plastic surgeons who practice breast augmentation with implants are now found in almost all large and medium-sized cities of Russia.

It is necessary to immediately make a reservation that the term “pumping up the breasts with silicone” means precisely the use of silicone-filled implants. Injections into the chest using a syringe have only historical value. In European countries and the United States, the introduction of silicone-based fillers into the breast is prohibited by law due to the harmfulness of the procedure and its frequent complications.

For men and women

Everyone knows about silicone breast prostheses. Placing breast implants in men is a relatively new area of ​​plastic surgery. And we are not talking about gender reassignment surgery at all.

Male breast implants are often called pectoral, so as not to be confused with female ones. They are most often used by those who are actively involved in sports in order to achieve an ideal figure.

Usually these are men who have a constitutionally narrow and flat chest and who cannot gain the desired muscle volume through physical exercise. Often, surgery to install pectoral implants is combined with liposuction and mastopexy for gynecomastia.

How do men feel about this?

The attitude of men depends on what kind of silicone breasts a woman gets herself. There is a common belief that such breasts:

• much denser than natural;
• she has a huge size;
• the operated breast has an unnatural shape, which often does not correspond to age, weight, etc.

In fact, none of the listed qualities is mandatory, but all of them together or in various combinations are found in women who, when choosing implants, were guided only by size.

Often these qualities are so pronounced that the question of how to distinguish silicone breasts from natural ones does not arise; everything is obvious. In addition to size, they have a fairly large number of other characteristics. If you approach the issue of choosing implants wisely, then no one will be able to distinguish artificially enlarged breasts from natural ones.

Video: Progress of breast augmentation surgery

Types of implants

The density of the breast to the touch is determined by the density of the implant itself. If you choose a soft one, the illusion of natural breasts will be complete. In addition, such implants will behave naturally: take different shapes depending on the type of bra, the presence of clothing, and body position.

If you choose dense ones, then such breasts will be pleasant to look at from a distance, but to the touch they will be clearly artificial and hard. And such breasts will retain the same shape in any position and in any underwear.

Size and shape

Gigantomania and unnatural breast shape, which was chosen in accordance with a stereotyped and exaggerated idea of ​​beauty, without taking into account the features of the figure and appearance in general, is what can often be seen in before and after photographs.

Size does not matter if, with an initial breast size of zero, a woman who is not particularly thin makes a choice between the second and incomplete third size.

If we are talking about the fourth or fifth size of a twig girl, then we can say with confidence that the unnaturalness will not only be noticeable, it will be striking.

As for the shape, some ladies after the age of thirty often change implants just to make the breast shape more natural for their age. The most interesting thing is that there is not a single comment on men’s forums about the presence of scars as a sign of silicone breasts.

The presence of scars only for women is an indicator of unnaturalness, and even then not for everyone. This means that if you approach the choice of breast size, shape and implant density wisely, then others will not have any suspicions about your new shape.

Pros and cons of silicone breasts

The pros and cons of silicone breasts are relative and are often a consequence of which implants the patient chose and how well the surgery was performed.

Pros:

• excellent mood, well-being and self-esteem from the fact that the breasts look great;
• the ability to become pregnant and breastfeed without restrictions if the ducts of the mammary glands are not damaged during the operation;
• a new wardrobe and a collection of new swimsuits every year;
• new relationship with an old or new partner.

Cons:

• cost of surgery, implants, compression garments, recovery period;
• the operation is performed under general anesthesia;
• the need to spend part of the planned or unpaid leave on the operation and the postoperative period, since sick leave is not given for plastic surgery;
• the recovery period requires compliance with a large number of restrictions;
• after childbirth, the shape of the operated breast may change for the worse;
• there may be adverse consequences of the operation, such as displacement of the implant, its rupture, contouring of the implant under the skin, back pain and much more;
• inability to breastfeed if the milk ducts are damaged during surgery through an incision around the nipple.

Video: Silicone implants

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ones to choose?

If earlier implants were chosen solely on the principle of “the bigger,” now a huge size is not in fashion. Ideal shapes are in fashion as an indicator of youth and health. Therefore, preference should be given to safe, proven products from those manufacturers that have proven themselves well.

The shape and size must be chosen based on the shape and size of the bust you want to get. To prevent such complications as capsular contracture, implants with a rough surface have been developed.

What can you save on during breast augmentation?

You cannot save on the cost of implants, since replacing low-quality prostheses is a full-fledged operation that is performed under anesthesia and costs money. There are young ladies who find some offices in Europe that sell them cheap. If you want to repeat their experience, please note that this is entirely your responsibility.

