My Dentist Is Concerned About My Osteoporosis Medication But Why?

It is not uncommon for osteoporosis to be treated with medication. In fact it, as well many bone cancers, have been known to be treated this way. As a dentist the concern lies within the type of osteoporosis medication you may be taking like bisphosphonates.

Bisphosphonates are a type of drug, usually taken in pill form, that helps keep the balance in the process of replacing old bone with new bone. In your body your bones decay and are removed by what are known as your osteoclasts. In the process of replacing those old bones for new ones comes the help of your osteoblasts. Typically in osteoporosis patients bones deteriorate faster than new bone can be made which is where bisphosphonates come to save the day.

Bisphosphonate related medication’s job is to help stall the process of bone replacement. In turn this helps alleviate pain and reduce the chance for bone fractures. Bisphosphonates also have the ability to help lower the calcium found in your blood.

They don’t always save the day however.

Bisphosphonate medications sometimes, but rarely, come with a side-effect known as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis. This type of jaw osteonecrosis results from getting dental implants in some patients. Alcohol, smoking, and drug abuse are also major contributing factors to be mindful of. Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis is often hard to treat and can leave patients suffering.

Due to this rare side effect it has affected the way dentists proceed with treating patients taking osteoporosis medication. Usually your dentist will recommend other variants such as root canal therapy which has been known to be a safe and reliable alternative method you can count on.

With any medication it is important that you discuss them with your dentist prior to any dental work to ensure the safest options are given to you. Contact Dr. Faist to discuss your options for your next visit.