Thursday, July 26, 2018

Avoiding Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

The oral surgeons at Oyster Bay are highly experienced providers of extractions and replacement teeth. In order to help patients better understand their options, we wanted to provide information about a rare but serious issue called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).


Osteonecrosis refers to the death of bone tissue. It could happen to the jaw if it was exposed by something such as a severe infection, but in the modern world, it typically only happens as a result of tooth extractions. When teeth are extracted, the sockets usually close over the exposed jaw bone, but there could be complications if the patient is on bisphosphonate medication. This kind of medication is used to prevent bone resorption and is used to combat osteoporosis and the side effects of chemotherapy. Most ONJ cases occur in people who received bisphosphonates intravenously.


If ONJ is identified, the dead bone can be shaved and treated with an anti-bacterial rinse. But it can be avoided completely if patients fully disclose their medications and future treatment plans with all of their doctors, so oncologists will know not to start chemotherapy until after tooth extractions and oral surgeons will know not to recommend extractions to people on bisphosphonates.


Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

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