Bone Modeling and Remodeling as Tools to Optimize Bone Health: Improving Bone Quality with Anabolic Osteoporosis Therapies

Abstract: The coordinated activity of osteoclast and osteoblasts, regulated by osteocytes, maintains bone health throughout life. Dysregulation of this activity, in which bone resorption exceeds bone formation, results in osteoporosis. When the jawbone becomes less dense, tooth loss can occur and osseointegration of dental implants may be impaired. There are two main classes of medicines approved for the treatment of osteoporosis: antiresorptive and osteoanabolic agents. While potent antiresorptive agents have been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), this is not the case for the osteoanabolic agents. Current research indicates that osteoanabolic agents could positively influence oral health and potentially enhance the results of invasive dental procedures.  The speaker will review basic bone biology and will describe the pathogenetic mechanisms resulting in bone loss and osteoporosis. He will compare the mechanism of action of approved osteoporosis medicines and describe how osteoanabolic agents may improve jawbone quality and preserve dental health.

Learning Objectives:
1). Describe the role of osteoclasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes in bone metabolism.
2). Compare the effects of antiresorptive and osteoanabolic medicines on bone structure and strength.
3). Evaluate data indicating that osteoanabolic medicines can improve the outcome of dental procedures.