Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Part 1: the Basic Principles

Magnetic resonance imaging has become the first-choice investigation for a number of lesions affecting the face and jaws since it was first used in Scotland 26 years ago, because of its ability to clearly distinguish soft-tissue lesions from adjacent healthy tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in the evaluation and diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders and neoplasms of the face and jaws, and has the potential to play a greater role in routine dentistry such as preimplant evaluation. Part 1 of this series will introduce the principles of magnetic resonance imaging and the terms most likely to be used in a surgeon-radiologist dialogue, and Part 2 will focus on the pathology of the face and jaws displayed by magnetic resonance imaging, and other clinical applications.