One often overlooked cause of oral health problems that lead to tooth loss and the need for dental implants is Multiple Sclerosis.
Below is information about Multiple Sclerosis and the reason it may affect the oral health of a patient, along with information about dental implants as a potential tooth replacement solution.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (also called “MS”) is a condition in which the nervous system of a patient attacks the spinal cord and brain. With this condition, messages that are sent from the brain to the body are slowed down or blocked.
Some of the symptoms of MS include:
- Poor muscle control
- Poor memory
- Poor coordination
- Bad balance
- Numbness
- A feeling of pins and needles
As patients with MS suffer from a loss of muscle control, it is sometimes difficult for them to take proper care of their oral health (as it is more difficult to brush and floss). In time, this may lead to cavities, gum disease, root infections, and more. Without treatment, these conditions may eventually lead to the need for extraction or teeth falling out.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a tooth replacement option that involves the placement of a metal rod in the jawbone of a patient to hold a prosthetic tooth in place. The prosthetic tooth can be made of different materials, with the most common being porcelain and zirconia.
Dental implants can be used to replace as little as one tooth and as many as a full set of teeth.
Why Implants?
When it comes time for a patient to replace a tooth or multiple teeth, they are met with a few options. While dentures are sometimes a cheaper alternative, for those with MS they may not be the best option. Once Multiple Sclerosis gets to a more advanced stage, it can become difficult for a patient to wear dentures. Dental implants provide a level of stability that can’t be matched by traditional dentures, which can make them a better option for those with MS.
Along with stability, there are many other advantages dental implants offer. These include:
- Better oral health. What many people don’t know is that having a gap between teeth is more than a cosmetic issue. Teeth can begin to shift over time if a tooth or multiple teeth are missing. This creates issues with crooked teeth, crowding, and impacting. Not only is this aesthetically unappealing, but it can also make it very difficult for a person to take proper care of their oral health. Brushing and flossing becomes more difficult, which in turn increases the risk of infection, cavities, and gum disease. As these issues progress, it can lead to the need for dental fillings, root canal therapy, deep cleanings, and even extraction. Dental implants help to prevent healthy teeth from shifting—making it much easier for a patient to take proper care of their oral health.
- Jawbone health. Teeth are extremely important for the health of a person’s jawbone. When teeth are missing, the jawbone of a patient will begin to deteriorate. A dental implant acts like a natural tooth in that it helps to keep the jawbone strong and dense.
- Higher confidence and self-esteem. Having a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth often affects the confidence and self-esteem of patients. It can also affect a person’s mood, as they may be less likely to smile with missing teeth. As dental implant prosthetics can look very natural, patients can smile without worry.
- Lower long-term cost. Many people look at the upfront cost of dental implants and think, “No thank you.” While cost can be a major factor for some patients, for those who can afford dental implants, implants are actually a solid investment in the future. As was mentioned above, leaving gaps in teeth untreated can lead to a whole host of issues. The costs of procedures to address cavities, root canals, and more add up. On top of this, an increase in the risk of oral health concerns can also mean an increase in the risk of extraction. This leaves you with even more missing teeth! If you can afford or can finance dental implants (without causing financial strain), you should consider them. Otherwise, you should at least consider another replacement option.
Options for Financing
While dental implants are a pricier option, there are a few different financing options that may be available. These include:
- Personal Loans
- Pay-Over-Time Plans
- Subprime Loans
If you have the ability to pay out-of-pocket, this is always the better option. If it isn’t an available option, though, you may want to consider financing.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Whether dental implants are right for you or not is ultimately a decision that needs to be made between your dentist and you. With that said, there are some factors you’ll want to consider when making your decision.
One of the most obvious factors is the cost. While there are long-term costs that can add up without the placement of implants, not everyone is able to (or should) get a loan for their placement. With that said, another replacement option should be considered.
Another major factor is the strength of a patient’s jawbone. If it is not strong enough, a dental implant can’t be placed. A bone graft may be an option to add density and allow for the placement of the implant, but this comes with an additional cost.
Reach Out to Your Dentist
If you are missing one or more teeth, reach out to your dentist to discuss your replacement options. If you haven’t already, disclose to your dentist that you are suffering from MS. This will help them to determine the right option to meet your needs.
From there, your dentist and you can put together a treatment plan that may or may not include the placement of dental implants.
