Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used for the management of anxiety and depression. Existing evidence shows their negative impact on implant osseointegration, survival rates, and peri-implant health. Currently, there are limited data on their effect on peri-implant marginal bone levels. The primary goal of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association between SSRIs use and marginal bone level (MBL) changes around osseointegrated dental implants over time.
Methods: Records from patients who received at least one dental implant between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Information related to medical history, SSRI use, and the implant site was obtained from patients' electronic charts. Mesial and distal MBLs were measured relative to the implant platform on digital intraoral radiographs, taken at the time of prosthesis installation and at the most recent follow-up visit. MBL changes were calculated.
Results: A total of 152 dental implants from 105 patients were included. The mean follow-up period was 46.97 ± 21.87 months. The mean MBL change was significantly greater for SSRI users (0.41 ± 0.76 mm) compared to non-users (0.04 ± 0.65 mm) [MD = 0.37 mm, p = 0.00, 95% CI: (-0.61)-(-0.15 mm)]. Mesial MBL change of 0.42 ± 0.84 mm and 0.02 ± 0.71 mm was noted for SSRI users and non-users, respectively. The distal MBL change was 0.4 ± 0.93 mm and 0.07 ± 0.73 mm, respectively. Smoking, sex, and implant location did not seem to influence the MBL differences between groups.
Conclusions: Use of SSRIs is associated with greater marginal bone loss around osseointegrated dental implants in function for a mean period of 3.8 years.
Keywords: dental implants; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
© 2023 American Academy of Periodontology.