Drug Therapy of Anxiety Disorders and Depression: Considerations for Dental Treatment

Authors

• David Tindle DDS, MS, Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow

Abstract

This clinical article examines the dental implications for patients taking psychiatric medications. It reviews major drug classes, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines, focusing on oral side effects like xerostomia and bruxism. The author details critical drug interactions with local anesthetic vasoconstrictors and macrolide antibiotics. Crucially, the source explores research suggesting that SSRIs may significantly increase the risk of dental implant failure by interfering with bone metabolism and osseointegration.

Recommended Citation

Tindle, David DDS, MS (2026) "Drug Therapy of Anxiety Disorders and Depression: Considerations for Dental Treatment," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 108: No. 5, Article 16.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol108/iss5/16