High-resolution MR imaging for dental impressions: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Dental Medicine
• Medical Imaging
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging technology in dental medicine.
• Low-resolution MRI has been used for examining the temporomandibular joint.
• The study aimed to assess high-resolution MRI for digital dental impressions.

Observation:

• High-resolution MRI was used to scan two prepared teeth in a patient requiring fixed partial dentures.
• The MRI dataset underwent mathematical processing and Fourier transformation.
• A 3D file was generated from the processed data for use in CAD/CAM.

Findings:

• A digital framework for a fixed dental prosthesis was successfully modeled and manufactured using laser-sintering.
• The fabricated prosthesis demonstrated an acceptable fit in situ, meeting clinical standards.
• The MRI acquisition time was comparable to conventional dental impression materials.

Implications:

• High-resolution MRI, with custom hardware and post-processing, achieves sufficient resolution and signal-to-noise ratio for dental restorations.
• This MRI-based method is a promising proof of principle for digital impressions in fixed partial denture fabrication.
• The measurement procedure was well-tolerated by the patient.