Can You Go Through Airport Security or Have an MRI Scan With a Dental Crown?
Smile Dentist Team
Dental Care Team
Introduction
If you have a dental crown — or you're considering having one fitted — you may have found yourself wondering whether it could cause complications at airport security or during a medical MRI scan. These are entirely reasonable concerns, and they're among the most commonly searched dental questions online. People want reassurance before they travel or undergo an important diagnostic procedure, and knowing what to expect can make a real difference to how relaxed and prepared you feel.
Dental crowns are one of the most widely used restorative treatments in modern dentistry, designed to protect and restore damaged or weakened teeth. They are made from a variety of materials — including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and combinations thereof — and the material used in your crown plays an important role in understanding how it interacts with security equipment and medical scanning technology.
This article explains the science behind dental crowns, how different materials behave in airport scanners and MRI machines, and when it may be worth discussing your crown with a dental or medical professional before a procedure.
Featured Snippet: Quick Answer
Can a dental crown trigger airport security or interfere with an MRI scan?
Most modern dental crowns — particularly those made from porcelain, ceramic, or tooth-coloured composite — are unlikely to trigger airport security metal detectors or significantly interfere with MRI scans. However, crowns containing metal alloys may behave differently depending on the scanner type and the specific metals used. Always inform your MRI radiographer of any dental restorations beforehand.
What Is a Dental Crown and What Materials Are Used?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a prepared natural tooth or a dental implant. It restores the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth has been significantly damaged by decay, cracked, broken, or treated with root canal therapy.
The material used to make your crown matters enormously when considering interactions with metal detectors and MRI equipment. The main types include:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): A porcelain outer layer bonded to a metal substructure. These crowns contain metal and are still widely used.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Contain no metal at all. These are increasingly popular for aesthetic restorations, particularly on front teeth.
- Full metal crowns: Made entirely from metal alloys such as gold, palladium, or base metal alloys. These are durable and often used on back teeth.
- Zirconia crowns: Made from zirconium dioxide, a strong ceramic material. These are metal-free, though zirconia is technically a mineral compound.
Understanding which type of crown you have is the first step to answering questions about security scanners and MRI compatibility. If you are unsure, your dentist will be able to advise you based on your treatment records.
Will a Dental Crown Set Off Airport Security?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by patients preparing to travel. The good news is that dental crowns — even those containing metal — are very unlikely to trigger airport security metal detectors or full-body scanners.
Here is why: airport security systems are calibrated to detect larger quantities of metal, such as belt buckles, jewellery, or concealed objects. The small amount of metal present in a dental crown — even a full metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crown — is generally far below the threshold that would activate an alert.
Full-body imaging scanners used in many modern airports (such as millimetre-wave scanners) work using radiofrequency waves, not X-rays, and are designed to detect objects on the body's surface rather than internal structures. Dental restorations are deep within the mouth and are not typically flagged by these systems.
In practice, the vast majority of people with dental crowns, bridges, or other metal restorations pass through airport security without any issue. If you have multiple or extensive dental restorations and are concerned, it is perfectly acceptable to mention this to airport security staff before screening. They are trained to handle such situations calmly and professionally.
Can You Have an MRI Scan With a Dental Crown?
This question carries slightly more clinical significance than the airport security concern, and it is worth understanding in some detail.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) works by using a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. The concern with any metallic object in or on the body relates to two potential issues: the magnetic force the MRI may exert on ferromagnetic metals, and the heat or image distortion that certain metals can generate during scanning.
The key distinction here is between ferromagnetic metals (those attracted to magnets, such as iron, cobalt, and nickel) and non-ferromagnetic metals (such as gold, titanium, and most dental alloys). Most dental crown materials used today fall into the non-ferromagnetic category, which means they are generally considered safe for MRI scanning.
However, the picture is nuanced. While most modern dental crowns are unlikely to pose a safety risk during an MRI, they can sometimes cause image artefacts — areas of distortion in the scan image — particularly if the crown is located near the area being scanned. This is worth noting if you are having an MRI of the jaw, neck, or brain, as image quality may be affected.
The Clinical Science: Metal Alloys and Magnetic Fields
To understand why most dental crowns are considered MRI-safe, it helps to look at the materials science involved.
