Abstract

Overview

The study focuses on measuring the amount of mercury released from dental amalgam when subjected to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) under different conditions.

Objectives

• To measure mercury release from standardized hydroxyapatite/amalgam constructs during MRI scanning.
• To investigate the impact of static field strength and RF power on mercury release.

Methods

Mercury concentration was measured in amalgam placed into hydroxyapatite disks, matured in artificial saliva, and then exposed to MRI scanning at both 3T and 7T field strengths, with variations in RF power.

Findings

• Increased mercury release was observed particularly in the 7T MRI groups and the high-power 3T group.
• Statistical analysis confirmed the impact of both the field strength and RF power on mercury concentrations, indicating a significant increase in mercury release.

Conclusion

While there is an increase in mercury release during MRI, the amount released is small and considered to remain well below the threshold considered to be unsafe. However, any increase in mercury levels due to exposure to electromagnetic fields should be carefully considered from a safety perspective.