How patients' lack of knowledge about oral bisphosphonates can interfere with medical and dental care.

BACKGROUND: Oral bisphosphonate use has been associated with a small risk of developing oral osteonecrosis that occurs spontaneously or after the patient has undergone dental surgery. The authors conducted a study to determine whether patients taking bisphosphonates had knowledge about the medical indication for the therapy and the duration of treatment, as well as whether they had been educated by their physicians about possible adverse reactions.

METHODS: From June 2008 through April 2009, people seeking routine care in a dental clinic and who were being treated with bisphosphonates were invited to participate in the study. The participants were asked questions involving knowledge about the medical indications related to their taking bisphosphonates, the duration of their therapy and whether they had been educated about possible adverse reactions.

RESULTS: The authors interviewed 73 participants; 84 percent stated they knew why they were receiving bisphosphonate therapy. However, 80 percent said they were unsure about the duration of therapy, and 82 percent could not recall if they had been told about the risk of experiencing adverse reactions, including oral osteonecrosis, by their physicians.

CONCLUSION: People taking bisphosphonates may be unfamiliar with the drug and its possible adverse oral side effects.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists should be prepared to educate patients about the risks of developing oral complications resulting from bisphosphonate use and the need for appropriate dental care. Questions regarding discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy should be answered by the physician.