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December 11, 2024

The Impact of Autoimmune Diseases on Oral Health and All-on-4® Suitability

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells, tissues and organs. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, Graves disease, and type 1 diabetes.

Many autoimmune diseases can directly or indirectly impact oral health and lead to a range of systemic health issues. For people living with an autoimmune condition, this makes maintaining oral health critical for overall well-being.

Some autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with early tooth loss. Even one missing tooth can impact the surrounding teeth. These consequences can significantly decrease the quality of life in the long term.

When it comes to restorative dentistry for people living with autoimmune conditions, a few common questions can arise. This includes whether dental implants are still a viable option for them and how an autoimmune disease can impact treatment.

This article explores the impact autoimmune diseases have on oral health and how it can affect eligibility for surgical procedures. It also covers how the All-on-4® treatment can still be a viable option for some living with these sorts of conditions and what to expect.

The Impact of Autoimmune Diseases On Oral Health

Before delving into viable solutions for missing teeth like All-on-4®, it’s important to understand how autoimmune diseases can impact oral health.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a common autoimmune disease that can impact oral health in various ways. One such impact is a higher risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and thrush.

Often, people with type 1 diabetes need to take extra precautions when it comes to their oral health and surgeries. Diabetes can also slow healing, which can prolong recovery for All-on-4® surgery and make it harder to treat any oral health issues. Uncontrolled diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of implant failure and loss. It is, therefore, important to ensure diabetes is well controlled prior to any surgical implant procedure.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

This autoimmune condition is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes joint inflammation and pain. This disease commonly affects the hands, knees, or ankles, but it can also cause issues in other parts of the body, like the mouth and gums.

Rheumatoid arthritis can impact oral health both directly and indirectly. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of gum disease and bone loss, which can result in tooth loss. RA can also cause dry mouth (xerostomia) due to decreased saliva production, increasing the risk of oral health issues like infections and tooth decay.

In severe cases, RA can also contribute to temporomandibular disorder (TMD), resulting in jaw pain and difficulty eating.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus/SLE)

Lupus can significantly impact oral health, both directly and indirectly. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect the gums, increasing the risk of gum disease and even tooth loss in severe cases.

Lupus can also cause painful ulcers and sores in the mouth. These can directly affect oral health and overall well-being, making it harder to eat and painful to maintain adequate oral hygiene practices.

Some medications used to treat lupus may also have side effects that impact oral health. For example, some lupus treatments can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), reducing saliva production.

Is All-on-4® A Viable Option?

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The All-on-4® treatment has been revolutionary for modern restorative dentistry. This is because All-on-4® offers several advantages that make it a viable option for them. These include:

  • Despite the unique challenges that come with autoimmune disorders, studies have shown an overall 98% success rate for the All-on-4® treatment.
  • Improved stability and jawbone stimulation. Because the All-on-4® implants are strategically placed, with the posterior implants on an angle, they maximise the use of the bone.

What To Expect When Getting All-on-4®  With An Autoimmune Disease

If you have an autoimmune disease and you’re interested in getting All-on-4®, the All-on-4® treatment process may require extra precautions and may involve lifestyle management and/or medication changes.

First, it’s important to inform your dentist about your autoimmune condition and any medications you take. The dentist will, therefore, assess and discuss with your relevant medical practitioners as required.

It’s also important to take extra care when mentally and physically preparing yourself for the surgery. This might involve arranging time off of work and finding someone to care for you post-procedure.

How To Overcome Potential Complications

While the All-on-4® treatment is a great solution for dental restoration for people with an autoimmune condition, there are still risks for complications. This part of the guide covers overcoming those challenges and minimising the risks.

  • It is important to stick to the regular appointment schedule to monitor your new smile, as discussed with your dentist. They can monitor the condition of your implants and assess and manage any potential complications early.
  • Following a stringent oral hygiene routine at home is crucial for minimising the risks associated with the All-on-4® treatment. If you have an autoimmune condition impacting oral hygiene (like sores), you should ask your dental professional for advice on how to maintain your All-on-4 prosthesis.
  • Anyone undergoing the All-on-4® is recommended to make healthy lifestyle changes. These include a nutritious and balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, which help lower the chances of any potential complications.
  • Avoid nicotine/tobacco products, like cigarettes and vapes, and alcohol consumption. These products can delay recovery and increase the risk of post-operative infection.

When it comes to the recovery phase of the All-on-4® treatment, you must follow the dentist’s post-procedure instructions. These typically include dietary restrictions, medication for pain management, and instructions on caring for and cleaning the surgical site.

If you notice anything abnormal during the recovery process, like excessive inflammation or bleeding, it’s critical to contact your clinic. Also, always consult with your dentist if you plan on making any adjustments to the recovery plan.

Find Out If You’re Suitable For All-on-4® at Next Smile Australia

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Discover if the All-on-4® treatment is right for you at Next Smile Australia. If you are missing multiple teeth and seeking an alternative solution to traditional dental dentures,  All-on-4® might be the right option for you.

To determine eligibility, you can take our quick and easy online suitability assessment to get an initial idea. You only need to answer a few simple questions about your dental health and lifestyle.

If you’d prefer to chat with an expert in person, you can book an obligation-free consultation with one of our  All-on-4® dental surgeons. They’ll do a comprehensive review of your medical and dental history and thoroughly examine your mouth and jaw to determine candidacy.

Next Smile Australia offers an experienced team of skilled dental surgeons and state-of-the-art clinics. Our team also uses the Malo Protocol, which is a clinically proven two-bridge treatment process for All-on-4® with a high success rate.

Take the first step towards a new set of teeth, and contact us today. The Next Smile Australia team would love to hear from you.

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