If you have dental implants—or are considering them—one of the most common questions is: “Can I safely have an MRI with dental implants?” At Lasting Smiles Irvine, many of our patients want to know how implants might affect future medical imaging. This article explains everything you need to know about MRI safety, implant materials, and how your choice of provider can make all the difference.

What Is an MRI and Why People Worry About Implants

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a medical imaging technique that uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of your body. Because of the magnetic nature, many patients with dental work wonder:

• Can the implant move or shift?
• Will the implant heat up?
• Will it distort the image quality?

These concerns are especially relevant for MRIs targeting the head, neck, or jaw—but the good news is, with modern implants like those we place at Lasting Smiles, the risk is very low.

What Dental Implant Materials Mean for MRI Safety

At our Irvine dental implant center, we use the most advanced and MRI‑safe implant materials available:

If you’re unsure what material your existing implant is made of, you can schedule a free virtual consultation with our team to find out.

Are Dental Implants Magnetic?

No — modern dental implants are not magnetic. Titanium and zirconia implants do not react to the magnetic field used in MRI machines. At Lasting Smiles, we only place MRI‑compatible implants, making your long‑term health a priority.

Do Dental Implants Interfere with MRI Images?

In rare cases, dental implants may create minor artifacts (small distortions) in the imaging field. This is only likely if:

• You have a metal crown or restoration with magnetic properties
• The MRI scan is focused directly on the jaw or sinuses

Fortunately, our team at Lasting Smiles uses non-metallic or zirconia options for highly visible areas, which reduces the chance of distortion in MRIs.

If you’re considering a full arch treatment like All-on-X dental implants, we’ll walk you through material choices with MRI safety in mind.

What Should Patients Do Before an MRI?

Whether you’re a new or existing implant patient at our Irvine location, here’s what you should do:

1. Inform your MRI provider about your dental implants.
2. Mention the material (titanium or zirconia).
3. Remove any removable dental appliances such as partials or dentures.
4. Bring your implant ID card if provided by your dentist.
5. Contact your implant dentist with any concerns beforehand.

MRI & Common Implant Scenarios

Let’s break down how dental implants behave in typical MRI situations:

• Single tooth implant (titanium): No issues.
• Zirconia implant in the front teeth: Perfect for patients wanting aesthetic and metal-free options.
• All-on-X full mouth restoration: Safe, but may create minimal shadowing if MRI is focused on jaw.
• Implants with porcelain-fused metal crowns: Slight image distortion possible. We recommend metal-free restorations.

If you’re unsure which type of implant you have or want to upgrade your restorations, we offer full assessments at our Las Vegas and Irvine offices.

Dental Implants vs Dentures for MRI Safety

If you’re deciding between implants and dentures, MRI compatibility is just one reason implants are the superior long-term solution.

Why Irvine Patients Should Think About MRI Compatibility

Many patients choose dental implants in Irvine as a permanent and life-enhancing solution for missing teeth. MRI safety is just one of the long-term benefits:

• Safer medical imaging
• Less interference with other diagnostic tests
• More compatible with sedation techniques like IV sedation dentistry

Planning your care with your future health in mind is what separates Lasting Smiles from the rest.

Are All Implant Materials Equal?

Not all implants are created equal. At Lasting Smiles, we use only FDA-approved, biocompatible, and MRI‑safe materials, such as:

• Titanium (most durable and widely used)
• Zirconia (metal-free, ideal for patients with metal sensitivities)

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for traditional implants, our specialists also offer zygomatic dental implants for patients with severe bone loss, and these too are designed with MRI compatibility in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get an MRI after full mouth implants?

Yes, modern implant systems like our Full Arch Dental Implants are designed for long‑term medical safety, including MRIs.

Do implants cause pain during MRI?

No. If placed correctly and healed, there should be no discomfort during imaging.

Will my implant heat up in the MRI?

Not with the materials we use. Titanium and zirconia do not cause significant heating during scans.

What if I had implants placed somewhere else?

No worries — schedule a free consultation and we’ll review your existing implants and materials used.

Final Thoughts

So, can you get an MRI with dental implants?
Absolutely — especially when they’re placed by experts who prioritize MRI safety from day one.

Whether you’re considering a single implant, same-day crowns, or full arch replacement, Lasting Smiles Irvine offers a complete range of solutions with your future in mind.

✨ Book your free consultation today and let’s create a smile that’s safe, functional, and future‑proof.

👉 Schedule an appointment now