Thought I would weigh in on the subject of osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON) caused by bisphosphonates, since Nelie brought it up.

The only case of this that we have seen in our practice, was actually my partner who had been on Zometa (Intravenous) for treatment of his cancer, multiple myeloma. As a result of this problem, he needed a tooth extracted and had a terrible time with healing after the extraction. This actually occurred before these findings hit the journals and we had no idea what was going on.

The incidence of the oral bisphosphonates, eg Fosamax, causing similar problems has been so miniscule, that it has not changed the thinking about women continuing with these forms of the drug. We have done extractions, placed implants etc., for women that have been on these oral drugs for years and years, with no signs of a problem.

Jerry

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