701 State Road 60 East Lake Wales, Florida 33853 (863) 676-6021

Bisphosphonates Info

What is an informed consent form?

Your dentist wants you to understand the treatment you are considering. To do so, you need to understand the risks associated with that treatment, as well as the benefits of the treatment. Your dentist also wants you to understand the alternatives available to you, from no treatment to other treatment options. This is also an ideal time to have your dentist answer any questions you may have. By signing a consent to treatment form, you are indicating that you and your dentist have thoroughly discussed the risks, benefits, and alternatives for the treatment you will be given and that you have understood that discussion.

The following provides you with some additional information about dental treatment for patients taking oral bisphosphonates.

Because you are taking a type of drug called a bisphosphonate, you may be at risk for developing osteonecrosis of the jaw and certain dental treatments may increase that risk. You should understand that the risk of developing this condition is very small.


What Is Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw?

Bone is a living tissue with living cells and a blood supply. Osteonecrosis means the death of bone which can occur from the loss of the blood supply or by a problem with the bone’s ability to regrow. Very rarely, osteonecrosis of the jawbone has occurred in individuals taking oral bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis or Paget’s disease of bone. Dental treatments that involve the bone can make the condition worse.


What Is The Risk For Developing Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw?

Your risk for developing osteonecrosis of the jaw, from using oral bisphosphonates, is very small (estimated at less than one person per 100,000 person-years of exposure to the drugs Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva); but, if it does occur, it may be a serious condition with no known treatment so you should be aware of this complication. At this time, there is no way to determine who will develop the disease. However, the condition is rare and has just recently been associated with the use of oral bisphosphonates. It is important for you to understand that other factors may play a role in the development of osteonecrosis, such as other medications you are taking and the health problems that you may have.


Should I Stop Taking The Oral Bisphosphonate?

The benefits of reducing hip fractures and other complications associated with osteoporosis can be very important. Your dentist cannot advise you about these benefits. You should talk to your physician if you have any questions. Also, it has not been shown that stopping the use of the drug will decrease your risk of developing osteonecrosis.