Is 'Bone Death' Of The Jaw The Next Health Epidemic Facing Seniors?

Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging;  Bones / Orthopaedics
Article Date: 25 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Despite little publicity surrounding the ailment, seniors may be facing an emerging epidemic in the form of bisphosphonate osteonecrosis ("bone death"), a debilitating ailment of the jawbone that patients are predisposed to, through common treatments for the more well-known ailment osteoporosis. Experts in the field of otolaryngology and dentistry discussed this emerging problem and its diagnosis and treatment at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, in Chicago, IL.

With over half of Americans over the age of 50 being treated for low bone mass and osteoporosis (more than 44 million people), many are prescribed oral or intravenous bisphosphonates for treatment. However, these treatments predispose these patients to bisphosphonate osteonecrosis, an ailment first identified only five years ago, which can result in pain, swelling, or infection of the gums or jaw, gums that will not healing, loose teeth, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, drainage, and exposed bone.

The discussion will also include perspective from the dental community, which has also expressed concern about the risk.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Title: The Emerging Epidemic? The Management of Bisphosphonate Osteonecrosis
Presenters: D. Gregory Farwell, MD (moderator); John W. Hellstein, DDS; Derrick T. Lin, MD; Douglas B. Villaret, MD; Gerry F. Funk, MD
Date: Wednesday, September 24

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org/), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."

Source: Matt Daigle
American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery