About the project
More than 70,000, mostly women, are treated with bone-modifying drugs to increase bone density and reduce the fracture risk. Reduced oral health is reported in osteoporosis patients. Osteonecrosis of the jaw related to antiresorptive medication (MRONJ) is a complication of such treatment. Since oral morbidity receives little attention in clinical medicine, increased documentation is needed in patients treated for osteoporosis. The exact etiologic mechanisms for MRONJ remain unclear but might relate, in part, to altered bone remodelling or local tissue effects in susceptible patients.
Objectives
The study will give new insight into oral health problems in patients treated for osteoporosis, and treatment strategies´ effects on cells involved in bone and tissue remodelling. The findings will be relevant for the care, treatment and dental follow-up of a large group of patients, health authorities responsible for health care and reimbursement issues and drug mechanisms involved in oral tissue pathology.