Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a severe condition in which the cells in your jawbone start to die because of lack of blood supply. This condition is rare and believed to be the result of using certain medications prescribed for multiple myeloma and other types of cancers that have already spread to the bones.
You could also get osteonecrosis if you have osteoporosis or because bisphosphonates prevent the body from repairing damage to the jawbone.
The answer to what are the first signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw often begins with subtle symptoms that may be easy to overlook. Early indicators include pain or swelling in the jaw, gum infections that don’t heal, loose teeth, and exposed bone inside the mouth. Some people may also experience numbness or a heavy feeling in the jaw area. Recognizing these early warning signs is crucial, as prompt dental evaluation and treatment can help prevent the condition from progressing and causing more serious complications.
SYMPTOMS OF OSTEONECROSIS
- ONJ symptoms range from mild to severe, but recognizing osteonecrosis of the jaw early symptoms is critical to diagnosing this serious condition as soon as possible. Some of the most common signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw are:
- Gum pain or swelling
- Numbness of the jaw
- A weakness of jaw muscles
- Visible bone in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Sockets that don't heal after an extraction
TREATMENT FOR OSTEONECROSIS
As with any other serious condition, early detection is critical to treat Osteonecrosis of the jaw successfully. With mild cases of ONJ, we can use mouthwash. When the disease is more severe, we can prescribe antibiotics, gels that you apply directly on your gums and other options.
RISKS FOR ONJ
Only one to two people out of 100 who take bisphosphonates will develop ONJ, and it is not clear why it happens to some and not others. There is less risk of people who take medications for osteoporosis, according to scientific studies.
To reduce the risk of developing ONJ while on bisphosphonates, it is critical to maintain your teeth and gums healthy by practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and visiting us regularly. If you take these medications and need to have oral surgery, we recommend you have the surgery before you start your treatment and wait until you are fully healed. Please let us know if you have any questions about ONJ.