Quantitative analysis of MRI signal intensity as a tool for evaluating tooth pulp vitality

Abstract

Objectives: To assess whether it is possible to measure tooth vitality using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Signal intensity measurements were conducted using T1 and T2 sequences at the region of interest in 211 teeth (35 patients). Results: Clinical findings showed that 17.3% of the teeth were avital, whereas 82.7% were found to be vital. Neither the T2 sequence nor the non-contrast-enhanced T1 sequence showed significant differences between vital and avital teeth. However, the contrast-enhanced sequence and, in particular, a comparison of signal intensities between the non-contrast-enhanced T1 sequence and the contrast-enhanced sequence showed a significant difference between vital and avital teeth. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced MRI enables us to draw conclusions on pulpal perfusion in vivo.