Jaw Infections/Osteoporosis Drugs
Osteonecrosis is a disease in which the blood supply to the bone is temporarily or permanently cut off leading to a collapse of the bone. Signs include jaw pain, swelling of the soft tissue, infection, drainage, loosening of the teeth and exposed bone. Souce: http://www.wsoctv.com/health/10233525/detail.html
Bisphosphonates include a group of medications that act by destroying the osteoclasts. Side effects can include gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers and abdominal pain. In addition there is a rare occurrence of jaw bone death. Discontinuation of this medication can result in increased bone turnover and a decrease in bone density. (Read More About SIde Effects of Bisphosphonates)
Read about Jaw Bone Death and why there is no cure. ONJ can be treated with antibiotic therapy, prescription periodontal mouth rinses, and removable mouth guards. Surgery can make the condition worse, although sometimes it is necessary to remove dead tissue. At present, there is no cure for the condition.
Since 2003, more than 3,000 published cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) have been reported from taking bisphosphonates. While most of the cases involve cancer patients who take the intravenous versions of the drug; a few years ago, ONJ began turning up in healthy women taking Fosamax to increase bone density.
Most documented cases have been in people who have had a tooth extraction. (Read more about Fosamax ONJ)