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If you're not familiar with the term, quackter, you've got to listen to the podcasts.
The bisphosphonates, like Actonel, Boniva, and Fosamax, increase bone density in the short run by decreasing bone loss.
But for some reason, a rare side effect is an overgrowth of bone in the jaw.
It is especially prevalent after someone is treated for cancer and then given an intravenous form of a bisphosphonate.
The chances here are as high as 10% of getting this condition.
Don't freak out, the bone growth doesn't spring-up overnight.
Generally, what is happening is that people who are taking these medications have a lowered ability to heal after a tooth extraction or dental implant.
The jaw bone begins to grow into the mouth area.
The dentist can "shave" this area back down and the body can heal itself again.
The first sign is seeing or feeling some exposed bone in the mouth as it grows upward through the gums.
Sounds horrible, but bone grows slowly and this can be stopped and corrected.
And remember, this is very rare.
It is the quackter type of people who yell and scream about strange, horrible side effects that affect a minuscule percentage of people.
The condition happens in the jaw because the jaw bone grows at a faster rate than other bones in the body.
Also, there is a larger concentration of bacteria in the mouth than worsen the problem.
Dental procedures increase the trauma to the jaw and cause the body to go into a "healing" mode in that area.
This also increases the bone growth.
The bisphosphonates slow the cells that dissolve dead bone and increase bone growth.
So dead bone slowly piles up.
Your dentist should ask you about the medications you are taking before doing any type of procedure on you.
The general rule of thumb is to stop taking the bisphosphonate for three months before the procedure if you have been taking it for three or more years.
For emergencies, it has been determined that the benefits of removing a tooth or doing emergency surgery outweigh the risks in this case.
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