MRI in implant planning: A future towards radiation free imaging

Since the past few years, dental implants have gained popularity as best treatment option for missing teeth. Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning plays a key role in successful implant placements. Radiography is the most widely used method for assessing quality and quantity of bone in implant site. Selection of proper diagnostic imaging modality and their adequate interpretation is very important in implant planning. With the evolution of different imaging techniques ranging from two dimensional radiography to sophisticated three dimensional imaging modalities, proper selection of technique has become a challenge for the clinicians. However, cone beam computed tomography is the most commonly used technique for implant planning. But the serious effects caused by its radiation dose are also a concern. This article gives a short review about the uses of dental magnetic resonance imaging over cone beam computed tomography in implant planning.