Purpose: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is considered both reliable and safe and provides reproducible results in guided dental implant planning procedures. However, it has weaknesses in soft tissue contrast and is associated with radiation exposure. Recent studies showed promising results with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a possible noninvasive, radiation-free, alternative imaging modality for dental indications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of 1.5 T MRI with a dedicated dental signal-amplification coil in comparison to CBCT for dental implant planning procedures.

Materials and methods: Sixteen subjects undergoing preoperative MRI (3D HR T1w TSE and 3D HR T1w FFE) and CBCT were included in this prospective study. All imaging data were used for dental implant planning procedures using commercially available software. Two experts scored the planning as "ideal," "improvable," or "unacceptable." Furthermore, quantitative distances according to EuCC recommendations were collected. Finally, discrepancies between CBCT and 3D HR T1w TSE were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results: The dental implant planning procedure was technically feasibly using all imaging data. CBCT allowed for "ideal" placement in all cases. Ratings for 3D HR T1w TSE and 3D HR T1w FFE were 81.9%, 18.1%, and 0% and 54.2%, 30.0%, and 15.3% for ideal, improvable, and unacceptable, respectively, identifying 3D HR T1w TSE as superior compared with 3D HR T1w FFE. Head-to-head comparison between CBCT and 3D HR T1w TSE revealed no significant differences regarding the apical position of the implant of 1.2 ± 0.7 mm and 1.3 ± 0.5 mm coronally, respectively (P = .287). The deviation of the planed angle was 3.0 ± 1.2 degrees. In these merged data sets, the distance to the mandibular canal was significantly higher with 1.3 ± 0.8 mm, indicating better utilization of the existing bone.

Conclusion: Within the limits of this pilot study, it can be reported that the dental image planning procedure is feasible using 1.5 T MRI with a dedicated dental coil and specific MRI sequences.