Magnetic Resonance Imaging For The Planning, Execution, And Follow-Up Of Implant-Based Oral Rehabilitation: Systematic Review

Purpose: To undertake a systematic literature review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employed in the three phases of implant-based oral rehabilitation: planning, execution, and follow-up. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE bibliographic databases were searched up to January 2020 for studies assessing the use of MRI alone or in connection with CT and/or CBCT in the planning, execution, or follow-up of dental implant placement and/or bone grafting procedures in the maxilla or the mandible. Included studies were also assessed according to the diagnostic imaging efficacy scale presented by Fryback and Thornbury (F&T). Results: The search strategy yielded 10 studies, which were included in the systematic review. Six studies focused on the implant planning phase, one on the immediate followup phase, and three on both planning and follow-up. No studies acquired signal from the bone. There was no consensus on the gold standard, MRI sequence, or field strength (T). One study reached F&T level 1, eight reached level 2, and one reached level 3. Conclusion: The possible transition from radiography to ionizing-radiation-free imaging through MRI is still a novelty in dentistry and has yet to establish itself as a viable imaging modality suitable for replacing CT and CBCT. More studies are needed on the accuracy of the diverse MRI possibilities when applied for implant planning, execution, and follow-up before this diagnostic method can be considered as a reality for the clinician.