patients on bisphosphonate therapy

Recent studies have shown that patients who take IV bisphosophonates (Aredia, Zometa) are at high risk for developing painful refractory bone exposure as known as osteonecrosis of the jaw. Prolonged use of bisphosophates may suppress bone turnover which contributes to lack of bone repair and delayed healing process. Very few cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw have been reported following oral bisphosophonates. (Scully C et al. Implant Dent 2006;15:212-218)

For further information, go to www.perio.org and www.ada.org