Yes! To safely manage complications due to drugs…
Dental treatments -such as extraction- can pose greater risks in conjunction with some medications. A well-known example is blood thinners (anticoagulants) requiring special management prior to having a tooth extracted.
Bisphosphonates are another important example. They are used to treat a range of pathologies of bone including Paget’s disease, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma and metastasis associated with breast or prostate cancer.
Prolia is a another type of medication for osteoporosis given by injection twice a year. Bisphosphonates and Prolia alter bone metabolism and increase the risk of delayed bone healing. A condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw can occur. This leads to bone pain, loss of bone function and bone destruction resulting in impairment of blood supply.
There is no treatment for this side-effect, so prevention is key. During the delayed healing, there is also a greater risk of developing localised infection.
… and to help manage a number of problems that can present in the mouth
the side effects of many common prescription medications can include problems in the mouth. These commonly include dry mouth, puffiness/inflammation of the gums, general sensitivity in the mouth and an increased risk of fungal infections.
In a recent American study, Mayo Clinic and Olmstead Medical Center researchers found that nearly 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug regularly—and more than half of those take two or more.
According to the manufacturers of over 400 common medications, dental problems can occur from the following classes of drugs:
- Antihistamines
- Chemotherapy medications
- Antidepressants
- Seizure medications
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Narcotic pain relievers
- Anti-psychotics
- Lung inhalers
- Blood pressure medications
- Heart medications
- Acne medications
- Anti-nausea medications
- Antibiotics
- Diabetes medications
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- Statins
- Rheumatoid arthritis medications
- Thyroid medications
Keep your details up-to-date!
If it’s been sometime since you told your dentist about your medications, always ask to update your records at your next visit.
