Periodontist Discusses Study Linking Osteoporosis Drug Complications to Patients with Certain Genes

Beverly Hills, CA, June 27, 2012 --(PR.com)-- On the heels of an earlier study linking antiresorptive drugs to medication induced osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ, researchers at the Columbia University of Dental Medicine have found that a specific genetic variation can raise the risk of this disease developing. This news is paramount for dentists to better serve their patients by allowing them to be more vigilant in maintaining oral health for women with osteoporosis. While osteoporosis is a serious affliction, the development of ONJ leads to painful bone lesions that are difficult to treat and can lead to the loss of the entire jaw itself. As oral bisphosphonate medication therapies for osteoporosis become more common, this research can pave the way for genetic screening tests to discover which patients may be most at risk. Beverly Hills Periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh states, “Having seen the dangerous complications that ONJ causes, I am excited about these recent findings that give me and other dental professionals the chance to best treat our patients.”

The study was published on the online segment of the journal, The Oncologist. The findings suggest that individuals with a specific genetic profile who also take oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis are more susceptible to developing ONJ. Researchers analyzed a wide range of genetic traits in 30 participants on antiresorptive drug therapies who also developed ONJ. They compared this population against those who were also taking bisphosphonates and were unaffiliated by ONJ. When examining the patients who had developed ONJ, the research also correlated the disease more often in individuals who have undergone complicated dental procedures or also had dental disease.

In the United States, roughly 3 million women are on osteoporosis medications. Adding to this population, oncologists often use bisphosphonates via intravenous method to treat hypercalcemia and bone metastasis. These findings are essential to allow doctors and dental professionals to develop a genetic screening test in order to craft the best osteoporosis medication therapies and keep ONJ at bay. “ONJ is a serious disease, the pain and treatment of the ONJ is extremely complicated. The lesions that develop on the jawbone are difficult to treat and can lead to the loss of the entire jawbone. Putting my patients’ health first, this research is key to keeping them disease free and smiling without worry.”

As a pioneer in the periodontal community, Dr. Alex Farnoosh has developed advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry to fix a gummy smile and a one of a kind same day gum bleaching method. In addition to his expertise in cosmetic procedures, people from all over the world travel to Beverly Hills for his knowledge, care and treatment of mild to severe periodontal issues. As research progresses, reports like this can be a powerful ally to dental professionals to better manage their patients.

About The Total Smile:
The Total Smile was founded by Beverly Hills Periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh. Serving patients from around the globe at his Beverly Hills office for over 25 years, Dr. Farnoosh has proven expertise in the field of dentistry and offers many unique cosmetic and surgical services. Dr. Farnoosh specializes in dental implants, laser periodontal surgery, gum and bone grafting and his novel gum bleaching approach for treatment of dark and discolored gums and his lip-lowering treatment for a gummy smile. Dr. Farnoosh has been recognized by the Consumers’ Research Council of America (CRC) as one of America’s top dentists in their annual report since 2008. To learn more about Dr. Farnoosh and how to achieve The Total Smile, visit: www.thetotalsmile.com .