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Based on a platform of strong preclinical data, several studies in humans have demonstrated that inhibiting sclerostin with specific antibodies results in a brisk albeit transient anabolic response in the skeleton without an accompanying increase in bone resorption. Impressive increases in bone mineral density and bone strength have been demonstrated. Other than mild injection site reactions, therapy for up to 2 years has been well tolerated. The restriction of sclerostin expression almost exclusively to skeletal tissues, coupled with the absence of recognized medical problems in patients with heterozygous sclerostin deficiency, provides promise that the drug can be used safely. Recent results from a Phase 3 fracture trial suggest that anti-sclerostin therapy will be a useful and welcomed new treatment for patients with severe osteoporosis in need of skeletal reconstruction.

Sclerostin modulation is a novel therapeutic bone regulation strategy. The anti-sclerostin drugs, proposed in medicine for skeletal bone loss may be developed for jaw bone indications in dentistry. Alveolar bone responsible for housing dentition share common bone remodeling mechanisms with skeletal bone. Manipulating alveolar bone turnover can be used as a strategy to treat diseases such as periodontitis, where large bone defects from disease are a surgical treatment challenge and to control tooth position in orthodontic treatment, where moving teeth through bone in the treatment goal. Developing such therapeutics for dentistry is a future line for research and therapy. Furthermore, it underscores the interprofessional relationship that is the future of healthcare.