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Bisphosphonates are
medications often used to prevent bone loss and to treat osteoporosis,
multiple myeloma, metastatic cancer, Paget's disease,
and osteogenesis imperfecta. Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax,
Bonivia, Actonel, Skelid are taken orally while others like Aredia, Bonefos,
Didronel and Zometa are taken intravenously. In very rare occurrences, patients
taking such medications have developed Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis
(BON) also known as osteonecrosis of the jaw
(ONJ). ONJ can affect the gums and/or the jaw in a variety of ways. This condition can range from
pain, swelling, and numbness, to loosening of teeth, death of bone and the possible
melting of the jaw bone. Again, these
are very rare side effects of dental treatment while taking these types of
drugs.
The American Dental
Association has given recommendations for the dental treatment of such patients
and it is therefore important to inform your dental provider of any past or
current Bisphosphonate therapy. Patients should not stop taking Bisposphonates
or any other medication without consulting their physician.
Let us know if you have taken any of the above
medications.
Thank you.
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A word about bone drugs, ONJ and Dentistry
