|
Bisphosphonate Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
By: David D. Rolf II, D.M.D., M.Sc.
Director of Education Dental1.org
Take Action
Recommendations for Dental Patients Taking Oral Bisphosphonates for the Treatment of Osteoporosis
An Expert Panel of the American Dental Association (ADA) has issued their recommendations for dental patients taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Their report, “Dental Management of Patients Receiving Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy,” was published in the August 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association. This report provides the following findings and recommendations:
The risk of developing BON in patients taking bisphosphonate medication for osteoporosis is very low, less than 1 case per 100,000.
Age greater than 65 years, oral corticosteroid use, periodontitis (gum disease with bone loss) and prolonged use of oral bisphosphonates have been associated with an increased risk of developing BON.
A comprehensive dental/oral evaluation should be done for all patients prior to starting oral bisphosphonate therapy. If this is not possible, the dental/oral evaluation should be done as soon as possible after starting oral bisphosphonate therapy.
Good oral hygiene along with regular dental care is the best way to lower the risk of BON.
All patients should be informed about any dental treatments that may or may not increase risk of BON; treatment options and alternatives should be explained, as well as any treatment risk. All patients taking oral bisphosphonates are strongly advised to discuss questions and concerns with both their physician and dentist prior to, during and after receiving any invasive or surgical dental treatment.
The majority of BON cases appear within two months of the dental procedure. Current forms of prevention and treatment for BON include: taking antibiotics, using antibacterial mouthwashes before, during and after the procedure, frequent follow up after treatment to observe and clean the surgical wound and neighboring teeth, and some types of surgical procedures to treat the site affected by osteonecrosis.
Last updated: 22-Dec-06
|
