ANTIDEPRESSANTS LINKED TO TOOTH IMPLANT FAILURE New research has 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. Antidepressant medication may relieve depression symptoms and help millions of patients worldwide, however, their benefits must be weighed with the side effects. Four of the many know side effects that are reported in the literature are a big concern to us as dentists in regard to oral and bone health. These side effects of the drug include osteoporosis, a condition in which 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, all of which affect the implant healing process. The researchers noticed that a growing number of their patients reported use of antidepressant medication. After analyzing data, the researchers found that of the few patients who experienced implant failures, 33 percent used antidepressants. For patients who did not experience failures, only 11 percent used the drug. More than one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 use antidepressants, making it the second most prescribed type of drug in the .S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and IMS Health. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 OEELLGID-WS ANTIDEPRESSANTS LINKED TO TOOTH IMPLANT FAILURE New research has 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. Antidepressant medication may relieve depression symptoms and help millions of patients worldwide, however, their benefits must be weighed with the side effects. Four of the many know side effects that are reported in the literature are a big concern to us as dentists in regard to oral and bone health. These side effects of the drug include osteoporosis, a condition in which 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, all of which affect the implant healing process. The researchers noticed that a growing number of their patients reported use of antidepressant medication. After analyzing data, the researchers found that of the few patients who experienced implant failures, 33 percent used antidepressants. For patients who did not experience failures, only 11 percent used the drug. More than one in 10 Americans over the age of 12 use antidepressants, making it the second most prescribed type of drug in the .S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and IMS Health. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 OEELLGID-WS