BOSTON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A U.S. study released this week advised women get dental exams before starting osteoporosis drugs to cut the risk of a jaw disorder.
Osteoporosis therapies called bisphosphonates -- which include the brand products Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Skelid, Didronel, Zometa, Aredia, and Bonefos -- have been linked to a condition in which the jaw bone tissue dies, a disorder known as osteonecrosis, said a report in the September issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch.
The report said that, although the disease has mostly been seen in cancer patients taking bisphosphonates for bone pain, a few cases have been identified in otherwise healthy women who were on the medications to prevent bone loss.
Experts believe the link between taking bisphosphonates and a higher risk of visiting the dentist for major dental work is because, while the osteoporosis treatments increase bone density in the short-term, they also may impair new bone formation over time.
Thus, the jawbone might have reduced capacity to heal following trauma like dental extractions or implants, making it more likely that osteonecrosis could result.
"The best treatment is prevention," the report said, recommending that women starting osteoporosis treatments should first have a dental exam and consider having any extractions or implants done beforehand.
Women should also inform their dentist if they're already taking the drugs and consider taking a break from bisphosphonates prior to having major dental work, the report advised.
