Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
from the American Dental Association website.
Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
•pain, swelling, or infection of the gums or jaw
•gums that are not healing
•loose teeth
•numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw
•drainage
•exposed bone
Most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonates have been diagnosed after dental procedures such as tooth extraction; however the condition can also occur spontaneously. Also, invasive dental procedures, such as extractions or other surgery that affects the bone can worsen this condition.
Because osteonecrosis of the jaw is rare, researchers can not yet predict who, among users, will develop it.
If you receive intravenous bisphosphonates (or received them in the past year) and experience any of these or other dental symptoms, tell your oncologist and your dentist immediately.
More rarely, osteonecrosis of the jawbone has occurred in patients taking oral bisphosphonates.
Because osteonecrosis of the jaw is rare, researchers can not yet predict who, among users, will develop it. To diagnose osteonecrosis of the jaw, doctors may use x-rays or test for infection (taking microbial cultures).
The consensus is that good oral hygiene along with regular dental care is the best way to lower your risk of developing osteonecrosis.
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/osteonecrosis.asp
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The concern, does the taking of oral bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis outweigh the risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw? Given that it is apparently rare.
Tags: oral bisphosphonates, oral bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis, osteonecrosis of the jaw, Osteoporosis