A recent study reveals that dental implants can be an effective solution for women with primary Sjögren’s disease, a condition that often leads to dental issues due to dry mouth. Over five years, these implants not only improved quality of life but also demonstrated gum health and appearance comparable to women without the disease.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and published in Clinical Oral Implants Research, the study concluded that single dental implants are a viable option for replacing missing teeth in these patients. The researchers noted that implant treatment poses minimal risk of complications and offers a favorable long-term prognosis.
Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune condition that impairs moisture production in the body, resulting in symptoms like dry eyes and mouth. This dryness can lead to dental problems, including cavities and infections, making the success of dental treatments uncertain for many women over 40.
The study compared 23 women with primary Sjögren’s disease, averaging 57.4 years in age, to 24 age-matched controls. Both groups received single crowns on titanium abutments. Although women with Sjögren’s exhibited poorer dental health two months post-implant—reflected in higher decay and tooth loss scores—the stability of the implants remained unaffected over five years, with no significant differences in plaque buildup or bone loss.
Despite the increased severity of dry mouth symptoms and reduced saliva flow in the Sjögren’s group, all dental implants remained stable, highlighting their effectiveness as a reliable treatment option for this patient demographic.
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