Pharmacology · single question
Which medication from the following list can bring COMPLICATIONS for dental treatment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates (alendronate, zoledronic acid) are the most clinically significant medications for dental treatment complications. They inhibit osteoclast activity and reduce bone remodeling, which impairs healing after extractions and can lead to Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) — a serious, potentially irreversible complication. IV bisphosphonates (oncology patients) carry much higher risk than oral bisphosphonates (osteoporosis patients).
- A. CORRECT. Bisphosphonates cause MRONJ — the most serious complication unique to dentistry. Invasive procedures (extractions, implants, periodontal surgery) must be carefully planned with medical consultation.
- B. Incorrect. Aspirin increases bleeding risk (irreversible COX-1 inhibition, platelet aggregation inhibition) but this is manageable in routine dentistry and does NOT represent the same level of complication as bisphosphonates.
- C. Incorrect. Ibuprofen may increase bleeding slightly but its effect is reversible and less clinically significant than bisphosphonate-induced MRONJ.
- D. Incorrect. Clobetasol is a topical corticosteroid used for oral mucosal conditions — it has minimal systemic complications at topical doses in dental patients.