We know that some medications designed for bone health may impact your jaw. The OMS in Nevada explains and controls these risks to the patient. Let’s break down what you need to know in simpler terms about bisphosphonates and jaw bone health.
What Are Bisphosphonates?
These are common medications that help patients treat:
- Osteoporosis
- Prevention of bone loss
- Bone pain management
- Certain bone cancers
Brands of these drugs include Fosamax, Boniva, and Actonel. If you are taking any of these medications, inform your dentist and oral surgeon.
Understanding MRONJ
MRONJ (Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw) happens when jaw bone cells are affected by certain medicines. Think of it as areas of bone that aren’t healing normally.
Warning Signs
Watch for these symptoms:
- Loose teeth
- Jaw pain
- Swollen gums
- Slow healing
- Exposed bone in the mouth
Preventing Problems
Good mouth care is your best defense. Our Las Vegas team suggests:
Daily Care
- Regular brushing
- Gentle flossing
- Regular dental checkups
- Good mouth cleaning
Before Starting Medicine
We recommend:
- Complete dental exam
- Fixing problem teeth
- Treating gum disease
- Making a care plan
Safe Dental Work
If you need dental work, we take extra care by:
Checking your medicine history
- Using gentle techniques
- Planning careful healing time
- Watching for problems
- Following up often
Risk Factors
Your risk may be higher if you:
- Take bisphosphonates long-term
- Have other health problems
- Need tooth removal
- Have gum disease
- Smoke
Treatment Options
If problems develop, we can help with:
- Special mouth rinses
- Careful cleaning
- Gentle procedures
- Pain management
- Infection control
Working Together
We team up with your:
- Regular dentist
- Medical doctor
- Other specialists
- To keep your mouth healthy
The Nevada OMS Approach
Our team provides:
- Careful evaluation
- Clear explanations
- Regular monitoring
- Quick response to problems
- Long-term care plans
Prevention Tips
Stay healthy by:
- Keeping regular checkups
- Reporting mouth changes
- Following care instructions
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Getting prompt treatment
Next Steps
If you take bone medicines, let’s work together to protect your jaw health. Visit our Las Vegas office for:
- Medicine review
- Mouth checking
- Care planning
- Risk assessment
- Prevention strategies
Don’t wait for problems to develop. Early care helps prevent serious issues. Contact Nevada OMS to learn how we can help protect your jaw health while you take your bone medicines. We work with most insurance plans and have offices in Las Vegas and Henderson ready to help.
Remember, taking bone medicines doesn’t mean you’ll have jaw problems. But knowing the risks and getting regular care helps keep your mouth healthy.
