Sjögren's Syndrome & Dental Implants: What you Need to Know
Sjögren's syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets the moisture-producing glands in your body, particularly those around the eyes and mouth. As a result, persons with Sjogren's syndrome have dry eyes and mouth, poor dental health, chronic inflammation, and symptoms such as diminished salivary flow and caries (decay and disintegration of a tooth or bone). Patients with Sjogren's syndrome lose several teeth during their lifetime because they are more prone to caries development. Your body's natural defense against mouth bacteria is saliva. However, germs can proliferate freely when your mouth is dry, and the acid they secrete isn't buffered, causing further damage to your teeth. As a result, patients with Sjögren's syndrome are more likely to lose their teeth.
What are the Symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome?
The signs and symptoms might range from minor to severe. They may improve or deteriorate over time or disappear for some time before reappearing. Among the signs and symptoms are:- Mouth dryness
- Lips and throat are dry
- Cavities and infections are common oral health issues.
- The voice is hoarse
- Dry cough that persists
- Swallowing Difficulties
- Salivary gland swelling in the face and neck
- Heartburn
- Eyes that are painful, burning, or have a gritty sensation to them
- Vision hazard
- Infections of the eyes
- The nose is dry
- Nose bleeds
- Infections of the nasal sinuses
- Dryness of the cervix
- Parched/ dry skin
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Inflammation of blood vessels causes a red rash (vasculitis)
- Numbness and tingling sensations in the hands or feet
- The liver is inflamed (hepatitis)
- Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis)
- Infections of the lungs
What are the Systemic Health Implications of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome might be dangerous to your oral health because of the decreased flow of saliva. Saliva, sometimes known as spit, plays an essential function in maintaining a healthy mouth. It is also beneficial to:- Remove food and debris from your teeth and gums.
- Moisten and break down food to make it easier to swallow and to improve the taste.
- To help prevent cavities and other infections, distribute disease-fighting chemicals throughout your mouth.
- Maintain the strength of your teeth’s surface by supplying high levels of calcium, fluoride, and phosphate ions to the tooth surface.
What are the Risks and Advantages of Dental Implants for Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Concerns have been raised among persons suffering from Sjögren’s illness that dental implants will suffer the same fate as natural teeth: infection, deterioration, and loss. After all, decreased saliva production can affect dental implants as well. However, it turns out that this isn’t a huge issue. Two recent research investigated the viability of dental implants in Sjögren’s syndrome patients. One study compared 205 Sjögren’s syndrome patients to 87 healthy controls. They discovered that patients with Sjögren’s syndrome were more likely to have detachable dentures or dental implants (49 percent vs. 30 percent ). Furthermore, even though the patients had only had the implants for a short period (less than five years), the implants had a survival rate of more than 95%. A prior study looked back at Sjögren’s syndrome patients to see how many got dental implants. Dental implants were used by a sizable proportion (21%) of the population. Sjögren’s syndrome patients exhibited good peri-implant health compared to healthy controls, and the survival rate for dental implants was 97 percent, despite the short follow-up (46 months).What are the Concerns About Dentures for Sjogren’s Syndrome?
With such positive results for dental implants, it’s challenging to comprehend the use of dentures for Sjögren’s syndrome patients. However, dry mouth can substantially impact a person’s comfort and health when wearing dentures. Irritation from partial dentures can be more severe in people who have dry mouths. And if you have a dry mouth, the partial impact dentures have on your natural teeth (wear and more cavities) may be exacerbated. Add this to the generally poor function and low satisfaction with partial dentures, and there appears to be little incentive for Sjögren’s syndrome patients to pursue partial dentures.Are Dental Implants the best option for replacing missing teeth in Sjogren’s Syndrome?
When considering dental implants, it’s critical to examine any potential health issues that could jeopardize your chances of success. Sjögren’s syndrome has the potential to do so, although it does not appear to be a serious worry. As a result, dental implants are the greatest option for replacing teeth lost due to Sjögren’s condition. If you have any further questions about oral health and dental implants, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Adatrow. Dr. Adatrow has more than 18 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%, and can provide you with the best possible dental treatment. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Periodontist. Please get in touch with our office for your consultation now!Never let the price keep you from getting the same day dental implants in Memphis, TN!
Request an initial consultation with Dr. Adatrow to learn more about what you need and how much it will cost. Our doctors and staff will collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan for you and will provide all financing options to help you obtain the smile you deserve. In addition, we will ensure that we offer you top-notch treatment, making dental implants low cost compared with the long-term benefits.
Moreover, Dr. Adatrow has more than 18 years of experience in placing dental implants, with a success rate of over 97%, and can provide you with the best possible dental treatment. He is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist and Periodontist in the mid-south. Please get in touch with our office to schedule your consultation now!