Dental crown alloys are specifically formulated to be biocompatible — that is, safe for use in the human body. Common alloys used in dental restorations include:
- Gold alloys: High gold content; not ferromagnetic; generally considered MRI-safe.
- Palladium-silver alloys: Non-ferromagnetic; generally considered safe.
- Base metal alloys (e.g., nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium): May have slightly different magnetic properties depending on composition, though most are classified as safe.
- Zirconia: A ceramic material with no magnetic properties whatsoever.
- Porcelain and ceramic: Completely non-metallic; no concerns with MRI.
The MRI environment itself operates at varying field strengths, typically measured in Tesla (T). Clinical MRI scanners commonly operate at 1.5T or 3T. Higher-field MRI machines may require more careful evaluation of any metallic components, which is why it is always best to inform the radiography team of all dental restorations before your scan.
It is also worth noting that dental implants — which support some crowns — are typically made from titanium and are widely considered MRI-compatible, though again, the radiographer should always be informed.
What to Tell Your MRI Radiographer Before a Scan
If you are scheduled for an MRI scan and have one or more dental crowns, the most important thing you can do is declare your dental restorations clearly before the procedure begins. This is standard practice, and radiography teams are well-experienced in assessing dental metalwork.
Before your scan, you will typically be asked to complete a safety questionnaire. Be honest and thorough when answering questions about any dental work. Specifically, note:
- Whether you have any crowns, bridges, implants, or other restorations.
- Whether you know what materials were used (your dentist can provide this information if needed).
- Whether any of your crowns are relatively new, as newer all-ceramic or zirconia options are likely to be non-metallic.
The radiographer or radiologist will use this information to assess whether any additional precautions are needed. In most cases, the scan will proceed without issue. In rare cases — particularly for very old crowns made from older metal alloys, or if the scan area is close to the jaw — the radiographer may wish to consult with a specialist or adjust the imaging protocol.
If you are ever uncertain about what type of crown you have, contact your dental practice before your MRI appointment. Your dental treatment history and crown records can usually be retrieved quickly, giving you and your medical team the clarity needed before the scan.
When You Should Speak to Your Dentist Before Medical Procedures
There are several circumstances in which consulting your dentist before an MRI or other medical procedure may be worthwhile:
- You have old or unknown restorations: Older crowns, particularly those placed many years ago, may use materials that are less clearly documented. Your dentist can review your records or arrange a radiograph to assess what is present.
- You are having an MRI of the head, neck, or jaw: These areas are closest to dental structures, and image artefacts are most likely to occur. Your radiographer may wish to know the exact composition of any nearby restorations.
- Your crown is loose, damaged, or recently placed: A crown that is not fully secure may behave differently under physical or environmental stress. If you have any concerns about the stability of a crown, it is advisable to have it assessed before travelling or undergoing medical imaging.
- You have a dental implant supporting a crown: Implants are typically titanium and are considered safe, but it remains good practice to inform medical teams.
Dental symptoms and treatment suitability should always be assessed individually during a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional. If you have any questions about your restorations ahead of a medical procedure, your dentist is your first point of contact.
Caring for Your Dental Crown: Oral Health Advice
Regardless of the material your crown is made from, maintaining good oral health around your restoration helps it last longer and protects the underlying tooth structure. Here are some practical steps to support your crown's longevity:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the margin where the crown meets the gum line. This area can be prone to plaque accumulation.
- Floss or use interdental brushes daily to clean between teeth, including around the crown. A water flosser can be a helpful additional tool.
- Avoid very hard foods — particularly ice, hard sweets, and crusty bread — as these can chip ceramic or porcelain crowns over time.
- Wear a night guard if recommended: If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), your dentist may suggest a custom-fitted night guard to protect your crowns from excessive wear.
- Attend regular dental check-ups: Routine examinations allow your dentist to check the condition and fit of your crown, identify any early signs of decay at the margins, and advise on any maintenance required.
Learning about dental crown care and maintenance as part of your ongoing oral health routine is a positive step in supporting your restoration for the long term.
Key Points to Remember
- Most dental crowns will not trigger airport security metal detectors, regardless of the material they are made from. The amount of metal present is well below typical detection thresholds.
- Dental crowns are generally considered safe for MRI scanning, particularly those made from modern porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or non-ferromagnetic alloys.
