Methods: In the study, 5 patients were imaged by the conventional T1-weighted spin-echo method in a whole body 3 TMRI scanner (Siemens Magnetom Trio, Erlangen, Germany). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), was optimized by using a dedicated temporomandibular surface RF coil of 10 cm diameter for NMR signal detection. MR images were acquired in transverse 3mm-thick slices that offered the best compromise between spatial resolution and signal to noise ratio for a gingival tissue. The tissue was characterized by a MRIsignal intensity, which is for the spin-echo method given by the relation (1-exp(-TR/T1))exp(-TE/T2). Here TR and TE are characteristic repetition time and echo time constants to optimize image contrast, while T1 and T2 are corresponding tissue relaxation times.
Results: Results of the study confirmed that MRI is an appropriate method for planning of dental implants and assessment of bone geometry and integrity. In addition to its non-invasiveness it excels by an exceptional soft tissue differentiation; i.e., it can very efficiently detect nerve locations and possible inflammations.
Conclusions: MRI is a promis ing non-invasive alternative to CT in planning of dental implants and dental tissue characterization.