Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established diagnostic tool in various areas of medicine. The technique provides radiographic images in the absence of ionizing radiation. The aim of the present analysis was to evaluate the best available current external evidence for application of MRI in operative dentistry.
Material and methods: A systematic literature search was performed for studies published by August 2019 in three electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase via Ovid, Cochrane Library) supplemented by a hand search. The PRISMA criteria were applied to a PICO question. Data were extracted and summarized in data extraction files, and a quality assessment of the included studies was performed.
Results: From 287 titles identified, 12 case series with two studies on caries detection, six studies on endodontic, and four studies on anatomical aspects were eligible for inclusion. The studies included showed a high level of heterogeneity and summarized data from 343 subjects. The data available indicate potential of certain MRI settings for diagnostic of caries lesions, presentation of pulp tissues and periapical lesions, and the localization of impacted teeth.
Conclusions: The limited currently available evidence shows potential of certain MRI settings for the use in operative dentistry. Further research needs to assess the applicability and accuracy for dental hard tissues as well as cost-benefit aspects of the MRI technique.
Clinical relevance: Certain MRI settings may have the potential as diagnostic tool in operative dentistry.
Keywords: Caries; Diagnostics; Impacted teeth; MRI; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pulp vitality.