Dental Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Implant Surgery - Status Quo and Outlook

Abstract

Numerous technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging have opened up promising new approaches in dentomaxillofacial radiology in recent years. With its ability to simultaneously visualize soft and hard tissues, MRI has the potential to become an innovative method for accurate diagnosis and planning of dental implants. Dental MRI is already a valuable and useful complement to conventional X-ray imaging techniques and could further minimize the risks of surgery by optimizing existing treatment protocols. Considering current efforts in dentistry to reduce radiation exposure and take a further step toward personalized oral diagnostics that consider patient-specific factors, this article reviews the capabilities of dentomaxillofacial MR imaging in implant surgery. It highlights the various applications of MRI in dental implant surgery and evaluates both the benefits and the clinical challenges. Overall, considering the specific indications and limitations of MR sequences, dental MRI represents a further significant advance in individualized treatment planning in dentistry. It allows consideration of parameters not visualized by conventional imaging techniques and is particularly useful for evaluating surgically relevant parameters, especially those related to soft tissue.