Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious bone condition affecting the jaws, involving the maxilla and the mandible. The impedance of the supply of blood or ischemia to a certain bone tissue, results in a damage which may eventually lead to the death on the areas of the jaw bone. By and large, it the dentists who first detect ONJ after a dental surgical procedure such as tooth extraction.
As what everyone was informend, the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw due to the use of biphosphonates like Fosamax is very small and insignificant. However, a study published on the Journal of the American Dental Association described a significant risk, about 4%, of osteonecrosis of the jaw even from oral use of Fosamax.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw may occur without any symptoms but it may also present signs of loose teeth and exposed bone. Patient may also feel pain on the jaw or gum with or without swelling or infection and dramatic gum loss. However, the most definitive sign of the osteonecrosis of the jaw is the exposure of mandibular and/or maxillary bone through lesions in the gingival area that do not heal.
The treatment of ONJ in patients should depend on the etiological or causative factors of the disease and the asperity of the disease process. Nonsurgical management of the biphosphonate-related ONJ may consist of antimicrobial rinses, systemic antibiotics, systemic or topical antifungals, discontinuation of the biphosphonate therapy and avoiding invasive dental therapy.
Sadly surgical treatments for patients with ONJ related to biphosphonates like Fosamax produce poor results because of the compromised ability of the bone to recuperate. Careful excision of the dead, devitalized bone, analgesic, and other nonsurgical approach to treat ONJ are more favored than belligerent surgical measures for this type. Early diagnosis and treatment of ONJ is the key to avoid the irreversible bone collapse which may lead to the facial disfigurement of the patient.
As alarming as it may seem, halting your Fosamax therapy needs the knowledge of your doctor before doing so.
If you are someone or someone you know have suffered from the pains of osteonecrosis of the jaw due to Fosamax use, you may be entitled for a well-deserved recompense from your medical bills, treatment and suffering. Discuss with an expert Fosamax lawyer to find out more about your rights as well as filing a possible lawsuit. A number of individuals who have endured the same situation have filed Fosamax lawsuits.
Posted in: Osteonecrosis
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