cherries
12-07-2007, 11:12 AM
The goal of bisphosphonates is to strengthen bone and prevent fractures. However, these medications may act somewhat differently on jaw bone, particularly in patients with active gum disease and compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy, Dr. Hellstein warns.
http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20050506/CGTH06205052005-1.html
One hundred years ago, people who manufactured matches for a living were susceptible to a horrible ailment called Phossy jaw. Caused by exposure to the white phosphorus then used in matches, Phossy jaw reduced facial bones to rotten mush. Surgical intervention was often required to remove the jawbones of workers unlucky enough to come down with this condition.
Industrial reforms eliminated Phossy jaw, but now a similar condition is starting to show up in patients who use bone-strengthening medications such as Fosamax. The condition is called Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw syndrome"
When someone has ONJ, bone tissue in their jaw can no longer heal properly following even minor scrapes and bruises. ONJ can lead to infection, discomfort and severe pain. Teeth become loosened, the jaw swells and eating or drinking becomes uncomfortable tasks. As with Phossy jaw, surgery is sometimes necessary to remove dead teeth and bone. . . . . continued in this link: . . .
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/features/fosamax-osteonecrosis.html
Another link about the discovery of this problem
http://gotbones.healthdiaries.com/fosamax-and-bisphosphonate-timeline.html
http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20050506/CGTH06205052005-1.html
One hundred years ago, people who manufactured matches for a living were susceptible to a horrible ailment called Phossy jaw. Caused by exposure to the white phosphorus then used in matches, Phossy jaw reduced facial bones to rotten mush. Surgical intervention was often required to remove the jawbones of workers unlucky enough to come down with this condition.
Industrial reforms eliminated Phossy jaw, but now a similar condition is starting to show up in patients who use bone-strengthening medications such as Fosamax. The condition is called Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw syndrome"
When someone has ONJ, bone tissue in their jaw can no longer heal properly following even minor scrapes and bruises. ONJ can lead to infection, discomfort and severe pain. Teeth become loosened, the jaw swells and eating or drinking becomes uncomfortable tasks. As with Phossy jaw, surgery is sometimes necessary to remove dead teeth and bone. . . . . continued in this link: . . .
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/features/fosamax-osteonecrosis.html
Another link about the discovery of this problem
http://gotbones.healthdiaries.com/fosamax-and-bisphosphonate-timeline.html