Dental Implants for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Seeking out treatment for routine dental problems and dental providers whose team can make dental visits as accommodating as possible may be a challenge for patients with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Nearly 1 million adults in the United States are currently living with MS. However, despite the size of this population, it is not always easy to find a dentist that can address the various oral health issues that individuals living with MS may face. If you or someone in your family is living with MS, you may be looking for more information on what specific dental treatments are possible. Below is more information about dental problems faced by patients with MS and how tooth replacement treatments work for this population.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive neuromuscular condition where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, or the protective material that surrounds the nerve cells in the central nervous system. Damage to this fat-like tissue results in disruption of the communication that occurs between the brain and muscles in the body. This barrier to brain and body communication can result in a decrease in the speed or blocking of nerve conduction, alteration in the transmission of nerve impulses, or a complete failure of transmission of nerve impulses. Resulting symptoms of MS include impaired muscle control, coordination, balance, and memory, and uncomfortable sensations of prickling and numbness. The condition progressively gets worse overtime and can result in partial or full paralysis. Remissions, both complete and partial are common. All of this results in individuals living with MS being particularly susceptible to suffering from unnecessary pain and treatments. Oral health care may not seem as pressing to patients with MS, however this lack of attention can result in decay, tooth loss, and added pain. Prioritizing preventative dental care can tremendously improve the oral health and lives of patients with MS.
Dental Problems for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Unfortunately, patients with MS must also face additional dental health complications. The weakening and loss of muscle control can lead to potentially dangerous oral health issues. For example, patients with MS may be challenged by performing routine dental hygiene such as daily brushing and flossing. Not being able to maintain good dental hygiene at home will allow bacteria to build up, attack gum tissue, and compromise oral health. Thus, patients with MS often are at a greater risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and infections. Additionally, sitting through a dental visit, without pain and discomfort can be a challenge for patients with MS. Dentists who are not experienced may take longer and prolong examinations and dental procedures in order to minimize discomfort. Experienced dentists are able to keep dental appointments as short as possible, treating the oral health of the patient while reducing the opportunity for MS symptoms such as fatigue, stress, and muscle spasms to arise.
To help maintain daily home hygiene, modified brushing and flossing aids are available at pharmacies or through dental providers, and caregivers are encouraged to help with daily hygiene when appropriate. Additionally, medications that are often prescribed to patients with MS (such as immune-suppressant drugs, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants) tend to cause dry mouth, which can stimulate cavity growth and the development of gum disease. For patients with MS, keeping the mouth hydrated and adding extra fluoride treatments to dental visits are often recommended.
How is Dental Care Impacted by Multiple Sclerosis?
Keeping dental appointments short and comfortable is essential to effectively and comfortably treating the oral health of patients with MS. Depending on the severity of MS, special considerations may need to be considered by the dentist. If longer appointments are required for specialty dental treatments, dentists should offer the patient 5-10 minute breaks every half-hour. If the patient with MS is concerned about sitting for prolonged periods, they should request breaks prior to the start of the treatment. Since some patients with MS struggle with respiratory problems, it is also important to make sure the patient is seated at a 45-degree angle to assist with breathing and opening the airway. The dentist should have a discussion with the patient about their breathing to make sure a rubber dam will not cause additional difficulty. For some patients it can also be difficult to keep their mouth in an open position for extended periods. There are mouth props available to help the mouth remain open comfortably, if needed. If patients with MS experience oral pain, dentists should perform thorough diagnoses procedures prior to committing to treatment procedures. Some patients with MS experience temporary numbness in the teeth, jaws, and lips that cannot be treated through dental procedures. Additionally, sometimes patients with MS experience partial or total paralysis of the face, making dental care more challenging.
Additional considerations for dental providers include ensuring there is appropriate ADA access to the dental clinic.
Dentures and Dental Implants
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for all adults, but it is even more important for patients with MS. Tooth loss and tooth loss replacement treatments may be challenging for patients with MS. This is not to say that tooth replacement is not possible. While dentures are an affordable and easy tooth replacement option. For patients with MS, dentures may not be the best choice and may be challenging to wear. For patients with MS who are taking medications that enhance dry mouth, eating and talking will be especially difficult with dentures. As muscle symptoms of MS advance, patients may struggle with maintaining proper denture fit. Dental implants offer a solution to this problem, as they can be installed for denture support.
Dental implant treatment may be the perfect solution to missing teeth replacement for patients with MS. Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The implant post acts like the root of a natural tooth, allowing for either an artificial crown to be placed, or dentures or a bridge to be attached. While the implant process can take 6 months to 1 year, the surgical procedure and follow-up appointments are each relatively quick and easy.