Osteonecrosis Patient Finds Relief at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

While undergoing treatment for osteoporosis—a condition that weakens bones and makes them prone to fractures—Sally Wolberg had a tooth extraction that led to the onset of constant pain. For three long years, she sought relief from numerous dentists, visited eight oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and even ended up in the emergency room a couple of times. Her hope began to dwindle.

“Nobody would help me,” said Wolberg. “I was dismissed for exaggerating. I felt horrible that nobody would hear me.”

On the verge of losing hope, Wolberg heard about Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and wanted to give it a try. She went to the school’s New Brunswick faculty practice and became a patient of Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Director of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Training Program Rabie Shanti.

“Certain medications used in the treatment of osteoporosis place patients at risk for the development of osteonecrosis, which is osteo (bone) and necrosis (death of cells),” explained Shanti. This condition, referred to as Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, can sometimes require surgery and the operation is highly effective in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. That was the case for Wolberg.

“I finally got out of pain,” said Wolberg. Recently, she underwent another extraction, and thanks to Dr. Shanti’s treatment, she experienced no issues this time. “Dr. Shanti is phenomenal. He just really went to bat for me.”

Wolberg continues her treatment with Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentistry Uchenna Akosa, who leads the New Brunswick Practice and has been providing routine care, including root canal treatment to alleviate pain and preserve her teeth.

“Patients with osteoporosis and who are taking medications for it need special treatment plans geared towards avoiding any invasive procedures that can cause osteonecrosis (bone death),” Akosa explained. They also need more frequent follow-ups. Akosa has been keeping a close eye on Wolberg’s treatment.

“It wasn't until I went to Rutgers Dental,” Wolberg said, “that I got the help I needed.”