Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) are now the drugs most widely to treat depression, and provide safe and effective relief for many people. However, a reported side effect can be a reduction in bone formation thus increasing the risk of bone fractures. This led researchers (funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research) to investigate the effects of SSRI's on dental implants, which are titanium screws inserted into the jawbone, upon which a porcelain tooth is secured. A very effective solution for missing teeth.
The success of implants relies on the implant integrating well with the jawbone in order to be held in place securely. Therefore, reduced bone strength could affect the effectiveness of the implant taking hole.
Some figures from the preliminary research are below. As you can see from the summary table, although the failure rate is higher, nearly 90% of patients still had successful implants. Also, the sample size for the SSRI group was smaller and dosage was not recorded.
So, more research is needed and recommendations about how to counteract the effects which may occur in some patients. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please consult with your both physician and Dr John, who can then monitor progress closely.
