What should a patient who received Zometa ® consider before implant surgery?

For a patient who has received Zometa® (zoledronic acid), it is crucial to consider the risk of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON) prior to undergoing implant surgery. This medication is known to affect bone turnover and can predispose patients to developing BON, particularly after dental procedures involving bone manipulation.

Informing the dentist about the high risk for BON allows for appropriate precautions to be taken during the surgical planning and execution. Understanding this risk is fundamental for both the patient and the clinician to ensure that the proposed dental procedures are both safe and necessary.

Additionally, performing only necessary procedures in conjunction with any prior testing, such as assessing bone mineral density or CTX levels, further mitigates potential complications. If the CTX test indicates values that suggest a higher risk for BON, the dental professional may decide to postpone or alter the planned procedures accordingly.

Therefore, recognizing high-risk status and limiting procedures to only those that are essential together contribute to a comprehensive approach to management, making the combined consideration of both aspects the most prudent pathway for patient care before proceeding with implant surgery.