Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Linked to Tooth Pulp Calcification
The health of dental pulp is critical to tooth longevity, and new research shows that its vitality may be threatened by a frequently prescribed medication. The study, “Potential Correlation Between Statins and Pulp Chamber Calcification,” published in the September issue of the Journal of Endodontics, demonstrated that the systemic use of statins—drugs used to lower cholesterol among an estimated 255 million adults worldwide—increases calcification, or hardening, of the tooth’s pulp chamber. This may lead to an increase in odontoblastic activity, which negatively impacts tooth vitality.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Linked to Tooth Pulp Calcification
The health of dental pulp is critical to tooth longevity, and new research shows that its vitality may be threatened by a frequently prescribed medication. The study, “Potential Correlation Between Statins and Pulp Chamber Calcification,” published in the September issue of the Journal of Endodontics, demonstrated that the systemic use of statins—drugs used to lower cholesterol among an estimated 255 million adults worldwide—increases calcification, or hardening, of the tooth’s pulp chamber. This may lead to an increase in odontoblastic activity, which negatively impacts tooth vitality.
The retrospective case-control study included 90 subjects age 60 and older who were divided evenly into test and control groups. Subjects in the test group were currently on a statin regimen and had no history of pulp cap treatment or grinding/clenching. The control group also had no history of pulp treatment, but did not take any statin medications. Researchers noted that many of the subjects on the statin regimens also took additional medications (most notably, aspirin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, as well as beta-blockers, diuretics, antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers).
Bitewing radiographs of both group’s mandibular molars were compared, with dimensions of dental pulp chambers measured four ways for analysis—including potential decreases in height ratio. Analysis revealed a significant reduction in pulp chamber height in the test group compared to the control group. Among the 45 statin-using subjects, three experienced total destruction of the pulp chamber. The authors note that many other systemic conditions and medications may contribute to changes in the dental pulp chamber, and that statins provide significant benefits to overall health. Further research is suggested, especially studies that include subjects who only take statins to rule out the effects of other pharmaceuticals on dental pulp chamber calcification. Until these studies are carried out, the authors recommend that clinicians be made aware of this possible association between statins and dental pulp chamber calcification, which may present treatment challenges in endodontic diagnosis and treatment.
Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter
October 2013
