Modern medicine has progressed in leaps and bounds to the point that “there’s a pill for that” applies to most medical conditions. The drawback is that medications often affect us in other ways, such as impacting the dental treatments we need to have. Studies show a significant link between some daily chronic medications and dental implants, for example, and it’s good for anyone considering dental implants in Surrey to make sure they are properly informed about all the issues that could arise. Some medications that can impact your oral health include:

Heartburn Medications

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Pantoloc and Omeprazole are commonly prescribed for patients suffering frequent heartburn. These medications reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces it. PPIs can reduce the amount of calcium our bodies absorb, leading to a decrease in bone density and a generally higher risk of fractures. Research suggests this affects the way bones heal and fuse together, and studies show people using PPIs have a 4.30 times higher rate of dental implant failure.

Anti-Depressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) are popular antidepressants with minimal common side effects. That’s not the case when it comes to dental implants in Surrey, however. These medications are great for levelling out your mood, but some studies suggest they increase the risk of implant failure by up to six times. That’s because they inhibit bone formation and metabolism, which affect the osseointegration of bone after a dental implant procedure.

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are a type of medication given to patients with osteoporosis. They stop cells from removing material from your bones, which helps to improve bone density. Bone healing relies almost as much on removal of dead bone as it does on building up new bone, so taking this medication makes it difficult for the body to integrate dental implants into your jawbone. There is not yet conclusive data available on this medication, but it’s worth discussing the issue with your family doctor and dentist to avoid dental implant problems if you’re considering choosing this option.

NSAIDS

There is some evidence that over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen can interfere with bone healing, but it hasn’t been fully proven as yet. Since NSAIDS are generally not recommended for long-term use anyway, a short course of the painkillers is unlikely to be problematic unless you also have other risk factors for dental implant failure.

Antibiotics

Some types of antibiotics are associated with bone growth problems, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin, some of which are often prescribed for gum infection. Patients who have used any of these in the past 12 months should bring this to the attention of their dentist when planning dental implants in Surrey. Fortunately, the majority of antibiotic classes don’t have any effect on dental implant success.

Beta Blockers

It’s not all bad news, however. Beta blockers, administered mainly for high blood pressure and some cardiac conditions, actually have a positive effect on dental implants. This is because they strengthen bone metabolism, which promotes healing. This helps to improve the chances of your dental implants integrating with the jawbone where they are placed.

Other issues that have contraindications for dental implants include chemotherapy treatment for cancer, recreational drug use, alcohol, and smoking.

If you’re considering dental implants in Surrey, contact our qualified and experienced team to discuss your options and find out whether this is the best solution for you. Click here to schedule an appointment with us.