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Low-field magnetic resonance imaging for implant dentistry
C F Gray1, T W Redpath, F W Smith
1Department of Biomedical Physics and Bioengineering, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Objective:
To evaluate the use of a low-field magnetic resonance scanner for assessment of available bone for placement of osseo-integrated dental implants.
Methods:
Eleven Patients were examined to assess suitability for implant placement using a 0.2 tesla 'open' scanner. Imaging/surgical templates were constructed, with gadolinium markers to allow accurate location of the implant sites.
Results:
In all cases, localisation of potential implant sites was easily made and full information in all three planes readily available. Artefacts were few and localised, (noted on one site in one case only). Vital structures (nerves and vessels), and the variable geometry of the floor of the maxillary sinus were clearly seen, and cortical bone delineated from cancellous. The appearance of soft tissues in the scan allowed the surgeon to assess the final profile of the patient.
Conclusion:
Low-field magnetic resonance imaging has definite potential for pre-implant assessment. Full sectional information is readily available at any desired plane with no need for reformatting. The information for accurate and safe implant placement is clear. The technique uses no ionising radiation. Further work is needed to evaluate spatial distortion caused by magnetic susceptibility effects at air/tissue interfaces, but our calculations indicate that at low field, using an appropriate protocol, the effect will not be substantial.