Evaluation of Artifacts Produced by Different Dental Crown Materials on Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objectives: Many patients with metallic objects in the head and neck region may require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to assess the artifacts produced by different dental crown materials on ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI. Materials and Methods: Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) and zirconia (Zr) crown and fixed bridges were included and embedded in agar gel. UTE sequence by 1.5T MRI was performed and the artifact area produced by these materials, were measured within the region of interest (ROI). Mean artifact areas were recorded. Results: Mean artifact area produced by Co-Cr and Zr was 140.055 mm2 and 102.349 mm2, respectively. Zr material produced less artifacts than metal restoration. It was stated that the amount of artifact increased as the number of elements increased. Conclusions: Co-Cr metal restorations have stronger effect than Zr material on UTE MRI. UTE sequence is useful in evaluating susceptibility artifacts from different materials. Knowing the amount of artifact produced by different materials will help to produce new materials that cause less artifact formation or to improve the properties of existing materials.