Investigation of the Effect of Magnetic Retention Systems Used in Prostheses on Buccal Mucosal Blood Flow

The purpose of this study was to investigate the probable effects of the magnetic field produced by dental magnets on neighboring capillary circulation. Ten subjects were used. Transparent acrylic resin devices were prepared to receive the dental magnets and were used continually by subjects except during sleep. The maxillary buccal mucosal blood flow was measured on both sides (control and experimental) in the same subjects before the use of dental magnets and after 3, 7, 15, 30, and 45 days by the 133Xe clearance technique. Upon analysis it was found that the difference in blood flow between the control and experimental sides was insignificant (P greater than .05). The decrease in blood flow as time progressed was attributed to the pressure exerted by the oral devices rather than by the effect of the magnetic field.