Antidepressants linked to tooth implant failure, new study finds

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/uab-alt030816.php

Public Release: 8-Mar-2016
Antidepressants linked to tooth implant failure, new study finds
Side effects of antidepressants, the second most prescribed drug in America, weaken bone growth, a crucial factor for implant success
University at Buffalo

Antidepressants, commonly used to treat anxiety, pain and other disorders, may play a role in dental implant failure, according to a new pilot study by University at Buffalo researchers.

The research found that the use of antidepressants increased the odds of implant failure by four times. Each year of antidepressant use doubled the odds of failure.

While these drugs are often used to manage mood and emotions, a side effect decreases the regulation of bone metabolism, which is crucial to the healing process.

For an implant to heal properly, new bone must form around it to secure it in place, says Sulochana Gurung, lead investigator and a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) candidate.

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