MRI is becoming a promising tool in dentistry, offering high-quality imaging without radiation exposure, an advantage over traditional radiography.
A recent breakthrough is the development of dental-dedicated MRI (ddMRI), designed specifically to capture both hard tissues like teeth and bone and soft tissues, which have been challenging to visualize in dental imaging.
A notable advancement is the MAGNETOM Free.Max Dental Edition, introduced by Dentsply Sirona with Siemens Healthineers, which enhances dento-maxillofacial diagnostics.
This unit allows for detailed imaging of inflammation, nerves, and other critical structures, aiding in the early detection of oral pathologies.
It has been tested in applications such as third molar extractions, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder diagnosis, and orthodontic treatment planning.
The device supports quick, easy scanning that may integrate into routine dental exams.
The first North American dental-dedicated MRI center, the Orofacial MRI Center at the University of Minnesota, is using this technology to conduct studies in endodontics, orthodontics, and orofacial pain diagnostics.
This approach allows for more precise identification of dental infections and TMJ issues, improving treatment quality and reducing the need for conventional radiographs.
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