Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Tooth extractions are a commonly done service at Riverwalk Dental. While we would always rather save a tooth than remove it, there are times when extractions are necessary to prevent overcrowding or the spread of decay. The procedure almost always succeeds without any complications, but patients should be aware that we need their full cooperation to prevent problems such as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).

Tooth extractions are usually a simple affair in which the tooth is rocked to loosen it up until it can be pulled the rest of the way. The jaw bone will be briefly exposed at the base of the empty socket, but a blood clot will seal it off. ONJ describes when the bone tissue begins to die. It can happen if the patient is taking bisphosphonate medications, which are used to prevent bone resorption. People with osteopenia may take them orally, but the majority of ONJ cases occurred in people taking them intravenously for chemotherapy.

ONJ is treatable. The decayed material would be shaved and the bone would be rinsed with antibiotics. But it can be avoided if patients inform dentists of all the medications they are on. If a patient is taking bisphosphonates, we may be able to come up with an alternative solution for their dental issue.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.