Osteoporosis meds may lead to bone death in jaw

According to chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Loyola Univeristy Medical Center, bisphosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis, such as Fosamax, Actonel, and Zometa, may create osteonecrosis. Osteocrenosis is where the bone tissue of the jaw fails to heal properly from any trauma that causes the jawbone to be exposed in the mouth, such as tooth extraction. The condition develops in patients who have been on the drugs for several years. Those taking the IV form is at greatest risk, while those taking orally are at lower risk, but should still tell their dentist before getting any preventive procedures.

Bonnie - it is always important to weigh risks of drugs vs. benefits. Not only do bisphosphonates cause g.i. distress to many, but the bone that is built is weak bone that can still shatter if broken. But now, possible death of jaw bone - is it really worth the risk when there are so many other ways to build strong bones that have no risk?