Burlington Dentist Advises Caution - Patients Should Seek Dental Advice Before Taking Bone Density Drugs For Osteoporosis

Online, March 20, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Walter Heidary, a well-known general and cosmetic dentist in Burlington, has expressed serious reservations about the growing tendency for dental patients to resort to bone density drugs (bisphosphonates) as a way to counter the effects of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is an age-related disease that causes bones to become extremely weak, brittle, porous and subject to fracture. The disease affects women following menopause, though men and children are also susceptible.

Following the FDA's release of a public safety notice revealing the adverse effects of the long-term use of bisphosphonates, Dr. Heidary and his team of dentists have cautioned patients about the popular treatment option.

"There is a possible risk of a rare type of thigh bone (femoral) fracture in people who take drugs known as bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis," the FDA has warned.

The public safety notice, issued on October 23, 2010, cautioned both patients and health care professionals on the dangers of continued use of bisphosphonates and other prescription drugs to treat osteoporosis.

Though FDA has not ruled against the use of bisphosphonates as a bone density enhancement drug or doubted its efficacy, it has, however, suggested that patients use it selectively and consult with their dental surgeons before taking bisphosphonates.

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that prevent the loss of bone mass and are increasingly used to treat osteoporosis and similar diseases. With over 250,000 Americans - most of them elderly, falling and breaking their hips each year, bisphosphonates are increasingly relied on to combat osteoporosis symptoms.

Other clinical studies have conclusively established a temporal relationship between high-dose intravenous bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the jaw in cancer patients.

Other possible adverse side effects associated with osteoporosis medication include: ulcers of the esophagus, upper GI irritation, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, muscle pain and low calcium in the blood, among others.

With risks including osteonecrosis and loss of necessary blood supply to the jawbone, dental patients currently taking bisphosphonates should also consult with their dentist before undergoing invasive dental procedures, including tooth extractions or dental surgery. Unfortunately, many patients fail to inform their dentist of their current medications, creating a range of added health risks during dental surgeries that could otherwise be prevented.

As a dental practice dedicated to excellent patient care, Dr. Walter Heidary and his team of medical support staff encourage all patients to inform their dentist if they are considering or are currently taking bisphosphonates.