Despite possible development of the bone disease osteonecrosis, dental professionals such as Los Angeles periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh feel the benefits of anti-resorptive therapy outweigh the risk.
Beverly Hills, California (May 2012) – Dental professionals such as Los Angeles area periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh have begun to see a link between specific types of medication and severe jawbone disease known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ.
As osteoporosis becomes more prevalent in mature adults, many prescription therapies have been developed to prevent and treat this painful affliction. These anti-resorptive therapies have become the common form of treatment. Such cases have been labeled “anti-resorptive agent-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw” or ARONJ. Though this bone disease is severe, incidents of this occurrence related to anti-resorptive therapy are relatively low.
Osteoporosis is a severe, deadly affliction, and specialists advise that the benefits of the medication outweigh the risk. In order to raise awareness, The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs recently released a report to help dental professionals better serve their patients. (Journal of the American Dental Association, 2011)
“Because osteoporosis can affect teeth and the bones in and around the mouth, the medication therapies are important in treating patients with low bone mass,” says Dr. Alex Farnoosh, a periodontist in Beverly Hills. “I am concerned about ARONJ incidents in some cases. This report is a great tool for dental professionals to suggest new medications for osteoporosis if ARONJ begins to develop.”
“Regular check-ups and healthy oral maintenance are the keys to unlocking the right anti-resorptive therapies to keep both ARONJ and osteoporosis at bay.”
The report includes a comprehensive list of the various anti-resorptive medications and their specific abilities to treat the problem. This allows dental professionals to make more specialized decisions when it comes to overall and oral health. Though there is a link between these drug therapies and the development of ARONJ in some patients, the report indicates that cases of this occurrence are around 0.10%. Because of this, the ADA advocates the benefits of anti-resorptive therapies when compared to the risk of developing ARONJ.
As a pioneer in the periodontal community, Dr. Farnoosh has developed advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry to fix a gummy smile and a one-of-a-kind, same-day gum bleaching method. In addition to his expertise in cosmetic procedures, people from all over the world travel to Beverly Hills for his knowledge, care and treatment of mild to severe periodontal issues.
Dr. Farnoosh states, “A perfect smile should not be the only aim in a person’s journey to advance their goals with regard to teeth. I practice a total mouth wellness exam so that I can best treat my patients. As research progresses, reports like this can be a powerful ally to dental professionals to better manage their patients.”
Find out how Dr. Farnoosh provides excellent gum treatment as part of his patients’ smile makeovers when you schedule an appointment online or call (310) 928-1796 to set up a consultation.

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