Patients using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a high prevalence of acute periapical abscesses suggests a new study published in the Special Care in Dentistry.
Depression and anxiety are major health problems impacting the quality of life of the affected individuals and can lead to significant disability. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these psychological conditions are the second-highest cause of disability worldwide. Depression and anxiety are severe health problems affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Consequently, the use of antidepressants has constantly been on the rise. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressant are now commonly used due to fewer side effects as compared to other types of antidepressants. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses (PAs)in patients using SSRIs. Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for SSRIs and acute PAs was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The different diagnoses were coded using the international coding system ICD 10.

Diagnosis was made by calibrated dentists in a hospital setting based on clinical examination and imaging data. The odds ratio (OR) for the prevalence of acute PAs and its association with the use of SSRIs were calculated and analyzed statistically. It was found that the prevalence of acute PAs was significantly higher in patients using SSRIs as compared to the other hospital patient population. The OR was 2.8 and the difference between patients using SSRIs and patients who do not was statistically significant (p < .0001). Under the conditions of this study, it appears that the prevalence of acute PAs is higher in patients using SSRIs.
Reference:
Rotstein I, Katz J. Acute periapical abscesses in patients using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Spec Care Dentist. 2024; 44: 143–147. https://doi.org/10.1111/scd.12789
Keywords:
Patients, selective serotonin, reuptake inhibitors, prevalence, acute periapical abscesses, Rotstein I, Katz J