Risks of Bisphosphonates

Risk of Bisphosphonates in Dentistry Dentist Highlands Ranch dentist

Bisphosphonate medications are used to prevent or treat osteoporosis or as part of certain types of cancer treatment. They are taken either orally or I.V. and it appears that the I.V. route can have significant dental side effects. In rare cases, it can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis might be simply described as the jawbone eroding away. Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp provide dental services for patients in the, Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, and the Greater Denver area. In addition, please be sure to let our office know if you have taken these medication before any invasive dental procedure especially having teeth extracted.

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I.V. Bisphosphonates are used to treat the following:

Prevent osteoporosis
Treat osteoporosis
Paget's disease (a bone disease)
Cancer treatment to reduce bone pain
Hypercalcemia (too much calcium) associated with metastatic breast cancer
Prostate cancer and Hypercalcemia
Multiple myeloma and Hypercalcemia

As stated before... in rare instances people who have received I.V. Bisphosphonate have developed osteonecrosis of the jaw. These symptoms include but are not limited to:

Pain in the jaw
Swelling or infection
Gingiva (gums) that is not healing
Loose teeth
Exposed bone
Different types of drainage
Numbness or odd feeling in the jaw

If you experience this you should tell your treating physician and dentist. As stated before most osteonecrosis of the jaw occurs after procedures such as tooth extraction but on rare occasions can occur spontaneously.

Prevention is the key dentist Highlands Ranch

Keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible gives you the smallest risk. Complete as much dental work as possible before undergoing any treatment with Bisphosphonate. Certainly if you notice any of the above symptoms please contact your physician ASAP.

Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. Candace DeLapp are general dentists who practice in Highlands Ranch and see patients from Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines and the Greater Denver area. Please feel free to schedule a consult if you have any question by contacting our office at (303) 694-9740.