Dr. Richard Parsanko runs Sonoran Desert Dentistry in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here, he explains how a class of osteoporosis medications called bisphosphonates can contribute to a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw.
It is estimated that 50% of women and 20% of men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, a condition that often occurs in menopausal women as a result of hormonal changes, and that can be debilitating later in life if it is not treated. When calcium leaves the bones, they become much more brittle and you get all sorts of skeletal problems, leading to fractures and broken bones.
To prevent broken bones, many people with low bone density take one of the medications from a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. These include Fosamax (alendronate), Boniva (ibandronate), Actonel (risedronate), and Reclast (zoledronic acid).
Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, after being taken for a prolonged time such as over a year, can make an osteoporosis sufferer more susceptible to a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. (Non-nitrogen bisphosphonates, which are also used to treat osteoporosis, have not been known to contribute to the condition.) Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare but serious bone condition that can severely damage the jawbone. It occurs as a result of reduced local blood supply to the jaw, and the bones in the jaw literally die. It should be noted that osteonecrosis of the jaw occurs rarely, but occasionally, after procedures such as tooth extractions or mouth surgery, when the doctor and/or patient notices a lack of healing.
While the condition is rare, patients should know about it. Tell your dentist as soon as you can if you are prescribed a bisphosphonate. He can demonstrate good oral hygiene practices to you, as well as monitor your dental and oral health while you take the medication.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
