Why Dental Fillings Don't Cause MRI Test Trouble
What is an MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This name replaced an older name, NMR, which stood for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. There was nothing inaccurate about this descriptive name, so why was it replaced? Doubtless it was due to the unfounded public concern that nuclear radiation is employed in NMR testing. In reality, the patient so tested never receives X-rays or other harmful ionizing radiation. As the website RadiologyInfo.org tells us, "MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures." Thus it is a tool for your doctor to see what is going on inside your body's routinely inaccessible areas.
Preparing for the Test
The word magnetic in Magnetic Resonance Imaging suggests metallic objects could interfere with testing. Such is the case. Thus, before entering the machine the patient will be asked to empty his pockets-perhaps into a temporary locker. The patient may then have an IV inserted so that contrast dye may be injected at some point during testing. The patient is asked to lie on a sliding table-like surface that can be positioned inside the doughnut-shaped ring portion of the MRI machine. The patient will be asked to hold a squeeze-ball to alert the technician in case of an emergency or if the patient suddenly experiences panic due to claustrophobia.
So What About Dental Fillings?
Why, when the technician questions the patient about metal implants and prostheses, are dental fillings generally ignored? Undergoing an MRI test himself, the author asked this question of the attending technician, who gave a clear and logical response. Many metals, such as titanium and non-magnetic surgical steel are used in hip-replacement and other operations. They are well cemented or otherwise attached to the body.
A Dynamic Demonstration
The technician highlighted this by asking me for my locker key and then lightly tossing it toward the inside of the machine. The key rocketed through the air and stuck on the surface of the machine. If allowed to wear metal rings and other ornaments or loose metal implants, the patient might be hurt externally by flying objects or they could conceivably suffer internal injury through uncontrolled movement of the implant. Metal dental fillings are cemented in place and so generally do not move. Besides, they are made of non-magnetic metals, or even non-metallic substances. They pose no problem.
Resources:
Personal Experience and Conversation with Radiology Technician
Published by Vincent Summers
My secular expertise includes 23 years of experience at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, with a share in NASA's extended Voyager 2 effort. I formerly wrote for Demand Studios, Bukisa, Suite 101, Exa... View profile
- NMR Scanner Could Detect Liquid Explosives at Airport SecurityHave you ever heard of the NMR scanner? Unless you work in the wine industry, probably not. It's a device used to scan liquids and detect their chemical compounds. It's a potentially new way to detect for liquid ex...
Dental ImplantsThere is no need to face a future with wobbly, ill-fitting dentures or loose bridgework. Now there is a new solution to replace missing teeth: dental implants. - Titanium Wrist ImplantsSome people can break a bone and manage to not do enough damage to warrant anything more than a cast or maybe a surgical pin. My broken wrist required a four hour surgery and titanium wrist implants to rebuild it.
The Benefits of Dental Implants Over Other Tooth Replacement MethodsPeople with missing teeth should have dental implants because they are the only solution to their problem. Dental implants restore normal eating, speaking, and laughing. Dental...- How to Prepare for an MRIThis article discusses everything you need to know about preparing for an MRI.
- Biological Applications of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- Various Dental Filling Options
- Do You Know What Exists in Your Dental Fillings?
- Dental Health: Cavities
- Doctor-Patient Relationship Vital
- Mercury Fillings Are Hazardous to Your Health
- Getting an MRI Can Be Scary - What You Need to Know
24 Comments
Post a CommentAlways wondered why they tell you to remove all that metal, but never imagined it was because it would float and fly. I thought it would cause some sort of damage to the body, but never considered the fillings. Great article! Thanks for the info.
Interesting! I have to go for one soon.
I had an MRI a few years ago and my fingers had swollen up so much I couldn't get my Sterling Silver rings off. I was told as long as they weren't made of anything else it was fine to wear them, but even so I was scared and had ahold of that emergency button just in case. But all I felt was a slight buzzing sensation where my silver rings were.
Interesting...
Hah! Interesting. Had no idea it was because loose metal objects would fly about; I thought it was because they'd interfere with the images.
I get MRI's a couple times a year and I never considered or recalled some of my old fillings obviously have metal compounds. I loved reading this information. Thank you.
Very interesting and good to know!
Wow, interesting. I never thought about dental fillings until you mentioned it.
Good to know: MRI's make us all nervous!
Very informative! I never knew this about an MRI and metals before!