Medications that patients take have far reaching effects on body systems; it is important for patients taking medications to understand the potential side effects and how to best prevent and manage untoward side effects.  Intravenous Bisphosphanates (Zolendronic acid and pamidronate) are used to treat patients with multiple myeloma, breast, lung and other cancers as well as Paget’s disease of bone.  In addition, oral bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva are used for patients undergoing osteoporosis treatment.  Local infection and damage to the jaw bone has been associated with both i.v. and oral bisphosphonate use and can cause loosening of teeth, exposed bone, pain, soft tissue swelling and infection.  Often times these symptoms occur at the site of a tooth or extraction or can occur spontaneously.  There are a variety of factors for you and your dentist to consider when discussing treatment options.  Patients will be served well if they know what medications they are taking, how long they have been taking them and whether or not they have received i.v. bisphosphonates.  Your dental provider will encourage you to:

• maintain excellent oral hygiene

• Check and adjust partials and dentures regularly to avoid soft tissue injury.

• Receive regular exams/cleanings to check for disease and avoid soft-tissue injury

• Treat infections nonsurgically whenever possible, therefore, take care of infection before it starts or becomes too invasive

Feel free to call your dental provider and discuss with them any concerns that you may have.  We want you to have the best outcome possible. 

–Authored by Robin Hogan DDS