Multiple Sclerosis Dental Implants
Patients can suffer many different health disorders that can affect their teeth, gums and jaw. While some are more obvious (like cavities), others are less obvious. One health issue that can affect your overall oral health is Multiple Sclerosis.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (also commonly known as MS) is a health issue that involves the nervous system, and affects the brain and spinal cords of those that suffer from the illness. Due to an impairment of the myelin sheath, the ability for a patient’s brain and body to send messages are interrupted or even blocked. There are a variety of symptoms of MS, which include:
- Balance issues
- Impaired muscle control
- Prickling sensations
- Coordination issues
- Numbness
- Memory issues
If you are experiencing these symptoms, set an appointment with your doctor.
What Dental Complications Come with Multiple Sclerosis?
When most people think of Multiple Sclerosis, dentistry isn’t at the top of mind. MS is actually a serious threat to your overall oral health, though. Because of the weakening of muscles and loss of muscle control that comes with Multiple Sclerosis, many patients find it difficult to brush, floss and take care of their oral health. Because of this, infections may occur.
Over time, the damage done to a patient’s oral health may lead to the need for a tooth or teeth to be removed—or they may end up falling out. When this happens, replacement options will need to be considered.
What is the Best Tooth Replacement Option for Multiple Sclerosis?
While there are generally different replacement options available for patients, Multiple Sclerosis can actually make choosing a tooth replacement option more challenging. Where some patients would traditionally be able to consider dentures as a viable option, those that suffer with MS may find that wearing dentures can be difficult. This is especially so for patients that are in more advanced stages of the disease.
Due to the patient suffering from advanced MS having issues with eating and talking, dentures may be difficult to wear comfortably. Because of the issues that Multiple Sclerosis cause with dentures, options like dental implants may be the better choice for a tooth or teeth replacement.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetics that are used to replace teeth. The implant is inserted in the patient’s jawbone via a metal rod, and it is attached to a false crown. Over time, the jawbone heals around the implant, and becomes more stable and secure. The procedure is safe and relatively simple.
What are Some of the Other Benefits of Dental Implants?
While dental implants are a great option for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, they have many other benefits as well. Below are some of the fantastic benefits of dental implants:
- Jawbone Health. The health of your jawbone is extremely important for a variety of reasons. One major issue is your overall appearance. The damage to your jawbone can change the shape of the damaged part of your face. Dental implants help to maintain the integrity of your jawbone—maintaining your appearance.
- Teeth Migration. Another issue that can occur when a tooth or teeth are not replaced is the migration of other teeth. These migrating teeth not only change the appearance of your smile, but can actually impact other teeth—causing damage to them. Dental implants stop the migration process—keeping your teeth where they should be.
- Your Oral Health. Migrating teeth can actually cause even more damage than that created by their impact with other teeth. The migration of teeth can make oral care more difficult—which can lead to infections, cavities and more. When your teeth are all in place, it is easier to brush, floss and take better care of your teeth and gums.
- They Look Natural. Dental implants can be made to look extremely natural and organic. This depends on the material chosen, though. Still, most prosthetics can be made to look like natural teeth. This allows you to smile without anyone even knowing that you have a dental implant in place.
- Your Smile. No one likes having a gap in their teeth. Dental implants help to fill the spot where your tooth or teeth are missing. This allows you to smile bright without feeling self-conscious. This can also lead to a boost in self-confidence. If you have a gap in your teeth it can affect the way you feel about your appearance. By filling the gap, you no longer have to worry about how you look, or what your smile looks like.
Dental Implant Payment Options
While dental implants are the best option for many patients, the cost may be prohibitive. For the placement of a dental implant, expect to pay somewhere around $1,500-$3,000. While dental insurance may help with the cost, there still may be a large price tag after the procedure.
If you are not able to pay upfront, you may want to consider different payment options. You can speak with your dentist’s office about payment plans, and see if they are willing to set up a plan. If they are willing to, there will likely be a down payment required.
There are also different loans that may be available to you, depending on your credit. If you have good credit, you may be able to get a low interest loan. Otherwise, you may need to consider a high interest loan.
While the cost may seem high at first, it’s important to consider what will happen to your teeth, gums and jawbone if your tooth is not replaced. The damage that the lack of a replacement may cause can easily exceed the price of dental implants.
Speak with Your Dentist
If you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis and you have a tooth that needs to be pulled, is damaged or has fallen out, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. From there, you can discuss the replacement options you have available to you, their costs and their benefits.