Biophosphate

The ADA has updated its 2006 recommendations for patients on oral bisphosphonate therapy. In this 2008 re-evaluation of the evidence, the Council on Scientific Affairs determined that the incidence of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON) remains very low and also concluded that no reliable screening or diagnostic tests are currently available to predict a patient's risk to develop this condition. Although the risk of BON is low, patients who take oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis or other conditions should discuss the risks with their dentist and physician.

Additional information is available on the following web page:
www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/osteonecrosis.asp.