Are you being treated with a Bisphosphonate e.g. Didronel, Fosmax, Aredia or Zometa?
Why do we want to know if you take these medication?
How these medications treat osteoporosis and why this effects teeth extractions
Bone, like other tissues in the bone is constantly in a process of being broken down and regenerating. In osteoporosis and some malignant tumours the bone resorption occurring in this turnover process is a big problem. Bisphosphonates help holt the regeneration of bone therefore helping reduce excessive bone loss, or in cancer's high serum calcium.
Over suppression of this process can be a problem and recent media reports have alerted the community to the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
The risk of problems with Bisphosphonates are not the same for all patients.
Best treatment is prevention!
Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
This is a rare condition involving the loss or breakdown of the jaw bone. It is a serious condition.
Symptoms may include:
We don't know exactly what causes this condition but possible risk factors are:
If you are having cancer treatment and you experience pain in your mouth or teeth or jaw please tell both your oncologist and dentist.
The Australian Dental Association fact sheet on bisphosphonates.
NPS fact sheet on osetonecrosis of the Jaw
The National Prescribing Service limited (NPS has published a fact sheet for health professionals on the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with use of bisphosphonates.
Hours:
Mon - Fri 8:30 am -5:30 pm
Sat 8.30 am -1 pm
575 Riversdale Rd
Camberwell
VIC
3124
AU
Monash University Health Service Dental Clinic (Clayton)
21 Chancellors Walk, Building 10,
Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton.
03 9905 1000
dental.uhs@monash.edu
Two convenient locations
Camberwell and Monash University
Dr Erik Magee BDSc (Melb)
Dr Stephen Liew BDSc (Mel), FPFA, FADI, MAICD, FICD
Dr Sue King BDSc (Melb)
Dr Lin Liang BDSc (Hons Melb)
Dr Jordan Hawkins DDSc (Melb)
Dr Marjan Ardebili BDS (Manchester,UK), MFDS (RCS Ed)
Dr Nigel Gamage BDSc (Sheffield)
Dr Balakka Reddy BDSc
Mr Roland Barrowman Grad.Dip(OMS), MBBS, FRACDS(OMS)
Camberwell Dental Group and Monash University Dental Clinic. Dentists promoting health care for life. Family orientated