Osteoporosis Drugs May Cause ONJ?

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a dental condition known as Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) has been reported in patients receiving treatments that include intravenous bisphosphonate or the pill form, pamidronate or zoledronate. These drugs are typically used to treat osteoporosis and they are proven medications that reduce bone loss and lessen the odds of fractures occurring in patients with the disease.

With ONJ, the condition involves the lower jaw becoming exposed after a tooth has been pulled or trauma has occurred to the jaw. These wounds do not heal as rapidly as they should and infection has been known to occur. This issue can be chronic for patients that contract it.

Aqua Dental urges all patients using bisphosphonates to speak to a dentist regarding their situation. Maintaining the appropriate level of oral hygiene, antibiotics and some special rinses have been known to improve the situation of patients with ONJ. Regular dental visits are important so cases of ONJ can be identified and treated if necessary.

At Aqua Dental we care about your oral health and will continue to share any information that we find pertinent to the well-being of our patients. Our dental specialists use the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology to provide comfortable, compassionate care.