Effect of T1 and T2 Magnetic Resonance Protocols on Bone Volume Measurement and Image Quality During Dental Implant Planning

Objective: Compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols (T1- and T2-weighted) with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for measurement of bone volume and image quality in edentulous mandible during dental implant planning. Methods: A phantom was scanned using CBCT and MRI and two examiners measured bone volume (linear measurements) and assessed image quality (visualization of anatomical structures) with 5-point scale. Linear measurement reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient, and group differences with Friedman’s and Wilcoxon’s tests. The image quality ratings were classified as clinically nonvalid (score≤2) or valid (score≥3), reliability was assessed with percentage of agreement, and group differences with chi-squared test. Results: Reliability of linear measurements was mostly very good for CBCT (0.7480.981), good for T1-weighted (0.674-0.924), and fair to T2-weighted images (0.2010.851). Significant differences were observed between imaging exams (p<.032) and between T1- and T2-weighted images (p<.046), except for alveolar ridge height (p=.119). CBCT showed the highest agreement and validity (100%), followed by T2-weighted (80% agreement, 90% validity), and T1-weighted (77% agreement, 82.5% validity), with no significant differences among modalities (p=.054). Conclusions: Compared to CBCT, T1- and T2-weighted MRI protocols had significantly lower reproducibility and accuracy in measuring bone volume, with reduced image quality, especially for visualizing the mandibular nerve canal.

Dental Implants Anatomy Magnetic Resonance Imaging Computer-Aided Surgery Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery