North Hollywood Dentist, Dr. Bijan Afar, Weighs in on the Effect of Antidepressants on Dental Implant Treatment

    NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA, March 21, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dental implants are the preferred tooth restoration method when a tooth has been lost or following a dental extraction, but recent research now indicates that they may not be right for every patient. Dr. Bijan Afar weighs in on the effect of antidepressants on dental implant treatment.

Millions of people currently take antidepressants for anxiety, depression, pain and other health problems, but researchers have found that they may be associated with a higher risk of implant failure. A recent study found that antidepressants could raise the risk of implant failure by as much four times, and every additional year of use could double the odds of failure.

About Dr. Bijan Afar, Dentist North Hollywood

After earning his undergraduate degree from UCLA, Dr. Afar completed his DDS there before attending the University of Washington from which he earned a degree in oral biology. He received a Dentist-Scientist Fellowship from the NIH, which allowed him to further his studies, and today, he is a top periodontist and oral implantologist. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Osseointegration and the California Dental Association.

The study, which involved data from patients from the UB Dental Clinic in 2014 and is explored in depth in MedicalXpress.com, found that 33 percent of implant failures were in patients who were using antidepressants. As many as 10 percent of Americans are currently using these medications and the demand is increasing, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Implant use is also increasing as more patients are discovering their benefits, which include longevity, superior comfort and greater dental function.

For implants to become successfully integrated into the bone structure of the jawbone, new bone must grow around it. According to researchers, antidepressant medications can decrease bone metabolism, which can slow the healing process and interfere with osseointegration. This side effect may also increase the risk of osteoporosis, bruxism and dry mouth, which can further lead to complications with dental implants. Candidates for dental implants who are currently taking antidepressants will need to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before making their decisions. They may benefit from close monitoring during the healing phase, or they may need to consider other restoration options.

Visit http://www.nohodentalgroup.com for more information.

# # #