MRI ready for dental prime time? And, how to avoid counterfeit products

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

A growing body of research has demonstrated the potential for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical dentistry, including endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics. But there has been little analysis of how dental materials in a patient's mouth may affect the end result.

A new study in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology investigated the potential influence of nearly 20 metal, ceramic, polymer, and composite dental materials on MRI. The authors say their findings point to a need for manufacturers to develop new materials that are MRI-compatible because this imaging modality will soon find its way into the dental operatory. Read more.

Meanwhile, many practices have begun utilizing wholesale and discount platforms such as Amazon and eBay to find dental products at lower prices than buying from manufacturers or distributors. But the last few years have witnessed a growing problem in the dental industry that has long been an issue in the consumer goods sector: counterfeit, imitation products. Click here for tips on how to avoid being scammed.

And Dr. Lisa Knowles transformed her dental practice by adopting the whole-health dental care approach, which emphasizes taking the time to get to know more about your patients and their lives to better understand their oral health challenges and needs. Read about her journey, and how she now teaches other dental professionals about the value and rewards of the whole-health concept, here.