MRI with Dental Implants – Is It Possible or Not in Barcelona?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a modern diagnostic method based on exposing the human body to a strong magnetic field. The question of compatibility between this examination and the presence of dental implants concerns many patients in Barcelona. In 2026, based on protocols from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) and recommendations from the Council of Colleges of Dentists of Catalonia (Consell de Col·legis de Dentistes de Catalunya), we can give a clear answer: the presence of quality modern implants is not an obstacle to MRI, but it requires informed consent from both the patient and the physician.
What is MRI and How Does It Interact with Metals?
An MRI machine generates a high-intensity magnetic field – diagnostic centers in Barcelona use tomographs with a strength of 1.5 Tesla (standard) and 3 Tesla (high-field). This field causes hydrogen atoms in the human body to align in a certain way, allowing for detailed images of soft tissues. However, the magnetic field interacts with metals. All metals are divided into three types: ferromagnetic (iron, nickel, cobalt) – strongly attracted, can heat up and move; paramagnetic (titanium, aluminum) – weakly interactive, safe; diamagnetic (gold, copper, zirconium) – repelled by the field, completely safe. This classification is the foundation of all safety protocols.
Who Experiences the Problem and Why?
The issue of potential incompatibility between MRI and dental structures can arise in any patient, regardless of gender or age, if they have devices made from ferromagnetic materials. At risk are individuals with old metal crowns made of cobalt-chromium and nickel-chromium alloys, as well as patients who received implants long ago with unknown material composition. In Barcelona, where medical tourism is prevalent, many patients have implants placed in other countries, and information about the material may be lacking. This is the primary reason why preliminary diagnostics and consultation are required.
Is MRI Allowed with Dental Implants in Spain?
Yes, it is allowed. According to 2026 protocols from the Spanish Ministry of Health, the presence of dental implants is not an absolute contraindication. Modern implants placed in Barcelona clinics (such as Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Dentsply Sirona, Mozo-Grau, Klockner) are manufactured from medical-grade titanium Grade 4 or from the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Titanium is paramagnetic. It is not attracted to the magnet, does not heat up in the MRI field, and poses no risk of displacement due to complete osseointegration – fusion with the bone tissue. Patients with titanium implants can undergo MRI of any area, including the head and neck.
Symptoms and Diagnosis: How to Know if Your Implant is Safe?
There are no specific "symptoms" of incompatibility – the issue is only discovered when attempting an MRI or during history taking. Safety diagnosis involves several steps. First, reviewing documentation: every quality implant comes with a certificate and a passport specifying the material. Second, consulting with the implant surgeon who placed the structure. Third, in complex cases, an X-ray may be needed to identify the material based on its density. Barcelona operates the Shared Digital Medical Record system of Catalonia (Historia Clínica Compartida de Cataluña), allowing physicians to quickly access information about placed implants.
Can You Have an MRI with Crowns? With Metal Crowns
The situation with metal crowns is more complex. If the crown is made from a cobalt-chromium or nickel-chromium alloy (ferromagnetic), during a brain or neck MRI, two negative effects can occur. First, heating of the crown, which can cause burns to the gum or dental pulp. Second, significant artifacts (distortions) on the image, rendering the examination uninformative. In such cases, Spanish protocols recommend either removing the crowns before the study (if possible and agreed upon with the dentist) or choosing an alternative diagnostic method, such as computed tomography (CT).
With Metal-Ceramic Crowns
Metal-ceramic crowns have a thin metal framework (usually from the same cobalt-chromium alloys) coated with ceramic. The metal mass here is small. According to studies conducted at the University of Barcelona (UB) in 2025, metal-ceramic does not create critical health risks and is generally not a contraindication for MRI. However, it can cause local artifacts in images of the maxillofacial region. Therefore, before the study, it is necessary to inform the radiologist about the presence of such crowns – the specialist will adjust the scanning protocol to minimize interference.
Can You Have an MRI if You Have a Dental Post (Screw)?
Dental posts rarely pose a problem. Modern posts come in three types: fiberglass (completely non-magnetic, safe), titanium (paramagnetic, safe), and metal anchor posts (brass, stainless steel – can be ferromagnetic). Due to their small size and weight, the risk of displacement or heating is minimal, but they can create minor artifacts. Patients with old-style metal posts are advised to consult with their dentist and radiologist before undergoing an MRI.
Treatment and Prevention: What to Do if You Need an MRI?
If you have been scheduled for an MRI and have metal structures in your mouth, the action algorithm is simple. The first step – contact your dentist at the Korona Dental clinic in Barcelona to confirm the materials of your implants, crowns, or posts. The second step – inform the radiologist with complete information when scheduling the MRI. The third step – if you have ferromagnetic materials and need a head or neck examination, discuss the possibility of alternative diagnostics (CT), which does not use a magnetic field. Problem prevention involves installing modern titanium and zirconia implants and crowns while obtaining proper documentation, which is especially important for international patients in Barcelona.
Types and Localization: Which MRI Zones Are Most Sensitive?
The location of the examination matters. MRI of the extremities, abdomen, or chest can be performed virtually without restrictions, even with ferromagnetic crowns – the distance from the study area to the mouth is large, and the field's influence is minimal. The greatest risks and image quality problems arise during MRI of the brain, pituitary gland, cervical spine, and the maxillofacial structures themselves. In these cases, the composition of materials in the mouth is critical. Special protocols have been developed for such studies in Barcelona's diagnostic centers to reduce artifacts and ensure patient safety.
