Evaluation of the Effect of Escitalopram on Alveolar Bone Levels and Periodontal Parameters: A Case-Control Study

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, clinically and radiographically on bone levels and periodontal parameters. Materials and methods: A sample of 100 patients with clinical depression was assessed for clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) and radiographic marginal bone loss. A total of 50 patients were administered 10 mg escitalopram daily for 3-6 months, while the other 50 patients did not receive it. p-Values < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. Results: No statistically significant difference in the PI was found among the study groups (p > 0.05). Conversely, a significantly lower GI, PD, and CAL were found in the escitalopram users group (p < 0.001). Moreover, mesial and distal radiographic marginal bone loss were significantly lower in the escitalopram users group than in the nonescitalopram users group (control) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study indicates that escitalopram intake in patients with clinical depression is associated with lower periodontal parameter scores and decreased marginal bone loss.