Bisphosphonates, a class of drugs commonly used for osteoporosis, have recently included a new addition to their list of side effects, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or jawbone death. The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) would like to inform the public about this rare but very serious side effect of bisphosphonates. Some drugs within this class include Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva, taken orally. Other drugs include Aredia, Bonefos, Didronel, or Zometa which are administered intravenously. Over a thousand cases of ONJ have been reported in patients undergoing bisphosphonates treatments. Source: Red Orbit

Posted by Michael Monheit at 07:51 AM | Permalink

American Dental Association following a small but growing number of reports linking bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel to incidences of osteonecrosis of the jaw (dead bone tissue), believes that dentists should discuss ONJ risks with dental patients who are taking Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel when performing tooth extraction or doing implants.

A failure to do so could constitute Dental Malpractice. Dentists and their patients should carefully consider these procedures and discuss alternative dental therapies.

Posted by Michael Monheit at 02:53 PM | Permalink