MRI magnetic resonance makes many people fill their teeth easily

A laboratory study showed that the level of unsafe mercury was found in saliva after a tooth was scanned by a 7-T machine, which was four times stronger than a conventional hospital scanner. .

Although it is unclear whether this amount of mercury is sufficient to cause poisoning, but in high doses, it may increase the risk of brain damage, heart attack or infertility.

The researchers said that the effects of MRI resonators on stronger solder were not studied, but they found that this could be a risk for dental fillers.

The same effect was not detected in 1.5-Tesla MRI scanners with lower intensity, often used in hospitals.

Picture 1 of MRI magnetic resonance makes many people fill their teeth easily
The effect of MRI resonators may be a risk for dental fillers.

Currently, 7-T machines with strong levels are used primarily for research and only in a few hospitals.

The machines have been approved for use in 2017, to provide a clearer picture for research medicine but they can carry a risk if used in practice.

Researchers at Akdeniz University in Turkey explained that when a mixture of fillings hardens, mercury is kept inside with a protective film covering the surface of the tooth.

The study's lead author, Dr. Selmi Yilmaz, a dentist and lecturer at Akdeniz University, said: 'In a completely hard mixture, about 48 hours after placing on the teeth, mercury is attached to the structure. The chemical and the surface of the filling is covered by an oxide film. So, any mercury leakage is very rare '.

However, the researchers say the magnets in the scanners are stronger - nearly five times the size of hospitals' scanners - causing corrosion in the mixture, allowing toxic mercury to leak out. out.

High levels of mercury in the blood can cause brain damage such as numbness or slow reflexes, which can increase the risk of heart attack or heart disease, and may reduce the number of male sperm and increase the risk of heterosexuals. disability in women.