Dental health often begins to decline with age, as with many other aspects of a person’s health. In order to maintain healthy teeth it may be necessary to take extra steps to reduce certain risks.
One way to safeguard your dental health is to provide a detailed medical history and list of current medications to your dentist. Certain medications can impact oral health, such as bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are a type of medication that may be prescribed to older adults, primarily those over the age of 50 to improve bone health. But they can be problematic in some situations.
Learn more about bisphosphonates and how they affect oral health and overall wellness so that you can be fully informed about your care.
What Are Bisphosphonates?
Bisphosphonates are a class of prescription medications that prevent resorption of bone tissue. They block osteoclasts, the cells that cause bone to weaken and break down. Bone tissue gradually deteriorates due to lack of use, the natural aging process, and conditions such as osteoporosis. You may be prescribed bisphosphonates if a bone density test reveals that you have, or are at risk for, bone loss.
Benefits of Bisphosphonates
- Prevent bone resorption. By blocking the cells that break down bone tissue, bisphosphonates prevent bone resorption.
- Improve bone density. Bisphosphonates allow bone tissue to become stronger and more dense over time.
- Reduce the risk of fracture. Stronger, denser bones are less likely to fracture due to falls or other injuries.
- Alleviate pain. Pain related to bone loss and osteoporosis can be reduced over time with the help of bisphosphonates.
Potential Risks of Bisphosphonates in Dental Health
- Slower recovery from dental treatment. When taken before or after certain dental procedures or oral surgery, bisphosphonates can affect the healing process, resulting in longer recovery time and complications.
- Increase risk of BRONJ. Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw is a condition that can prevent healing and leave jaw bone tissue exposed.
- Dental implant complications. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw and rely on osseointegration, a process where the implant fuses with the bone. Bisphosphonates can prevent the implant from properly bonding to the bone, resulting in dental implant failure.
Consult With Your Doctor and Dentist
If you are taking bisphosphonates or if they are prescribed by your doctor, be sure to consult with your dentist and your doctor before making any changes to your medication and before undergoing any dental procedures. Don’t stop taking your medication without your doctor’s approval and make sure your dentist knows all of the medications you are taking. This will minimize risks to your overall health as well as your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bisphosphonates
Is it safe to have oral surgery if you are taking bisphosphonates?
The safety of oral surgery while taking bisphosphonates depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Consult with your dentist and your prescribing doctor to inquire about the risks vs benefits for you.
Why see a periodontist if you are taking bisphosphonates?
A periodontist specializes in the support structures for your teeth, including the jaws. They have a thorough understanding of the bone structure of the upper and lower jaw and how bisphosphonates affect jaw bone health, making them uniquely qualified to provide treatment.
At Dental Implants and Periodontology of Massapequa we believe that oral health and overall wellness go hand in hand. We collaborate with other medical professionals to provide the best possible care for our patients. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.