(05/02/06)It is important for dentists to be aware that while on treatment, invasive dental procedures should be avoided if at all possible. Dentists should be made aware of a patient’s medical history, current medications and any treatments (current or past) using intravenous bisphosphonates because of their long half-life (period of time that the drugs stay in the body after discontinuing use).Patients Should:- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to reduce the risk of dental and periodontal infections – Have removable dentures checked and adjusted to avoid potential soft-tissue injury – Receive routine dental cleanings, being sure to avoid soft-tissue injury – Aggressively manage dental infections non-surgically with root canal treatment if possible or with minimal surgical intervention. The prescribing information for bisphosphonates recommends that cancer patients:- Receive a dental examination prior to initiating therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates – Avoid invasive dental procedures while receiving bisphosphonate treatment. For patients who develop ONJ while on bisphosphonate therapy, dental surgery may exacerbate the condition.