ADA Comments on Oral Bisphosphonates

In this month´s JADA, the ADA finally chimed in with their guidelines for patients who are on oral bisphosphonates.

Specifically, the ADA stated:

"Relying on a small but growing number of reports linking
bisphosphonate drugs to incidences of osteonecrosis of the jaw (dead
bone tissue), a panel of experts convened by the ADA believes dental
patients who are taking oral bisphosphonate drugs should discuss the
risks they face when undergoing procedures that involve the jaw bone,
such as tooth extraction or placing implants, with their dentist.
Dentists and their patients should carefully consider these procedures,
as well as alternative dental therapies. Patients may also want to
discuss this information in the context of their overall health and
treatment options with their physician.

The ADA
recommends that a comprehensive oral evaluation be carried out on all
patients about to begin therapy with oral bisphosphonates (or as soon
as possible after beginning therapy), and that patients on these drugs
be educated on maintaining oral hygiene, which is the best way to
prevent oral diseases that may require dental surgery.

The ADA notes that dentists, generally, will not need to modify dental
treatments based solely on oral bisphosphonate therapy. Further,
patients should understand that the risk for developing osteonecrosis
of the jaw is considered very small and that the vast majority of
patients taking an oral bisphosphonate do not develop any oral
complication."

Any thoughts on these statements?