Dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging in prosthodontics: Applications, benefits, and limitations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (ddMRI) represents a radiation free imaging modality that allows visualizing mineralized tissues, soft tissues, and active inflammation in the stomatognathic system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has historically played a limited role in prosthodontic care because of the expense of equipment, lack of training in capturing and assessing images, long scan times, reduced resolution of mineralized tissues compared to radiography, and artifacts from intraoral dental materials. PURPOSE: Recent advances in the use of low-field-strength magnets, dedicated radiofrequency coils, focused areas of interest using dedicated sequences, and artifact reduction strategies (lower field strength and deep-learning-based reconstruction algorithms) have made it possible to investigate the use of ddMRI in prosthodontic treatment planning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An overview of different sequences used for potential applications, benefits, and limitations of ddMRI specifically for prosthodontics for patient assessment and diagnostic treatment planning is provided. Metal artifact management is reviewed, and safety and compatibility of prosthodontic materials discussed. RESULTS: The study outlines ddMRI pulse sequences used to aid prosthodontic treatment planning in simple and complex cases. We discuss practical integration pathways and research priorities to determine where ddMRI delivers unique value in prosthodontics rather than duplicating existing modalities. CONCLUSIONS: ddMRI in prosthodontics is an unfolding field with potential to improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and care. Further work is required to optimize integration into digital treatment planning and to further characterize dental-specific anatomical and pathological anatomy.