[Magnetic resonance tomography for planning dental implantation]

Three-dimensional imaging diagnostics are increasingly recommended before inserting dental implants in high-risk areas and in cases of severe alveolar atrophy. Since patients are exposed to considerable radiation with computed tomography (CT), the possibilities of employing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the jaw as a diagnostic imaging method before inserting dental implants were examined.

Twelve patients and three volunteers were examined by MRI with T1-weighted, fat-suppressed sequences and conventional T1-weighted sequences. The patients wore a diagnostic splint including markers--in the form of capillaries filled with 0.025 x 10(-2) M gadolinium solution (1.5 mm in diameter)--in the planned implant's position and axis.

The presentation of relevant anatomic structures and the three-dimensional accuracy of the markers were judged. Metal artefacts were evaluated in vitro. The MRI of the jaw and midface represents the mandibular canal, the maxillary sinus, and other decisive anatomic structures by detailed representation of the connective tissue surrounding the bone. Artefacts of metallic fillings reduce the image quality.

Obtaining clinical findings and planning before inserting dental implants with the help of MRI can certainly be applied with toothless patients and facilitates three-dimensional planning by representing the exact location and angle of the drill tubes. Local restrictions result from metal extinction artefacts in jaws with teeth and in controls after having inserted titanium implants.