Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (BRONJ)

Many women today as well as a few men are frequently being diagnosed with osteoporosis. This is a condition in which the bones become brittle due to mineral loss. The decrease in bone density can lead to increased risk of fractures of hips and other areas. To help prevent this loss of bone density a class of drugs know as bisphosphonates, ie fosamax, where developed which reduce or prevent the loss of bone as we age. These drugs work by affecting how our bodies break down bone. An unwanted side effect of these drugs occurs in the bones of the jaws known as osteonecrosis. This occurs in patients who have trauma to the bones of the jaws such as tooth extraction and fractures. In patients who take bisphosphonates the ability of their jaw bones to heal is modified and lead to serious bone destruction in some patients. As simple blood test can be used to determine a patients risk of BRONJ before any tooth extractions are performed. Your dentist should be informed on any and all drugs taken by the patient to prevent any unwanted complications during and after treatment.