- Always inform your MRI radiographer about your dental restorations before your scan. This allows the team to assess any potential for image distortion and take appropriate steps.
- The material your crown is made from matters. All-ceramic and zirconia crowns present no metallic concerns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and full metal crowns contain alloys that are typically non-ferromagnetic but should still be declared.
- If you are unsure what your crown is made from, your dental practice can review your records and provide this information to your medical team.
- Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are a highly effective way to keep your crown in good condition for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a dental crown set off a metal detector at the airport?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Airport metal detectors and full-body scanners are calibrated to detect larger quantities of metal than that found in a dental crown. Even crowns containing metal alloys — such as porcelain-fused-to-metal or full metal crowns — contain a very small volume of metal and are highly unlikely to activate airport security alarms. If you are travelling with multiple dental restorations and feel concerned, you can simply mention this to the security staff before you go through the scanner.
Is it safe to have an MRI scan with a porcelain dental crown?
Yes, all-porcelain and all-ceramic crowns are metal-free and present no known concerns in relation to MRI scanning. They do not contain any ferromagnetic components and should not cause distortion in the scan image. That said, it is still good practice to inform your radiographer of all dental work before any MRI procedure. The radiography team will always carry out a pre-scan safety assessment, and being thorough and transparent with your answers is the safest approach.
What if my dental crown is made from metal? Can I still have an MRI?
Most modern dental crown alloys — including gold, palladium, and cobalt-chromium — are classified as non-ferromagnetic, meaning they are not attracted to magnetic fields. This makes them generally safe for MRI scanning. However, metal restorations located near the area being scanned can sometimes cause image artefacts or distortion, which may affect the clarity of the results. Informing your radiographer allows them to plan accordingly and, if necessary, adjust the imaging protocol to minimise any interference.
Should I tell my dentist I need an MRI before going ahead?
It is not usually necessary to inform your dentist before a routine MRI. However, if you are unsure what material your crown is made from, contacting your dental practice beforehand is a practical step. Your dentist can check your treatment records and confirm the type of restoration, giving you and your medical team the precise information needed. This is particularly helpful if your MRI relates to the jaw, face, or neck area, where dental metalwork is most likely to be in the imaging field.
Can a dental crown be damaged by an MRI scan?
There is no established clinical evidence suggesting that MRI scanning damages dental crowns made from standard materials. The magnetic fields used in clinical MRI do not generate sufficient force to dislodge or distort a well-fitted crown. However, if your crown is already loose or in poor condition, it would be advisable to have it assessed by your dentist before any medical procedure. A secure, well-maintained restoration is far less likely to cause any complications in any context.
Does the age of my dental crown matter when it comes to MRI safety?
It can be a relevant factor. Older dental crowns — particularly those placed several decades ago — may have been made from metal alloys that are less clearly documented or that differ in composition from modern materials. If you have very old crowns and are scheduled for an MRI, it may be worth asking your dentist to review your records or take a periapical radiograph to assess what is present. This is a precautionary measure rather than an indication that older crowns are necessarily unsafe. If you are considering replacing an ageing crown, your dentist can discuss the most suitable modern materials for your needs.
Conclusion
The questions of whether a dental crown will affect airport security or interfere with an MRI scan are both entirely understandable concerns — and the reassuring answer in both cases is that, in the vast majority of situations, your crown is unlikely to cause any significant problem.
Modern dental crown materials are carefully selected to be biocompatible and to interact minimally with the environments most patients will encounter in everyday life, including travel and medical imaging. All-ceramic and zirconia crowns contain no metal at all, while metal-containing crowns are typically made from non-ferromagnetic alloys that are considered safe for MRI purposes.
The most important steps you can take are to know what type of crown you have, to declare your dental restorations openly before any MRI scan, and to ensure your crown is well-maintained with regular dental check-ups. If you have any specific concerns — particularly ahead of a medical imaging procedure — your dental team is well-placed to provide reassurance and the documentation your medical team may need.
Dental symptoms and treatment options should always be assessed individually during a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional.
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalised dental advice. Individual diagnosis and treatment recommendations require a clinical examination by a qualified dental professional.
Next Review Due: 3 July 2027
About the Author
Smile Dentist Team - Dental Care Team
Our team of experienced dental professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
