Question From Our Member: What Is Papillon–Lefevre Syndrome?

 Questions From Our Members

M. Bosman of Seattle, Washington asks: 

“I’m 22 years old and my dentist has diagnosed me with Papillon–Lefevre Syndrome.  He said that it is a rare genetic disorder that I most likely inherited.  Other than that, he was kind of vague.  Can you shed any light on this and does Savon cover treatment for this?”

Savon’s Answer

Keeping in mind that we are not doctors, we did some research and this is what we found out about Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome (PLS).

PLS is a genetic disorder.  PLS is a severe deficiency in an enzyme necessary to keep the connective tissues that support and connect the teeth healthy.

Without this enzyme, a person with PLS will slowly lose his/her teeth.  This starts with baby teeth by age four and adult teeth by early teens.

Treatment with antibiotics has been known to slow the process. But, typically, those with PLS will opt to have any remaining teeth removed in their teens and be fitted for dentures.

With newer dental options, implants may be a consideration but this course of treatment will depend on the remaining bone structure after extractions.

Of course, the treatment for this disorder is typically performed by a specialist and if you utilize a network specialist, you will receive a 25% discount.

Original Post in our October 2021 Newsletter!