Dental implants can be useful for people with tooth decay or those who have lost teeth. However, autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis (PSA) can increase the risk of infections, particularly if a person is taking immunosuppressive drugs.
Immunosuppressant drugs can reduce the symptoms of PsA, but they also weaken the immune system. The inflammation from PsA can also cause bone loss, which can eventually cause the implants to loosen.
This can be a challenge for people with PsA, as some research
Read on to learn more about psoriatic arthritis and dental implants.
Yes, some people with PsA can get dental implants. Implants may be the best option for the dental complications that PsA can present.
However, there may be some situations in which dental implants present a high risk of adverse effects for people with PsA. The process maybe not it is suitable if:
- there is not enough bone in the jaw to support the implant
- there is active gum infection
- the person is not well
The benefits and risks of dental implants will vary on a case-by-case basis.
Anyone with severe tooth decay who needs a tooth replacement may need dental implants, but PsA can
- Gum disease: PsA is associated with gum disease, particularly severe periodontitis. This can cause more bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay and tooth loss.
- Inflammation: PsA
causes chronic inflammation. Inflammation can increase the risk of gum disease and tissue damage, including teeth. - Impairment of the healing process: PsA can alter the body’s bone repair process. This can mean that damage to the teeth and jaws is not healing as it should.
- Comorbidities: Comorbidities are conditions that often occur together. PsA is associated with a higher percentage certain co-morbidities, such as heart disease and diabetes, which also increase the risk of tooth decay.
Sometimes people also get implants because of discoloration in their teeth, broken teeth, or other cosmetic damage to their teeth.
The potential complications of dental implants are the same for people with PsA as they are for other people. The main difference is the level of risk.
People with PsA may have a higher risk of:
- Contamination: PsA can increase the risk of infection because of the effects that inflammatory processes can have on the body. Additionally,
Many PsA drugs work to suppress the immune system. This can increase the risk of implant failure and infection. - Bone loss: PsA
increases inflammation, which triggers a complex immune system response that can increase bone loss. If a person loses bone around the implants, the implants may fail. - Reactions of metals: A person may be allergic or hypersensitive to the metals used in some dental implants.
Some facts suggests that people with psoriasis may have a higher risk of these reactions, but the research on this is conflicting.
Some strategies that dentists can use to help reduce the risk of complications in people with PSA include:
- discussing the treatment plan with the person’s rheumatologist
- checking what medications they are using well in advance of the procedure
- discussing temporary alternatives they could try with the person’s doctor if the person is taking immunosuppressive drugs
- discussing the risks of treatment and teaching people interested in dental implants the early warning signs of infection
- starting with a single implant for people who need multiple implants to assess how well the person responds to the procedure before proceeding with additional implants
- using non-metallic implants
To place a dental implant, dentists insert an artificial tooth root into the gums and jawbone and then place an artificial tooth on top. This mimics a natural tooth.
Most people get endosteal implants, which fit into the bone. But people who don’t have enough bone sometimes get subperiosteal implants, which fit on top of the bone.
To perform the procedure, a dental professional will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. When the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist can remove the unhealthy tooth, if it is still there.
The exact technique a dentist then uses will vary. There are
- Two-step process: This involves an initial surgery to insert the root of the tooth under the gums. When the bone begins to heal after several months, the person then undergoes a second procedure to add an attachment, which the dentist can then use to attach the artificial tooth.
- One step process: This involves placing both the implant root and the attachment for the prosthetic tooth at the same time.
- Instant recovery: This approach places all parts of the implant – including the root, attachment and apex of the tooth – at the same time.
Dental implant surgery is minimally invasive and often requires only local anesthesia, but if a person experiences dental anxiety, the dentist may also use sedation. People receiving sedation will be groggy after the procedure, so they will need someone to drive them home afterwards.
In the days following the dental implant procedure, a person may experience swelling and pain. Sometimes this can make eating difficult.
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There is no research on treatment times for people with PSA. Therefore, the average duration of swelling and pain may be different.
If a person experiences pain or swelling that does not go away or worsens, it is important to talk to their dentist. It’s also important to watch for signs of infection, such as:
- loose or wobbly implants
- pus coming from the wound
- bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- bleeding while brushing teeth
- fever
If a person has had to change their medication, part of their recovery may also include restarting their previous prescription. Their doctor or dentist can discuss whether restarting medication is part of their recovery process.
Before starting the process of getting dental implants, it is important to understand all the risks and benefits. A person may find it helpful to ask their dentist the following questions:
- Do you have experience working with people who have PsA or other autoimmune diseases?
- How do you manage the risk of complications?
- Is there a particular type of implant that is lower risk for me?
- What can I do to reduce the risk of infection or rejection?
- What are the early warning signs of a problem and what should I do?
- If my implants fail, what are my options?
- How can complications change the cost of implants?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can pose challenges to a person’s dental health, as it can
Additionally, dental implants may not be as safe for people with PsA as others, especially if they have comorbidities or are taking medications that suppress the immune system.
It is important to discuss the risks of treatment and the benefits of treatment and look for an implant dentist who has experience working with people who have autoimmune diseases. A rheumatologist can also be helpful in guiding treatment decisions and recommending appropriate medications.
