Complications & side effects. Benefits of bone drugs appear to outweigh risks.

Researchers are still trying to understand why ONJ occurs. One theory is as follows: Bisphosphonates accumulate in bone. Removal of teeth or other dental surgery can release large concentrations of these drugs to the surrounding mucosal tissue of the mouth. These tissues are sensitive to bisphosphonates and are weakened when exposed to these medications. Indeed, lab research suggests that bisphosphonates can damage the tissues of the mouth. So, after dental surgery in people taking these medications, the damaged mucosal tissue is slow to heal. This allows bacteria in saliva direct access to the jawbone, which then can become infected, inflamed and die.