Dental Implants for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a neuromuscular disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord, impairing what’s known as the “myelin sheath”, which is a material in the system that protects the nerve cells. The result is that messages that go between your body and brain get slowed down and/or blocked.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms can include poor coordination, poor muscle control, poor balance, memory issues, and/or experiences of tingling, and numbness.
MS is a progressive and degenerative disorder and can result in partial or full paralysis. There is currently no known cure, however remissions, both partial and complete, are common. Preventative dental care, as well as preventative dental procedures can significantly improve both the oral health and the quality of life for individuals with this disorder.
Dental Issues for People with MS
MS is a complex disorder and can cause significant dental health complications. One of the more significant complications is weakening of the muscles, resulting in loss of full muscle control, eventually. As this disorder progresses it can be challenging for people to perform daily hygiene habits, including daily dental hygiene such as brushing the teeth and flossing. And with inadequate dental hygiene, bacteria can eventually cause various dental issues.
MS Impacts On Oral Health and Care For people with Multiple Sclerosis, optimal routine dental hygiene at home can be a challenge. So, often MS patients have an increased risk for cavities, infections, and periodontal disease.
Brushing teeth and flossing regular can become a significant challenge when muscle control become compromised. There are some tools/aids that can help with brushing and flossing available over-the-counter (at pharmacies). Some dentists will offer these aids as well and anyone assisting MS patient with care are encouraged to help with dental hygiene efforts when it is appropriate.
Unfortunately, some of the common medications taken by people with MS (such as corticosteroids, immune-suppressant drugs, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants) are known to contribute to cause dry mouth, which can allow for easier cavity growth and development of periodontal disease. It is recommended that MS patients pay close attention to keeping the mouth well hydrated. And often fluoride treatments and/or salivary substitutes are recommended.
MS and TMJ MS is known to cause various symptoms depending on which of the nerves are under attack. Some of these symptoms include facial pain and TMJ (dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint). Although there is no known specific link between MS and TMJ disorder, some studies have shown that MS can play a role in TMJ disorders. Treating patients who have TMJ disorder, ultimately requires the care and attention of a neurologist specializing in treatment for patients with MS.
Further, if dental visits are needed patients with MS can find it difficult to remain relaxed during the appointment, so sometimes exams and dental procedures can take extra time.
Multiple Sclerosis and Dental Appointments
People with advanced stages of Multiple Sclerosis will often require dental appointments that are shorter. Some special considerations should be considered for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis when visiting a dental office. People with more severe cases of MS will definitely have a need for dental appointments that are shorter, and usually during the earlier mornings. If for any reason, a longer appointment is required, it should be arranged with the dentist or oral health care provider to allow for 5-10 minute break every half-hour during the appointment. Multiple Sclerosis patients will benefit from being seated at a 45 degree angle, so that the airway is not compromised in any, since people with MS often end up with respiratory issues because of muscle control issues affecting the breathing. For some patients with MS a rubber dam may need to be used. And for many patients with MS it can be challenging to maintain keeping the mouth open for extended periods of time. In this case a mouth prop might be utilized to help the patient keep the mouth open at least somewhat comfortably.
Another complication for people with MS, is that often they are unable to locate the exact source of pains or discomforts, so a lot of care and attention to comfort details is needed when diagnosing dental issues for MS patients. MS has also been known to result in total or partial paralysis of the face, which of course can make dental procedures more challenging for both the patient and the dentist. Other considerations for MS dental patients are sedation options and wheelchair access options.
Dentures and Dental Implants for People with MS
People with more advanced stages of MS might experience difficulties wearing dentures, whether partial, or full. Dry mouth is a very common issue associated with MS, and so eating and talking can become more difficult, and even taxing. And of course all of this can become even more tasking for MS patients with dentures. Inadequate control of the muscles can also make it challenging for people with MS to maintain a comfortable fit with dentures, especially as the disorder progresses and various symptoms intensify. Spasticity of the muscles can make wearing removable dentures extremely challenging for some people with MS. In some of the more severe cases of Multiple Sclerosis wearing dentures can even become dangerous. A very helpful solution can be dental implants, which can be installed to anchor and support dentures. Since the dental implants are fixed, they can greatly reduce the risk of movement or dislodging of the dentures.
Summary
Because Multiple Sclerosis is such a complex disorder, there are a lot of considerations for helping MS patients maintain ideal oral health as they confront other health issues. In more extreme cases of MS a lot of care will need to be given to assessing ideal oral treatment plans. Ultimately, if dentures are already worn implants can be a significant help in anchoring and supporting dentures, which can definitely cause issues for people with inadequate muscle control. It is important to consult with a physician, a dentist, and ideally a neurologist who specialized in care for MS patients when trying to navigate the best oral treatment plans and care.