Multiple Sclerosis Dental Implants
Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a nervous system condition that attacks and causes deterioration of the spinal cord and brain. This specific disease is progressive on the neuromuscular systems and damages the myelin sheath or demyelination. The myelin sheath is the fatty protective layer around your nerve cells so the messages that come from the brain to parts of the body and back to the brain are slowed or even blocked. In some cases, people can experience partial or even complete remission, but there is no known cure. People with MS can expect to experience problems with memory, muscle coordination and control, and balance. The sensations of numbness and pins and needles are typical symptoms of MS so these people are affected by unnecessary pain and suffering. It is important to maintain good oral health to help avoid more painful complications for people with MS.
Dental Problems for Patients with MS
Multiple Sclerosis patients require shorter dental appointments usually in the morning when the patient is less affected by the MS symptoms. Longer appointments can aggravate it’s symptoms like stress, muscle spasms and fatigue so if they are necessary, 5-10 minute breaks every half hour can help the patient. Additionally, the patient should have the dental chair adjusted to a 45 degree angle to keep their airway clear and unobstructed. Respiratory options can develop as a result of MS because their breathing is affected by specific muscle movement. If the patient can still breathe well through their nose, the dentist may choose to use a rubber dam. If the patient has a hard time keeping their mouth open for extended periods, the dentist may need to use a mouth prop. This tool can help the patient remain comfortable while their mouth remains open for the dental appointment.
Because the brain and body have a more difficult time communicating, people with MS may not be able to tell the dentist the exact place in their mouth where there is pain or sensitivity. Dentists will need to take care to perform additional diagnostic procedures before using procedures like root canal therapy or tooth extractions to resolve dental discomfort. In more advanced cases of MS, people can experience trigeminal neuralgia on one or both sides of their mouth, or temporary numbness in the lips, jaws, and teeth. Other MS patients have partial or total paralysis in their face causing more complicated dental appointments and at home dental care.
Before a patient with MS schedules a dental appointment, the patient should confirm the office can accommodate their wheelchair if the disease has advanced to the point where walking is no longer an option. Patients can even talk to the dentist about sedation options or even general anesthesia to improve the patient’s comfort and the results of the dental treatment.
Because MS affects muscle control, it may be more difficult to perform daily oral hygiene routines like brushing and flossing. Without these important habits, bacteria has the ability to cause tooth decay and gum disease. The dentist may be able to suggest modified aids to help with flossing and brushing at home. When the bacteria is not removed from the teeth and gums, the patient is more likely to have tooth damage or even tooth loss. Cavities, periodontal disease and infections can be caused by MS if the disease has complicated: using their tongue, chewing and swallowing their food, or production of saliva. Some of the medications used to help MS patients can cause dry mouth. The dentist may suggest salivary substitutes or even fluoride treatments to maintain good oral health.
Dentures and Dental Implants
Once an MS patient has suffered from tooth decay or gum disease long enough, the patient will experience tooth loss. In other cases, the patient may already have dentures or a partial denture before the disease damages their natural teeth. Depending on how their MS affects them, patients can have problems wearing full or even partial dentures. The dentures can become even more problematic when eating or talking if the patient has dry mouth. The dentures are less likely to stay in place throughout the day once the disease affected their muscle control around their face and mouth.
The dentist may recommend dental implants to replace the dentures or to support the dentures. Dental implants can be used to secure the dentures in place and increase their sturdiness. Patients will not have to worry about dentures dislodging while eating or talking if they are supported by dental implants.
What To Avoid If You Have Multiple Sclerosis
If you are a patient with MS and you already experience xerostomia or dry mouth from medications or complications of the disease on your mouth, you may not be an ideal candidate for full or partial dentures. The lack of saliva in your mouth will make it more difficult to eat and talk while wearing dentures. Even wearing the dentures may prove to be too uncomfortable due to muscle spasms. The dentist may even discourage dentures because they could be dangerous for patients with more advanced MS. Instead, the dentist may recommend the placement of dental implants to keep the dentures in place. With a few dental implants strategically placed, dentures will not only remain secure while eating and talking, but they will not be affected by muscle spasms.
Conclusion
While you may not be able to have a traditional experience at the dental office or have the same dental treatments you once did, but it is important to maintain good oral health. MS patients can talk to their physicians and dentists to ensure they are taking the proper steps at home and have professionals experienced with the affects of MS on dental health.
Nearly one million adults are living with MS, but it is not always easy to find a dentist who is experienced with and can accommodate patients with MS. Your patience in finding just the right dentist will be rewarded with improved dental health and comfortable experiences in the dentist’s office.