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Does Boniva help treat osteoporosis and reverse the effects?
Bonica is the trade name for Ibandronate, which is one of a class of drugs called bisphosphonate. Ibandronate (Boniva) is an oral medication that is used to treat osteoporosis. It can also be used to prevent the disease. It does not reverse osteoporosis. Ibandronate can be taken daily, and is the only oral biphosphonate that is approved by the FDA to be taken monthly.
Does biphosphonates affect going to the dentist?
Yes. Before you and your physician decide that biphosphonate therapy is appropriate for you a thorough dental examination is required. The dental examination includes a full set of radiographs, usually called a full mouth series consisting of 18 to 22 individual film packets. Charting of decayed and missing teeth, assessment of periodontal health which includes a periodontal probing, and an occlusal assessment, or how your jaw comes together. This exam is necessary to eliminate immediate or future problems. It is a preventive measure taken because there is an association with taking biphosphonates and a condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. From my understanding, the patient at highest risk is one that has had IV therapy during cancer treatment. However, I've read reports that have noted a small percentage of persons taking a biphosphonate orally for over four years has experienced complication from the bisphosphnate therapy. If you have not had a preventive comprehensive dental exam and are on a bisphosphnate relay this information to your dental professional. The best defense is a preventive one. See your dental professional prior to starting this therapy.
