Tooth Implant Failure Link to Antidepressant Use

According to the latest edition, May 2016, of The Explorer newsletter from the National Association of Dental Assistants a study from the University Of Buffalo School Of Dentistry has found sufficient evidence to link the use of one of the most common antidepressants to tooth implant failure.  More studies are under way but the current studies show that a side effect of the drug is the decrease regulation of bone metabolism which is important to the healing process needed to secure the dental implant in sound bone.   Other side effects affecting dental implant success are osteoporosis, where bones become weak and brittle; akathisia, a disorder characterized by the need to be in constant motion, including the head and jaw; bruxism or teeth grinding, and dryness of the mouth.

More than one in ten Americans over the age of 12 use antidepressants, making it the second most prescribed type of drug in the U.S., according to data from the CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention and IMS Health.  There are more studies and tests in order but for now patients using antidepressants are encouraged to have a discussion with their physicians about the possible side effects and alternate ways to treat anxiety, depression or pain.

This study may possibly lead to a reason for denial of dental implants from insurance companies for lack of long term prognosis based on medical history?