Roswell Dentist talks about osteoporosis medications and dental health

I recently saw a patient who needed a tooth extracted. She had taken an osteoporosis medication and could not proceed with her dental treatment. Some patients taking that medication develop a condition that prevents healing in the jaw bone; and results in a poor dental health prognosis. Obviously, this is a perfect example of why it is so important that we be notified of all medications that you take. I hope this is helpful.

I ran across this article on the Mayo Clinic's website. Please read below for the  full article.

Dr. Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell,GA 30076
770.993.9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/


Yes, alendronate (Fosamax) is safe for the majority of people who take it. But it may pose a risk of a rare jaw disorder (osteonecrosis of the jaw) in certain people. The cause of this isn't clear.

Fosamax belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Some bisphosphonates are taken orally, and others are taken intravenously. This class of drugs is also used to treat some cancers involving the bone.


Since 2003, there have been reports of a possible link between bisphosphonates and a rare disorder called osteonecrosis, or "death of bone," involving the jaw — a condition marked by pain, swelling, infection and exposed bone. The majority of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw involved people with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy and had been given intravenous bisphosphonates to treat cancer that had spread (metastasized) to the bone.


However, a small number of cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw have been reported in people taking oral bisphosphonates — such as Fosamax — for osteoporosis. These have been primarily associated with active dental disease or a recent dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction.


Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious disorder. But so is osteoporosis. If you take a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, don't stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.


Keep in mind that the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw due to bisphosphonate use is very low in people without cancer or dental problems. If your doctor recommends a bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, consider getting any needed dental work done before starting this medication. If you currently take an oral bisphosphonate and need a dental procedure, you should discuss this with your doctor and dentist.
Kurt A. Kennel, M.D.