Multiple Sclerosis Dental Implants
If you are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you know that managing your daily health can be challenging. For many people living with multiple sclerosis, maintaining proper dental health can also become increasingly difficult. If you are a person living with MS who has lost one or more of your teeth, you may be wondering if dental implants are an effective option for your tooth replacement. While dental implants are considered an extremely effective solution for most people, you may have concerns on whether or how your MS might affect the success of the procedure. In this article, we’ll explore the impacts of MS on oral health, the challenges people living with MS might have when considering dental implants, and how dental implants can meet your oral health needs.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and incurable disease that affects the central nervous system. It specifically impacts the brain and spinal chord. MS causes the immune system to attack the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. This causes an improper communication between the body and brain. Over time, this disruption leads to nerve damage and eventually physical disabilities. MS affects everyone differently. Some people experience little to no symptoms for long periods of time, while in others it causes severe disability. Common symptoms of MS include loss of coordination, trouble balancing, poor muscle control, and memory problems. People living with MS also experience prickling, numbness, or weakness as well, especially in their limbs. MS is progressive, meaning that over time, the symptoms generally become worse and people living with it often face increasing challenges to manage daily activities, including dental care.
How does MS affect oral health?
Due to the weakening of muscles and loss of control of body movements caused by MS, maintaining oral health often becomes quite challenging for people living with the disease. Important daily activities that promote oral health such as brushing and flossing increasingly become challenging for those living with MS. Over time, the lack of consistent care for the teeth and gums can lead to oral health complications such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Additionally, people living with MS are more susceptible to developing dry mouth (xerostomia), which is often attributed to side effects from the medicine prescribed the manage the disease. Chronic dry mouth can lead to a range of dental issues including an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. When someone has chronic dry mouth, it encourages the growth of bacteria in the mouth and this can accelerate tooth decay and periodontal issues.
Another primary characteristic of MS is an increased likelihood of inflammation. This is caused by the immune system trying to fight to the disease. Oral health issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis are also inflammatory diseases and when inflammation occurs because of these conditions, it can trigger MS flare-ups. These flare-ups can worsen the person’s overall health and contribute to further decreases in oral hygiene.
Regular dentist visits are very important for people living with MS. By visiting the dentist early and often, oral health issues can be caught and treated early before tooth loss and other serious complications arise.
What options are available to people with MS who need tooth replacement?
Due to the oral hygiene challenges mentioned, tooth loss can become a real problem for some people living with MS. When considering tooth replacement, there are generally two options, dentures and dental implants. Dentures pose challenges for people living with MS. Due to the frequent dry mouth associated with MS medications, eating and talking are already a challenge. Dentures increase that challenge even more given the nature of how dentures fit. Dentures also require an extra degree of care and maintenance, which people living with MS may find challenging. Additionally, because MS causes muscle weakness and even spasms, it may make it difficult to keep the dentures in place. This not only affects a person’s ability to eat and speak, but it also poses a significant risk of choking on a denture that has become dislodged.
Dental implants on the other hand, offer a secure alternative to dentures. Dental implants are prosthetics that are attached to the jawbone with a screw called the post. This structure ensures that the implant stays in place and does not move around. This makes dental implants look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. Because of this stabilization, people with dental implants can eat and speak just as if they had all their natural teeth. Additionally, dental implants require less specific maintenance than dentures. Dental implants are cared for just as natural teeth are, with brushing and flossing. For people living with MS, these benefits can be significant to their overall health and quality of life.
Are there any challenges to consider with dental implants?
Dental implants offer a promising solution for tooth loss in MS patients. There are a few challenges to keep in mind though.
- Certain medications prescribed for MS may interfere with your body’s ability to heal. The healing process is crucial for dental implants because it is in the healing process that the post is fused to the jawbone. When considering implants, it is essential to discuss your medications fully with your dentist and consult your doctor.
- MS related symptoms such as muscle spasm may complicate the implant procedure itself. Your dentist can help manage these concerns by scheduling shorter procedures and breaks.
What are my next steps?
If you are living with MS and need to have one or more of your teeth replaced consult with your dentist to determine if dental implants are right for you. Multiple sclerosis does present a unique set of challenges for both you and your dentist, but those challenges must be met to care for your overall oral health. Dental implants are a great solution for tooth loss, especially for people living with MS. Talk to your dentist today to find out how they can work with you to replace your teeth with dental implants.
