OBJECTIVEThis study aims to observe and compare the influences of the casting alloy post and cores on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODSSix casting alloy post and sores were fabricated for the experimental groups, and zirconia post and core served as the control. The seven types of post and cores were of the same size and shape. Each post and core was orally fastened to a volunteer and then imaged with sequences of T1-weighted spin echo imaging (SE-T1WI), T2-weighted turbo spin-echo imaging (TSE-T2WI), and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).

RESULTSCobalt chromium alloy post and core generated severe artifacts, whereas gold palladium alloy post and core generated no obvious artifacts, and no difference was observed between the zirconia and the gold palladium alloy post and cores (P > 0.05). The pure titanium alloy post and core produced mild artifacts. The post and cores of the titanium, nickel-cadmium, and gold platinum alloys generated moderate artifacts with no significant differences (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDifferent metal post and cores have different influences on MRI. With the exception of that generated by cobalt chromium alloy, the artifact generated by the single-alloy post and core does not influence the image of the normal head and neck.