Fosamax and Dentistry

The nice weather is back in town. Well, after I had some snow at my house during the past week, seems like the weather mirrors the yellow fever: cold, hot, cold, hot, very hot :) And because I cannot keep it to myself I have to say it: last Sunday I did my first skydive jump. I still don't know why I did it, but it was fun. I would say that the secret is not to think too much at what you're doing, otherwise...
I was still talking with one of my patient about this jump when she jokingly told me that in a couple of years her bones will be like iron because she started to take Fosamax. This kinda of stopped the joke right there. Fosamax is a medication widely used by orthopedist and primary care physicians for patients with very low bone density. Fosamax is part of a big drug family called Bisphophonates. The bisphophonates are drugs used also for the patients with cancer treatment. The drug act by slowing down the turnover of calcium from the bones, but by doing this it changes the structure of the bone for a very long time. The problem is that a major change appears in the jaw bone and, in case of an extraction, there is a big risk of infection and appearance of a wound which doesn't heal. Another big problem is the fact that we, the dentists , don't know to whom this will happen, and even worse, how to treat it.
So in the end, if your MD recommends you to take Fosamax for a long period of time please talk to him/her about the dental implication of this drug (the scientific name is OsteoNecrosis of the Jaw or ONJ - you can find out more about this by clicking on ONJ). If you need to be on any kind of Bisphosphonates get first a dental consult and take care of all the dentistry you need in order to avoid for the next 5-10 years extractions, deep cleanings, and any bleeding procedure in general. Also keep your dentist informed about the medication you're taking. This way one can avoid big problems in the future and unpleasant changes in the quality of life.
Well, enough with the serious stuff, hopefully next week I will be able to post my jump from a perfectly (not really) working plane.
Until next time all good wishes from your friendly dentist in Oakhurst
Adrian Buca, DDS

It is a wonderful day in Oakhurst, and because I like more to be in front of my laptop than doing backyard work, I came up with the unheard idea of creating a dental blog, for us here in Oakhurst. The truth is that as much as I hate doing the backyard work most of the people hate even thinking about the dentist. What can I do...? So I would like to make it less emotional stressful for you to go see your dentist (do you know that the average American prefers to be audited by the IRS than to go see Dr. GoodTooh FlossYourTeeth). Everything kinda of embedded in our brains from the Mayflower time when the only dentist available on the ship was the good ol' barber, and the best anesthetic was brother Johnny Walker. While I don't deny the amnesic effects of the brownish liqueur (see the movie "Hangover") I don't think that anybody would want to associate a good time at the bar with the sudden absence of a front tooth. Well since then the dentistry changed a lot, the barbers need a license to cut your hair (I am still not sure about pulling teeth), and a root canal is no longer a torture method associated with water-boarding. My life is quite busy nowadays but slowly I will take the time to bring you the news about dentistry, and to make you more comfortable to go see your dentist. Of course if there are any questions don't be shy and let me know.
Your friendly dentist in Oakhurst, Adrian Buca, DDS