Program Success 11 December 2017
MEDICATIONS
Medications are prescribed to patients to prevent or manage chronic diseases . Despite their therapeutic influence on the body , the side effects of these drugs can impose more problems for patients . Certain medications have to be monitored properly because they can have lasting effects on a person ' s oral health .
Bisphosphonate medications .
Bisphosphonates are medications used to decrease or prevent the progression of bone loss . T yp ically , patients diagnosed with osteoporosis , Paget ' s disease , and certain bone-related cancers are managed with bisphosphonates . Zometa , Boniva , Actonel , Reclast , and Fosamax are common bisphosphonate medications prescribed to patients either through an intravenous ( IV ) or oral administration . A patient should inform their dental provider about their bisphosphonate medication if they are considering dental surgery . Bisphosphonates can increase the chance of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw which prevents an intraoral surgical site from healing properly . Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious post-operative complication that should manage carefully by your dental provider .
Antihypertensive medications .
Antih yp ertensive medications are used to control high blood pressure or h yp ertension . Calcium channel blockers , like nifedipine and amlodipine , are antih yp ertensive medications that can stimulate an excessive growth of gingival tissue called gingival h yp erplasia with chronic use . Gingival h yp erplasia prevent patients from practicing proper oral hygiene techniques because it can make the removal of plaque more challenging . Failure to remove plaque can lead to cavities and the advancement of periodontal disease . Dental surgery may be indicated to reduce the excess tissue so it is easier to clean and manage oral hygiene . Certain antiseizure medications , like phenytoin , and immunosuppressant drugs , cyclosporine , can also cause gingival h yp erplasia .
Anticoagu ation and antiplatelet medications .
Anticoagulation or " blood thinners " medications reduces a person ' s risk of developing a blood clot . Coumadin , Eliquis , and Plavix are common drugs used to manage blood clots . Management of these drugs varies ; therefore , it is i mp ortant to inform your dental professional about these drugs before any invasive treatment .
Monica Ross Dentist Medications Use & Side Effects Daytona Beach , Florida December 2017
Dr . Monica G . Ross is a board-certified general dentist practicing in the Central Florida area since 2013 . She is a graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark , NJ and obtained post-graduate training at St . Joseph ' s Medical Center ' s General Practice Residency program in Paterson , NJ helping to advance her kno ledge in hospital dentistry . Dr . Ross is a member of the American Dental Association , Florida Dental Association , and the American College of Healthcare Executives . At a young age her mother instilled in her this quote from John Burroughs : " For anything worth having one must pay the price ; and the price is always ( hard ) work , patience , love , and self-sacrifice ".
Contact : monica . ross84 @ gmail . com