Malka,

In reference to osteoporosis drugs, as far as I know there has been no clincal data to show that oral bisphosphonates (like Fosamax) are causing any jaw bone problems. It is the IV bisphosphonates used during chemo for certain types of cancer, that are causing ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw).

ONJ is a newly recognignized problem and even before the facts had become apparent, several years ago one of my partners in my dental practice had developed this problem. He was on Zometa to strenghten his bones due to multiple myeloma. He had to have a tooth extracted due to bone loss and the area did not heal for a long time. We didn't know what was going on and it took quite awhile for the information to get out to the dental community. He has been off the drug for 2 years and recently had another tooth extracted with no problems.

Hope this is helpful.

Jerry