Connect
Has anyone with 40 year old dental crowns had MRI? Any problems?
I need imaging to check my T2-T6 thoracic spine to see if there is nerve damage or a disc issue. I've already had an X-Ray which doesn't see the nerves. I am fearful though of having an MRI because I have 30-40 year old dental crowns, some of which will almost certainly have some magnetic materials. Has anyone else had a problem with MRIs and very old dental crowns?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.
Connect
What is the filling under the crowns composed of? Most likely silver and mercury.
https://mydentistupland.com/blog/can-you-have-an-mri-with-dental-crowns/.
I had cervical MRI scans while having gold crowns with no issues. I was mercury free then 2021.
@aldo2: Dental metal is no problem. I have screw in my wrist and they accept this no problem. I have MRI abdomen with/without contrast every 3 months! Don’t worry about MRI magnet reaction to dental crowns, but if you have dental partials remove them.
Yes, my dental crowns are 40 years old. In fact they are 48 years old, and still hanging in there. I've had several MRI's including a cervical MRI fairly recently. For all MRIs I was put into a gown and all external metal removed: earrings, watch, rings, necklace, but internal metal was not an issue. I was asked about internal metal, but not asked about crowns in teeth.
It depends what your crowns are made of. Cobalt and nickel have magnetic properties so might distort the image. It also depends what part of the body is being viewed. Dental crowns are made of various materials.
Never had problems. If the MRI is on your head then you may want ask your physician,