You cannot save money on compression garments, since the effectiveness of healing during the recovery period depends on it. You can’t save money on pain relief for the operation either, since you can choose a budget option for anesthesia, but this means a long recovery from anesthesia after the operation, poor health, nausea and vomiting.

Those who were given anesthesia with good drugs feel much better. After such anesthesia, by the evening you can have a full dinner, and you feel much better.

During the recovery period, medications such as painkillers and antibiotics, silicone patches, and scar removal creams will also be periodically needed.

The only thing you don't have to pay for is the pretentiousness of the clinic. But only in those cases if you can find, through recommendations, an excellent surgeon whose services will cost a reasonable amount of money.

Is it possible to breastfeed a baby like this?

It all depends on the method of performing the operation and the location of the incisions. To maintain the opportunity to breastfeed your baby, two conditions must be met:

• the incision should not take place in the area of ​​the areola, since it is in this place that the milk ducts come closest to the skin and there is a risk of damage to them;
• the implant should be installed under the muscle, or partially under the muscle, but not under the glandular tissue of the mammary gland, as this may damage the glandular tissue of the mammary gland.

How can surgery affect pregnancy?

The operation can only become a problem if it occurs in the first days or weeks after conception. Anesthetics, painkillers and antibiotics can have a toxic effect on the fetus and cause birth defects. Therefore, it is recommended to terminate such a pregnancy. In other cases, no plastic surgery is a contraindication for conceiving and bearing a child.

Will the scars be very noticeable?

If there is no tendency to form hypertrophic or keloid scars, then there is no risk of developing rough scars. To make everything look absolutely perfect, you can make an incision in the armpit or perform an endoscopic operation.

Do implants need to be changed?

3rd generation implants, which are currently used for breast augmentation, do not require routine replacement. Repeated surgery will be required if mastoptosis develops and cosmetic defects such as skin ripples appear.

Price

Prices often depend on the experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon, so any attempt to save money can lead to unplanned costs for correcting cosmetic defects that may appear after unsuccessful breast augmentation surgery.

Every woman should take care of her health and know that after 35 years it is necessary to undergo breast ultrasound and fluorography once a year. And after breast augmentation, this is extremely necessary. But most girls after plastic surgery wonder whether the examination after the operation will be reliable, and whether all areas of the breast will be visible on the machines.

It is very important to take care of yourself and think about the future, so it is necessary to undergo all examinations on time. Will implants interfere with ultrasound, mammography, CT, MRI? This is the most popular question among women who have had breast enlargement. The answer is no! The presence of breast implants will not affect the examination in any way, and will not interfere with the eventual establishment of an accurate diagnosis, provided that the examination is carried out using modern technology.

Before the examination, it is recommended to carefully select a clinic. As a rule, all modern clinics are equipped with the latest models of technology. It is recommended to first clarify whether it is possible to conduct an examination of breasts with implants, and also consult with a specialist who will select the most suitable examination method.

Types of examinations:

1. Ultrasound - ultrasound examination. An ultrasound must be done before plastic surgery, and then repeated annually after it. Today this is the most common examination method. Ultrasound allows you to study the mammary glands before surgery, as well as to exclude various kinds of complications, inflammation and unfavorable changes already during the rehabilitation period.

2. Mammography. Despite the fact that mammography is the most accurate method of breast examination, it still has some difficulties. In cases where the implant was installed above the pectoral muscle, during the examination it may block some areas of the breast. If the implant is installed under the muscle, the blocked area is insignificant. The disadvantage of this method is that it will not help determine whether a breast implant is ruptured or leaking. When performing mammography, each gland is compressed first horizontally, then vertically, so the patient should warn the doctor in advance about the presence of breast implants in the mammary glands.

3. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging. The peculiarity of the method is the use of a powerful magnetic field. MRI allows you to determine implant rupture or leakage, identify tumor foci and metastases.

4. CT - computed tomography. This type of examination is considered the most accurate for diagnosing breast cancer. Computed tomography is classified as an X-ray method for examining the breast.

5. Fluorography. Breast implants are visible in the fluorography image. The patient should notify the doctor in advance about their presence, but they will not interfere with the examination of the lungs, because implants easily transmit x-rays.

Thus, the presence of breast implants will not interfere with any of the listed types of examinations and obtaining accurate data on the condition of the patient’s mammary glands and lungs.