Jaw necrosis, or Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is commonly known as dead jaw, a term that signifies the impact of the disease on the jaw. Accidental injury to the bone tissue during tooth extraction or onset of tooth infections prevents sufficient blood to flow to the affected area. This in turn causes the bone tissues to die and the jaw bone loses its strength and disintegrates leading to the condition called dead jaw.
Dead jaw makes it difficult to chew solids and causes disfigurement of the face. Fosamax is a Biphosponate drug mainly used in the treatment of Osteoporosis (thinning of bone). Fosomax is prescribed in cases of delayed healing problems, tooth extraction related infections and osteoporosis onset in women in menopausal stage. Jaw Necrosis is claimed to be one of the critical side effect of the drug Fosamax
Tooth Infections, inadvertent bone exposure in dental treatment process and delay in healing after tooth extraction creates a condition where the blood supply does not reach the affected region. In the absence of blood supply, new cells cannot be produced by the body and so the affected tissue does not heal, thus leading to bone degeneration. This subsequently develops into Osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Though Osteonecrosis is related to bone collapse in general, ONJ specifically affects the jaw bone. Though the main reason cited for onset of ONJ are instances of bone injuries during dental procedures such as tooth extraction, gum surgery and tooth implants, Biphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax also have a role to play in the cause of this painful disease. Hundreds of cases have reported in United States alone.
Dental procedures such as tooth extraction may accidentally expose the bone. This exposed bone may not heal as expected and could develop infections. Infections result in pus formation, jaw pain, swelling in the jaws, infectious gums, extreme loss of gums, visible bone and loosened teeth. These symptoms indicate onset of ONJ. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw is difficult to diagnose in the earlier stages but definite symptoms emerge at later stages of the disease.
ONJ diagnosis is done by using imaging scans and biopsy of the bone tissue is performed in extreme cases. Patients under Bisphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax, suffering with the foresaid complaints should immediately consult a doctor for advice. Early detection can cure bone tissue degeneration and save the jaw from losing its function. Jaw necrosis causes pain and agony and requires long term antibiotic treatment or surgery to replace the bone tissue. Many cases have been filed by patients of Fosamax for compensation in the US courts.
If you suspect ONJ on account of Fosomax, immediately consult your physician to investigate your suspicion. Alongside, try to get in touch with an experienced attorney to advice on lawsuits and legal proceedings. If you are not sure who to contact, just fill out the form given in this page or give us a call and we would provide you with the required expert advice on how to go about it, free of cost.
