Multiple Sclerosis Dental Implants
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Prior to talking about dental implants for people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it is important to cover what MS is. Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system. It specifically attacks the spinal cord and brain through the myelin sheath or the protective layer around nerve cells. Consequently, the messages from your brain to your body and from your body to your brain are slowed, blocked completely, modified, or unable to transmit. There is no cure for MS yet but there are medications and therapies that have proven slow the progress, or even provide the person with partial or complete remission.
When you have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis you will have some physical symptoms that include poor balance, coordination, troubles with your memory, problems with muscle control, numbness, and the feelings of pins and needles in your limbs. As the disease progresses, the prickling sensation may continue in your limbs as you become partially or completely paralyzed.
People who have been diagnosed with MS can and often do suffer from dental issues and complications as a direct result of this disease. Many doctors and dentists of people with Multiple Sclerosis encourage their patients to be active in preventative care. Not only should people with MS have doctors who address their specific needs as patients, but they should have dentists who have experience with treating people who have MS. These seasoned dentists can help their patients be aware of and use special treatments and procedures that can help them have a healthier life. As a result of diminished muscle control, people with Multiple Sclerosis may not be able to brush and floss the way they were used to. Without the ability to practice their self care in the same way, gum disease is a bigger risk. Gum disease can be treated and reversed if it is addressed quickly, but it is also progressive and leads to more and more serious problems. Advanced gum disease leads to tooth loss, gum recession, bone loss, and other health issues. If the person with MS does lose a tooth to gum disease, then the dentist may want to work with the patient to get dental implants.
Dental Problems for Patients with MS
When people are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis they can be overwhelmed by the changes in their bodies and the necessary adjustments. MS has an impact on the person’s dental health either directly through pain or indirectly through muscle control weakening and loss. The simple act of brushing their teeth and flossing twice a day becomes more complicated and may need some adjustments in order to maintain good dental health. Without the proper brushing and flossing techniques, people’s teeth and gums will suffer from plaque and bacteria resulting in cavities and gum disease.
Once their MS has advanced, people may not be able to wear their dentures without trouble. Both partial and full dentures may make talking, eating, and drinking more difficult and they may not stay in place. Dry mouth is common for people with Multiple Sclerosis and when it is combined with numbness, people may not even notice when their dentures need adjusting. MS can prove to make it exceptionally more difficult for people to have properly fitting dentures, particularly at the advanced stages of the disease. The solution that dentists use on other people to improve their denture wearing experience can also work for people with MS; dental implants can be used to support their dentures and prevent the dentures from dislodging.
Dental Implants For Patients With MS
The industry standard for replacing missing teeth is dental implants over dentures and for people with MS, dentures are not a good solution. Dry mouth combined with poor muscle control can make the dentures problematic for simple day to day life like eating, drinking and talking. Even without MS, dentures can be uncomfortable and shift while eating or talking. If people have symptoms of MS that include muscle spasticity, then removing the dentures is difficult and even dangerous.
The dentist has numerous reasons to suggest dental implants or dental implant supported dentures to their patients with multiple sclerosis. The use of dental implants can reduce or eliminate some of the problems that come with wearing dentures alone. Additionally, the patient will have a more natural looking and functioning tooth replacement. These permanent fixtures can truly improve anyone’s quality of life.
How Having Multiple Sclerosis Can Affect Your Dental Care
After you have been diagnosed with MS, you need to find a dentist who has experience treating people with the same disease and wants to create a personalized treatment plan to help you stay healthy. The dentist can also work with you to have a comfortable appointment while you are in the office and the dentist can ensure that your appointment is as painless as possible. Procedures like dental implants are more complicated than a routine cleaning so you will need those little extra touches to keep you at ease.
People who have Multiple Sclerosis are not able to have procedures that are long lasting. The dentist can work with you to schedule shorter appointments, including those for your dental implant. With symptoms like muscle spasms, stress, and fatigue, the dentist can schedule five or ten minute breaks during your procedure and keep your appointments with times that work well with your usual energy levels.
If the MS has left people with respiratory issues because of lack of control of the muscles used in breathing, the dentist can seat you at a forty five degree angle to ensure you are able to breathe easily. The dentist may also use a mouth prop to help relieve and exertion fatigue the person may have from keeping their mouth open for the process.
Conclusion
It is important to talk to the dentist about your dental implant options if you have dentures or you have a missing tooth even if you think your MS will keep you from being a successful long term recipient.