Can Dental Dedicated MRI Replace Low-dose CBCT Scanning in Dentistry

NCT07008014 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: 328156EDGE 166436
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 20
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has is a useful diagnostic tool that offers advantages over conventional radiography techniques. Unlike traditional X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scans, MRI utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed and high-resolution images of the body's internal structures. This non-invasive imaging modality allows the clinician to better see soft tissues in 3D without the use of ionising radiation. Furthermore, MRI enables the detection and characterization of a wide range of pathologies which can lead to improved diagnostic capabilities and better patient outcomes. To date, the use of MRI in dentistry has been limited as dentistry imaging focuses predominantly on hard tissues (teeth and bones) in addition to the higher cost and accessibility issues with MRI machines. However, recent developments have led to the development of a dental-specific coil for use with a low field strength (0.55 Tesla) MRI scanner. This has resulted in high diagnostic quality soft and hard tissue images and reduced imaging time. As this imaging modality has rarely been used before in dentistry, the aim of this study is to investigate its use for dental imaging, refining parameters and assessing the diagnostic quality of dental scans taken using MRI and the specific dental coil.

Conditions

Dental Situations

Keywords

Dental; MRI

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Percentage of patients whose diagnosis/care changed as a result of the additional dental MRI imaging compared to the total number of patients imaged using conventional radiography.

  The treatment plan that was given before the MRI scan will be documented. Following review of the MRI by the overseeing consultant, any changes to the treatment plan will be documented. The number of patients whose treatment plan was altered as a result of the scan will be divided by the number of those who received a scan to get a percentage.

  4 weeks

• To assess diagnostic quality of the image

  This is a feasibility trial and a new imaging modality for dentistry. Working with MR physicists we will assess image quality and report on areas for improvement

  6 months

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Percentage of patients whereby the diagnosis could have been obtained using dental-dedicated MRI alone

  4 weeks

• Time spent undergoing scan

  4 weeks

• Radiation exposure (Grays)

  4 weeks

Study Arms (1)

Patients requiring orofacial imaging

Patients requiring orofacial imaging, provided their treating clinician would see significant value in obtaining an MRI image

Other: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Interventions

Magnetic Resonance Imaging OTHER

Participants will receive an additional MRI image in addition to standard of care to investigate if it was a useful imaging modality for their condition

Patients requiring orofacial imaging

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 3 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients requiring orofacial imaging or healthy volunteers, provided their treating clinician would see significant value in obtaining an MRI image

You may qualify if:

• Patients aged 3 or over with suspected orofacial pathology involving a soft tissue component or healthy volunteers
• The patient is willing to undergo an MRI investigation
• Patient or their carer/guardian is able to provide informed consent to the study

You may not qualify if:

• Patient or their carer is unable to show Gillick competency for consent.
• The patient has pronounced claustrophobia.
• The patient has a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator.
• The patient has non-removable piercings.
• Pregnant patients, or patients who suspect they could be pregnant
• The patient has participated in other research studies within the previous 30 days.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• King's College London: lead

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spectrum Analysis; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Investigative Techniques

Study Officials

• Saoirse O'Toole, BDentSc PhD

  King's College London

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Saoirse O'Toole, BDentSc PhD

CONTACT

+442078485643; saoirse.otoole@kcl.ac.uk

Jonathan Consultant Maxillofacial Radiologist

CONTACT

+442078487343; jonathan.1.davies@kcl.ac.uk

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Target Duration: 4 Weeks
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 29, 2025
• First Posted: June 6, 2025
• Study Start: July 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 24, 2025
• Study Completion: December 24, 2025
• Last Updated: June 29, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share