Dental Dedicated MRI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the scope for low field MRI to replace cone beam computed tomography in dentistry?
IRAS ID
328156
Contact name
Saoirse O Toole
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
328156, IRAS
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves instead of radiation to generate detailed and high-resolution images of the body's internal structures. Despite it being radiation free, this has not been used in dentistry as it takes longer, is more costly and is poorly accessible compared to conventional radiography. However, the development of a dental-specific coil and improved efficiency with imaging algorithms have overcome these clinical obstacles.
As this imaging modality has not been used before in dentistry, the aim of this study is to investigate its use for dental images, refining parameters and assessing the diagnostic quality of dental images taken using MRI. For this pilot study we wish to acquire some proof of principle images in two unique subgroups which will be the focus of future research grant applications. The first is in patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw, a diagnostic task that would largely benefit of the visualisation of soft tissues provided by DDMRI. At GSTT we have one of the largest patient cohorts with medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (Zebic & Patel, 2019). This can recur and frequent imaging is needed. Due to the lack of access for DDMRI, this has been done with conventional radiographic imaging. Using a radiation free imaging modality that will also allow detection of inflammation earlier, potentially leading to an earlier diagnosis, would revolutionise care. We need pilot images for this group to demonstrate image quality and inform power calculations for a superiority trial and associated health economic implications. The second is in dental paediatrics. Having a radiation free imaging modality to investigate this group of patients is highly desirable, particularly in the cases of dental trauma whereby there are soft and hard tissue injuries which require regular follow up to assess for healing or uncontrolled inflammation. We plan to offer patients the possibility to have an additional radiation-free scan with the following objectives
1. To assess the percentage of patients whose diagnosis was altered as a result of additional MRI scanning.
2. To assess numbers of patients which can be diagnosed effectively using this radiation free imaging modality.
3. Document health resource use to inform on a full health technology assessment trialREC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0379
Date of REC Opinion
9 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion