Can you get an MRI with dental implants?

Yes  in the vast majority of cases, you can safely undergo an MRI scan even if you have dental implants. This is one of the most common concerns patients have after dental implant surgery, and the good news is that modern medical and dental materials are specifically designed to be compatible with MRI technology.

However, the full answer is a bit more detailed, because it depends on the type of implant material, the MRI area being scanned, and the imaging equipment used.

Why dental implants are usually safe for MRI

Most modern dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloys, and sometimes zirconia (a ceramic material). These materials are very important because they are:

• Nonferromagnetic (they are not attracted to magnets)

• Biocompatible (safe for the human body longterm)

• Stable in strong magnetic fields

Because MRI machines use extremely powerful magnetic fields, any material that reacts strongly to magnets could potentially move, heat up, or distort the scan. However, titanium and zirconia do not behave this way.

In practical terms, this means:

• The implant will not move inside your jaw

• It will not become dangerous during the scan

• It will not stop you from having an MRI

Medical research consistently confirms that modern dental implants are considered MRIsafe or MRIconditional, meaning they can safely be scanned under normal clinical conditions. 

The only real limitation: image distortion (artifacts)

While safety is not usually an issue, there is one important technical consideration: image quality.

Metal components in the mouth can sometimes cause what radiologists call “artifacts”, which are small distortions or blurred areas in the MRI image.

This happens because:

• Metal slightly interferes with the magnetic field

• The distortion is usually limited to the area around the jaw

• It does not affect the whole scan, especially if the MRI is of the brain, spine, abdomen, etc.

So if you are getting a brain MRI, for example, dental implants typically do not prevent accurate diagnosis, although very small distortions near the jaw region can appear.

Are there any risky cases?

Although rare, there are a few exceptions where caution is needed:

1. Older dental work

Some older implants or dental restorations may contain:

• Nickel

• Cobalt

• Ironbased alloys

These materials can be more reactive in strong magnetic fields, but this is uncommon in modern implant dentistry.

2. Special magnetic implant systems (very rare)

A small number of dental systems use magnetic attachments for dentures. These are not typical implants and may require special evaluation before MRI.

3. Unknown implant type

If the exact material of your implant is unknown, radiology teams may:

• Request implant documentation

• Adjust MRI settings

• Or use alternative imaging if needed

MRI safety in general dental patients

Even if someone has:

• Crowns

• Bridges

• Fillings

• Orthodontic retainers

MRI is still generally safe. The same principle applies: most modern dental materials are either nonmetallic or nonmagnetic.

Important medical advice before MRI

Even though dental implants are considered safe, doctors always recommend:

• Informing the MRI technician about your implant

• Mentioning when and where the implant was placed

• Sharing any implant card or documentation if available

This is not because implants are dangerous, but because it helps ensure the best possible image quality and safety screening.

Dental implants and MRI in real medical practice

In hospitals and diagnostic centers worldwide, including advanced imaging systems used in dental and medical care (for example in centers like Vitrin Clinic in treatment planning contexts), MRI scans are routinely performed on patients with dental implants without complications.

Radiologists are fully trained to adjust imaging parameters when metal is present, which makes the process safe and controlled.

Average cost of MRI in Turkey

If you are considering MRI scanning in Turkey, prices can vary depending on the body part scanned, the type of MRI (with or without contrast), and the medical facility.

On average:

• Standard MRI scan: approximately $100 – $300 USD

• MRI with contrast: approximately $150 – $400 USD

• Specialized or multiple region scans may cost more

These prices are generally lower than in many European countries or the US due to healthcare cost differences in Turkey.

Final answer

Yes, you can get an MRI with dental implants, and in most cases it is completely safe. Modern implants made from titanium or zirconia do not react to MRI magnetic fields and will not harm you or the implant itself. The only minor issue that may occur is slight image distortion near the jaw, but this rarely affects diagnostic accuracy.

As long as you inform your doctor and MRI technician about your dental implants, the procedure can be performed safely and without complications.