It’s essential for patients to inform their dentist about any medications they are taking before treatment. Some medications can cause complications or interfere with dental procedures. While most medications are safe, sharing this information helps the dentist prevent potential risks and manage any side effects.
Medications can impact the healing process or lead to complications such as infections. For example, patients on blood thinners may have trouble with clotting during treatment, while anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen can slow down orthodontic progress.
Certain medications may also directly affect oral health, causing dry mouth, receding gums, or increasing the risk of tooth decay. By discussing medication concerns, patients can receive appropriate advice, and their dentist may recommend consulting a GP for alternative treatments if necessary. Clear communication ensures that dental care is both safe and effective, tailored to each individual’s needs.
| Treatments | Medications with adverse effects |
| All-on-4 Dental Implants | Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at a higher risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the volume of acid produced within the stomach. This medication can influence bone metabolism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs can increase the chance of failure due to the risk of bone loss around the implant. |
| Apicectomy | Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at a higher risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Like Aspirin and Pradaxa can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Reduce the volume of acid produced within the stomach. This medication can influence bone metabolism |
| Bone Grafting | Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at a higher risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Reduce the volume of acid produced within the stomach. This medication can influence bone metabolism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – Can have a poor impact on bone remodelling. |
| Braces | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Reduce the rate of movement which can slow the rate of the treatment down. |
| Braces for children and teens | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Reduce the rate of movement which can slow the rate of the treatment down. |
| Crowns | Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Pose a minor risk, patients should inform the dentist for precaution. |
| Dental Bridge | Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Pose a minor risk, patients should inform the dentist for precaution. |
| Dental Implants | Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at a higher risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Reduce the volume of acid produced within the stomach. This medication can influence bone metabolism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – This can increase the chance of failure due to the risk of bone loss around the implant. |
| Dentures | Immunosuppressant – Suppress the immune system to help treat conditions like arthritis and asthma. Can lead to denture stomatitis. |
| Fillings | Initial splint treatment is non-invasive and therefore does not require any warnings about medication. However, a list of medications can help the dentist to understand each individual case better. |
| Gum Correction | Contraceptives (oral) Progesterone and oestrogen – can impact the gums through hormonal changes and have been linked to dry socket. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Like e.g. Aspirin and Rivaroxaban. Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. |
| Immediate Implants | Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at high risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Like Aspirin and Pradaxa. Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Reduce the volume of acid produced within the stomach. This medication can influence bone metabolism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – This can increase the chance of failure due to the risk of bone loss around the implant. |
| Inlays & partial crown | Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Pose a minor risk, patients should inform the dentist for precaution. |
| Internal bleaching | Doesn’t require any warnings about medication use. |
| Invisalign | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Reduce the rate of movement which can slow the rate of the treatment down. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – This can increase the chance of failure due to the impacts SSRIs have on bone loss and formation.” |
| Maryland Bridges | Does not require any warnings about medication use. |
| Navigated Implants | Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at high risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – This medication can influence bone metabolism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – This can increase the chance of failure due to the risk of bone loss around the implant.” |
| Orthodontics | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Reduce the rate of movement which can slow the rate of the treatment down. |
| Prosthodontics | Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at high risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones. Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – This medication can influence bone metabolism. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – This can increase the chance of failure, due to the risk of bone loss. |
| Retainers | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Reduce the rate of movement which can slow the rate of the treatment down. |
| Root Canal | Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of longer bleeding during the treatment. |
| Root Canal Retreatment | Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of longer bleeding during the treatment. |
| TMJ Treatment | Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Like e.g. Aspirin and Pradaxa. Can increase the risk of bleeding and make precise impressions or digital tooth scans more difficult. |
| Veneers | Blood thinners, and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Immunosuppressant – Suppress the immune system to help treat conditions like arthritis and asthma. Patients should exercise precaution and let their dentist know in case. |
| Vital Pulp Therapy | Blood thinners, and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Immunosuppressant – Suppress the immune system to help treat conditions like arthritis and asthma. Patients should exercise precaution and let their dentist know incase. |
| Wisdom Tooth Removal & General tooth extractions | Blood thinners, both antiplatelet and anticoagulants – Can increase the risk of bleeding in surgery and can slow the healing process by preventing blood clotting. Contraceptives (oral) – can impact the gums through hormonal changes and have been linked to dry sockets. Bisphosphonates – Patients using bisphosphonates through injections for extended periods are at high risk to necrosis of the bone. This is due to the concentration and retention of bisphosphonates in the bones.” |
| Zygomatic Implants | Does not require any warnings about medication use. |