Many female patients are prescribed prescription drugs called bisphosphonates to treat osteopenia and osteoporosis. Examples of these medications are Fosamax, Boniva (oral and IV), Actonel and Reclast (given intravenously).
Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ), which is a rare but serious condition of bone death, has been associated with the use of these drugs. Most cases of ONJ have been seen in cancer patients who receive high-dose IV bisphosphonates and down the road have a dental surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction. The risk of ONJ with IV forms of bisphophonates is higher than with oral bisphosphonates with more than 90% of reported ONJ cases linked to IV vs. oral bisphosphonates.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition leading to bone fractures (with the hip and spinal column being the most common). The National Osteoporosis Foundation has reported that an average of 25% of 50 years and older patients die within one year of a hip fracture. Oral bisphosphonate therapy has been shown to reduce this risk so your physician may recommend that you continue taking oral bisphosphonates despite the slight risk of developing ONJ.
It’s important that you inform your dentist that you are taking or have taken any bisphosphonates, especially if you are in need of any dental extractions or dental surgeries. It is even more important to maintain good oral hygiene and continue regular dental visits to avoid any of these complications.
