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