Complications following tooth extractions are rare, but to prevent them, we at All Coast Dental require the cooperation of our patients. If a patient is taking certain medications, one of the potential hazards of a tooth extraction is osteonecrosis of the jaw. This does not mean those patients cannot receive treatment, but we need everyone to understand why it is so important for them to disclose their medical history and medication use to us.
Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue from lack of blood supply. It can occur in the jawbone when the gum is unable to close over an empty socket, leaving the bone at the base of the socket exposed. A person may experience it if they are taking large doses of antiresorptive medications, which people usually take intravenously for cancer. There is a lesser, but possible risk to people taking oral antiresorptives for osteoporosis. Smokers and people with diabetes are also at greater risk.
If a person develops osteonecrosis, we can provide antibacterial washes and painkillers until their healing process is complete. Usually, conservative treatments are all that are necessary. But osteonecrosis is painful, and we want patients to be able to avoid it. If they have an infected tooth and have already started antiresorptive medication, we may be able to save the tooth with a root canal instead of extracting and replacing it. We may also want to stagger tooth extractions in patients who are getting extensive restorations, or use bridges or partial dentures to avoid extractions entirely.
Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.