Correlation Between Peri-implantitis and Assumptions of Medications: a Retrospective Study

Global demographic trends clearly show the increase in life expectancy and, as a direct consequence of progressive aging, the prevalence of disabling diseases with the relative intake of drugs. The intake of drugs such as thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, anti-inflammatories, proton pump inhibitors and serotonin re-uptake inhibitors has been shown to be able to modulate bone metabolism with different mechanisms. Thus, they may be able to influence peri-implant health.

Proton pump blockers (PPIs) are a class of gastric acid secretion inhibitors that are currently among the best-selling drugs worldwide. The use of PPIs, especially at high doses and/or in long-term treatments, has been associated to an increased risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures. Different mechanisms have been suggested to explain the effects of PPIs on bone metabolism, which include: reduction of calcium absorption due to an increased pH in the small intestine; reduction of the osteoclastic resorption activity due to the modulation of vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) at the membrane level in the vesicles of osteoclasts; inhibition of non-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and FOSFO1 in the vesicles of the bone matrix, increasing the expression of osteocalcin and the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently among the most common antidepressants and their main indications are major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attack syndrome and bulimia. The action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on certain receptors and transporters such as 5-HT1B, 5-HT2B or 5-HT2C can result in impaired bone metabolism through increased differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. Reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) have been described, among others, in patients suffering from depressive syndromes which appear to be related to alterations in serotonin function. These findings suggest the hypothesis that SSRIs may have an impact also on the osseointegration process.

Anti-hypertensive drugs medications have been proven to interfere with bone metabolism through different mechanisms. For example, beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are able to inhibit osteoclasts activity by blocking the surface β-2 adrenergic receptors, which affects the renin-angiotensin system, while thiazides may enhance bone formation by increasing calcium absorption at the distal convoluted tubule.

Systemic corticosteroids are associated to various adverse reactions, especially when used at high doses or for long periods. Fracture and osteoporosis are among the most common corticosteroid-related adverse events.