Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a detailed imaging technology that creates detailed images of internal organs for medical use. This technology generates images of bones, internal organs, muscles, and blood vessels. The working mechanism of MRI imaging is complex, but the technology relies on a strong magnet and radio waves to function. Magnetic materials interfere with the working of this technology. Your doctor or MRI technologist will ask you about your medical history to know if you have cochlear implants, intrauterine devices, intracranial chips, neurostimulators, and medication pumps before an MRI.
Will MRI Work After Jaw Surgery?
You should not be worried about getting an MRI since modern jaw surgeries use titanium surgical hardware. Titanium is a nonferrous, paramagnetic metal that is not affected by the magnetic field of the MRI. The risk of complications and erroneous MRI results is very low. Therefore, you can thus have an MRI immediately after dental surgery.
However, if you had your jaw surgery more than two decades ago, then there is a probability that steel surgical hardware was used. These are likely to interfere with the working of MRI imaging technology, resulting in erroneous imaging results. Your doctor and MRI technologist will assess your jaws to see how deeply the steel implants have integrated into the bone. They will then determine if the implants are likely to impact the quality of the MRI or not and advise accordingly.
Are There Risks Associated With MRI
MRI relies on strong magnetic and radio waves to create images of your internal structures. This strong magnetic field, which is about 21,000 times stronger than the magnetic field of the Earth, interferes with the normal functioning of all organs, although due to the short duration of exposure, the effect is not significant.
However, skin burns, spikes in body temperature, and erratic heart pacing have been reported by some patients after MRI. Repeated exposure to this strong magnetic field is not recommended.
Conclusion
You can have an MRI immediately after jaw surgery. The titanium hardware used in modern jaw surgeries is non-ferromagnetic and will not interfere with magnetic imaging technology. Contact us for more information regarding any dental issues.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a detailed imaging technology that creates detailed images of internal organs for medical use. This technology generates images of bones, internal organs, muscles, and blood vessels. The working mechanism of MRI imaging is complex, but the technology relies on a strong magnet and radio waves to function. Magnetic materials interfere with the working of this technology. Your doctor or MRI technologist will ask you about your medical history to know if you have cochlear implants, intrauterine devices, intracranial chips, neurostimulators, and medication pumps before an MRI.