Multiple Sclerosis Dental Implants

Multiple sclerosis is a medical condition that affects nearly a million people in the United States and over two million people worldwide. A progressive neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis is an immune disorder in which the body’s own defenses against disease attacks itself instead of encroaching bacteria or viruses.

In contrast to other autoimmune diseases that attack other parts of one’s internal system such as the thyroid or digestive system, multiple sclerosis directs the body to attack the central nervous system. This is results in damage to the spinal cord, brain, and nerves. As the myelin sheath that covers and protects nerves are damaged by the disease, the messages that travel along those pathways become jumbled and even completely blocked. As a result, the progression of multiple sclerosis often results in increasing loss of muscle strength and control, coordination, and balance, as well as physical sensations related to nerve damage.

Multiple Sclerosis, Oral Health, and Dental Care

Multiple sclerosis can introduce a number of challenges in terms of maintaining oral health. As muscle strength and control decreases, the production of saliva also begins to decrease, resulting in dry mouth and an increasing inability for the mouth to maintain its own balance and control over bacteria. Plaque and tartar can increase as salvia is less available to help remove food particles from the teeth and gums. In combination with an increased difficulty with both brushing and flossing, this can lead to increased tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. All of this can threaten not only overall oral health but can lead to the necessity for tooth extractions, which can introduce new difficulties and challenges for those living with multiple sclerosis.

To further complicate matters, those living with multiple sclerosis can find visits to their dentist’s office quite challenging. The physical manifestations of multiple sclerosis can make it very difficult to be comfortable in a dentist’s chair, for example, and the decreased muscle control associated with the mouth and throat can further make it difficult to maintain one’s mouth open without pain and/or to be able to control movements of the muscles of the throat, which can cause problems with swallowing and even breathing in certain positions. Coupled with the challenges to maintaining good oral health, prolonged delays in being seen for cleanings and check-ups can create situations in which damaged teeth finally have to be removed and replaced.

Best Practices Regarding Dental Care for Those Living with Multiple Sclerosis

For those living with multiple sclerosis, a visit to the dentist’s office can be less daunting and painful if some simply adaptive practices are put into place. For one thing, chairs whose degree of recline are modified to approximate a 45% angle are much more comfortable and accommodating for these patients. Similarly, assistive devices might be needed to help maintain one’s mouth open during a cleaning or exam. Finally, because even these accommodations can create a scenario that is not very comfortable for this patient population, it is very important to plan for and take numerous short breaks.

Challenges Related to Dentures for those Living with Multiple Sclerosis

While conventional dentures are not the preferred tooth replacement technology for most, they can cause serious problems for those living with multiple sclerosis. The progressive loss of muscle tone and control can make it difficult not only to fit conventional dentures in such a way that they are able to be retained easily in the mouth, but also in terms maintain a good fit, as the structure of the mouth can evolve quickly rather than slowly over time.

Given the ease and cost effectiveness of creating conventional dentures, especially in conjunction with the fact that dental interventions can be so challenging for those with multiple sclerosis, conventional dentures may at first seem like a good solution. However, the slipping and sliding can that be a mere nuisance to some can present real problems for those living with multiple sclerosis, as it can be difficult to retain the appliances in one’s mouth without the proper degree of control of the muscles around the mouth.

A removable appliance rather than a permanent fixture in the mouth, conventional dentures must be removed at night for cleaning. For those living with multiple sclerosis, this can present difficulties surrounding breathing during sleep, as the physical structure of teeth in the mouth can help retain an oral shape that is more conducive to open airways and quality breathing.

Dental Implants: Benefits and Considerations for those Living with Multiple Sclerosis

While dental implants require more planning and time spent placing the three-part structure, thereby necessitating more appointments and interventions than conventional dentures, they are an excellent tooth replacement technology for those living with multiple sclerosis, as well as the vast majority of the general population. Embedded into the jawbone in an initial surgical procedure, the titanium or zirconium post that provides the structural support of the dental implant remains hidden under the surface of the gums where it cannot cause any problems or obstructions within the mouth.

Dental implants can support either single prosthetic crowns or entire systems of implant-supported dentures or bridges. This means that an entire arch can be held firmly in place with as few as two or four dental implants, offering a sturdy and attractive alternative to bulky, movable conventional dentures that can slip and slide in one’s mouth while talking or eating. The fact that they are held in place by structures that go all the way down to the jaw means that these prosthetics will never move around unbidden, alleviating a great deal of stress and discomfort.

Furthermore, dental implants of all shapes and sizes can be made to be either permanent or removable; the permanent option can be a welcome solution to those who have trouble breathing at night when they don’t have the structure of a full mouth of teeth to help maintain airways open.

While more appointments are necessary upfront to create and place dental implants, they are much more durable than other tooth replacement options, therefore requiring fewer visits related to maintenance and repair. Many find that the initial investment of time and money pays rich dividends over time, not only in terms of functionality but in simple quality of life. For more information about how dental implants could have a positive impact on your quality of life, call your dentist’s office today for a personalized consultation.

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