JAW DEATH---something you don’t want to get
Many women, as they age, develop
post menopausal osteoporosis. This is a condition characterized by a
decrease in bone mass and density. As a result of this condition,
their bones become fragile and break more easily. In order to
prevent this chain of events from happening, doctors prescribe a
class of drug known as biphosphonates, and the most popular oral
version is called Fosamax. It is actually the 13th most
prescribed drug in the U.S. The way the drug works is by altering
the way the bone cells make new bone. While the drug helps prevent
fractures in the spine or the hip, which could be devastating, it
apparently causes problems in the jawbones. There is the
possibility of inhibiting new blood vessel formation, which can
interfere with healing after the extraction of a tooth. Some
patients, after an extraction, do not heal. Exposed bone is the
result of the extraction and this can become infected and very
painful and there is no way to treat the problem. The technical term
for the problem is called osteonecrosis. The popular name
given to the problem is called jaw death. Most cases
of jaw death have occurred in cancer patients who have taken
intravenous bisphosphonates, which is one of the drugs given to
cancer patients to reduce the incidence of cancer induced bone
fractures. There needs to be more research done about whether the
oral versions of the drug have the same incidence of problems. What
this means is that any person who will be going on the drug needs to
have a thorough clinical and radiological (xray) examination done of
their teeth and mouth before they are started on the drug. If any
dental treatment such as extractions or dental implants are needed,
these should be accomplished before the drug regimen is begun.
Routine cleanings, fillings root canals and crowns do not cause the
associated problems. As to why the jawbone responds negatively to
this drug, no one is really sure. So if you are taking this type of
drug, please be sure to tell your dentist before treatment is
started. |
