DENTURES-The Pro's & Con's
1) Probably the most frustrating thing with dentist offices is the dental chair. With MS and Lyme it can often be difficult to get comfortable. I have this problem continually. When talking with your dentist you might want to let them know that you need short periods in the chair with continual breaks. Too long in a dental chair means you may get spasms to be sure to be able to get up and move about a bit.
2) With MS & Lyme some people may have trigeminal neuralgia on either half of the face or both sides,
where temporary numbness occurs in the jaws, lips or teeth area and could cause partial or total paralysis of the face. With issues like this it probably would not be a good idea to have dentures.
3) TMJ can be a pain in the butt ! I have this myself. The average person can wear dentures all day long and some at night. With TMJ or if MS attacks your jaw you will need to take your dentures out a few times a day.This really is not a huge issue.
4) If you have problems with hand shaking and not a good grasp to hold onto dentures, this could pose a problem. If it is a minor case, always take them out over a sink filled with water incase they drop. I drop stuff ALL THE TIME and the water catches them so they don't crack or break.
5) Some people do get exacerbations when they have had dental work done. I myself have had this. Not everyone has this problem but it is something to watch out for. They also have been known to come on after physical injury , and traumatic events also.
6) Talking can be an issue with people who have advanced Lyme & MS. Learning to talk with dentures also is a new experience. I would highly advise using an adhesive if you do have speech problems from the disease, as teeth will slide at times while speaking, especially if you are excited.
THE PROs TO HAVING DENTURES
1) Your health is by far the utmost first reason !
2) You have more confidence when you can look at someone directly and talk without covering up.
3) Obviously you won't be hiding your smile anymore :-D
4) You won't have infections that can lead to exacerbations
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