Antidepressants May Threaten Implant Success

Antidepressants May Threaten Implant Success

Antidepressant medications are the second most prescribed drug in the United States. However, according to researchers at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in New York, the drugs may weaken bone growth, putting the success of implant therapy at risk.

The researchers’ findings will be presented at the 45th annual American Association for Dental Research conference on March 19 in Los Angeles. The research, titled “A Pilot Study: Association Between Antidepressant Use and Implant Failure,” demonstrates that antidepressant use increases the odds of implant failure fourfold. For each year such medication is taken, the odds of failure double. These conclusions were reached after analyzing 2014 data from the medical charts of patients treated at the University of Buffalo Dental Clinic.

A decrease in the regulation of bone metabolism—a key side effect of antidepressant medications—can compromise the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. As such, the researchers suggest that the benefits of antidepressant use be weighed against its risks—particularly in regard to oral and bone health. In addition to compromising implant success, decreased bone metabolism raises the risk of osteoporosis, akathisia, bruxism, and xerostomia. A more widespread study of this correlation is planned.

Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter

March 2016