Dentsply Sirona and Siemens Healthineers have reported key findings from a clinical trial conducted to validate a dental-dedicated magnetic resonance imaging system (ddMRI). The results indicate potential applications across several dental specialties and highlight features designed specifically for dentomaxillofacial imaging.
The system incorporates a dental-specific field of view enabled by a dedicated dental coil and specialized imaging software that focuses exclusively on dental structures. This configuration excludes visualization of brain tissue and is intended to support targeted imaging of oral and maxillofacial anatomy. Trial observations also noted that patient preparation and imaging workflows averaged under 20 minutes, suggesting the system may be compatible with clinical workflows.
Clinical evaluations of the MAGNETOM Free.Max Dental Edition demonstrated several capabilities relevant to dental diagnostics. These included differentiation of active inflammation from healthy and scar tissue, non-invasive assessment of pulp vitality to complement chairside testing and clinical observations, and visualization of tooth position relative to adjacent teeth and nearby neural structures.
“MAGNETOM Free.Max Dental Edition represents a significant advancement in dental imaging, providing excellent insights into dental structures that were not readily visible in other imaging modalities, without the risks associated with ionizing radiation. The ability to observe the same region of interest employing different ddMRI imaging sequences provides significantly more information regarding the pathological processes in hard and soft tissues which results in a more accurate understanding of the lesion. This capacity to see the clarity of the soft tissue detail produced by ddMRI has clear potential to enhance diagnostic confidence in areas where current modalities have limitations,” said Don Tyndall, DDS, MSPH, PhD, FICD, FACD; Diplomate ABOMR, Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of North Carolina, who reviewed the clinical trial findings and collaborated in the FDA clearance process.
Complement to Existing Dental Imaging Modalities
Dental-dedicated MRI offers advanced soft tissue contrast without the use of ionizing radiation. As such, it may complement established imaging modalities such as intraoral radiography, panoramic imaging, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), particularly in clinical scenarios where soft tissue characterization is relevant.
The MAGNETOM Free.Max Dental Edition was developed collaboratively by Dentsply Sirona, Siemens Healthineers, and academic researchers in Europe and the United States. The system is intended primarily for use in hospitals, large dental clinics, and academic institutions involved in dentomaxillofacial diagnostics.
“This innovation is a powerful addition to our imaging portfolio, which includes Axeos, Orthophos SL, and Heliodent Plus, among others. We’re proud to have contributed to developing the industry’s first dental dedicated MRI and the advancement of diagnostic capabilities in the field,” observed Dan Scavilla, President & CEO of Dentsply Sirona.
“We are dedicated to expanding the clinical impact and reach of MRI. We are excited to see the potential of ddMRI being validated through clinical trials, which will pave the way for a new clinical field that will benefit dental practitioners and patients alike.” said Andreas Schneck, head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Healthineers.
Advanced Clinical Training Opportunities
Clinicians interested in integrating ddMRI into clinical or academic settings can participate in an advanced hands-on training program scheduled for April 2026 at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. The two-day course will address ddMRI imaging protocols, recommended clinical procedures, MR facility and patient safety considerations, image acquisition techniques, and case-based interpretation sessions involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and dental cases.
Additional Information at ADEA 2026
Further information about dental-dedicated MRI will be presented at the American Dental Education Association Annual Session 2026, taking place March 21–24 in Montréal, Canada, where representatives from Dentsply Sirona will discuss the technology and its potential role in dental imaging workflows.
Figures and Images
MAGNETOM Free.Max Dental Edition
