Bisphosphonate Patients
If patients have taken bisphosphonates or other antiresorptive medications for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis and other diseases, they may be at risk for medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Please refer to the 2011 American Dental Association recommendations on management of these patients in relation to dental treatment, as well as the 2014 American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons position paper update:
Risk factors include type of medication taken, length of time medication was taken, and the patient’s oral health. Management and treatment of bisphosphonate patients may include a drug holiday from antiresorptive medications for up to two or three months prior to dental extraction surgery or other invasive dental procedure to minimize the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Please inform us if the patient has taken or is currently taking any antiresorptive medications, the names of the medications, the medication form (i.e., IV or oral), and the time period each medication was taken.
You can call the office at (408) 716-9300 any time. This information will assist us in determining the patient’s treatment plan to try to minimize the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.