MRI question.?

Question

I suffer from chronic headaches, so, I'm going for an MRI tomorrow. I just have a question, I had a root canal done a few years ago and he inserted a post into the tooth for support, I know it's a metal post, so, my question is, can I get an MRI? I know metal and magnets do go good to together..lol I forgot to inform my doctor about it, so, is it safe to get an MRI?

Thanks.

Answer 1

No problem!

I have a dental implant and I am a MRI technologist. I am continuously around the magnetic field. Dental implants are non-ferrous, therefore they are not affected by the magnet.

"Most orthopedic and dental implants are not magnetic. These include hip and knee replacements; plates, screws, and rods used to treat fractures; and cavity fillings. All of these metal implants can distort the MRI image if near the part of the body being scanned, but they will usually not cause problems. Even if you think the metal implant is compatible with the MRI machine, you must let the MRI personnel know in order to ensure this metal is compatible."

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/f/mri.htm

"Dental Work - This may cause artifact, but is safe for scanning. However, if you have an unusual amount of dental hardware and we are doing a scan of the head some of the pictures may be affected."

http://www.newmri.com/html/mr_safety.asp

"Dental Implants – generally are OK, except for those that contain magnetically activated components."

http://www.parksidemri.com/physician/ph-ptsafety.html

So, when you check in for your appt., you will be asked to fill out a questionairre regarding metal implants, pacemaker etc. If there is not a direct question regarding dental implants, write it in. When you are introduced to your MRI technologist, who will be performing your exam, make sure you tell him/her. There should be no problems! Best wishes.....

Answer 2

It stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Where an ordinary x-ray shows a two dimensional picture, the MRI will give a three dimensional view which is in a series of moving pictures so that the area to be scanned can be viewed from all angles. It also gives greater detail in the pictures so that smaller areas which would not normally show up on an x-ray can be viewed with a certain amount of precision. Unlike the x-ray the MRI scan is not invasive to the body and is virtually harmless as it relies totally on magnetic fields.

Answer 3

Call the hospital today and ask for the MRI unit and ask the tech, they will tell you, and if there is a problem they can notify your doctor. Then you can also follow up and not be wasting your time. If another test like a CT scan needs to be scheduled you can get that done and maybe get an answer to your headaches quicker.

Answer 4

Hmmmm, there wouldn't be too much of a problem if the post that was inserted into your tooth was titanium. However, I strongly recommend that you tell your doctor anyway, because surgical metal, unlike titanium, affects an MRI significantly more and can make the MRI experience very "difficult." Please tell me how everything went 8) Good Luck!

Answer 5

Let the technician know before the procedure. Hope you are not claustrophobic coz you have to lay in the machine still for about 45 minutes minimum.

Answer 6

It should be fine, but if you are concerned have a word with the radiologist before the scan.

Answer 7

Safety first, safety last, safety always.
When you report tomorrow, be sure to tell them.
They'd prefer you tell tem, even if they have to cancel it at the last minute, .Your safety is the most important thing in the world. Please!
Good luck.


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Answer 8

Ive had several, and I have metal fiillings.
No prob