Need invasive dental work but on Fosomax - Osteoporosis Message Board

hybridlife · 12-06-2008, 07:20 PM

I have teeth that need to be pulled and am on fosomax and am worried about having the work done. I have read on the web many times where the patient should go off of the meds but other sites state that the drug stays within the system for months. There is no other option on one of the teeth. It is cracked down to the root - since I have been on the meds for about 7 months now, anyone know the risks?

taape · 12-07-2008, 12:06 PM

I"m sorry to hear that you are in this situation. This is the reason that I keep refusing to take bisphosphonates. I don't have great teeth and when I need major dental work it's usually an emergency and I can't wait. I would definitely ask to take antibiotics to lessen the chances of an infection.

omzenska · 12-07-2008, 01:41 PM

I'm sorry to hear that, and this is also the reason why I've refused to take Fosamax. I agree with taape that taking antibiotics should decrease your chances of infection. Also, if possible, I'd have an oral surgeon do the extraction rather than a regular dentist, and make sure that they know you're taking Fosamax and how long you've been taking it. From what I've read, most oral surgeons will ask people to stop taking Fosamax for a few months before the extraction. Good luck!

cardjem · 12-07-2008, 06:59 PM

Hi,
I am 45 years old and I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 43 (had an unexplained rib fracture). I have been on Actonel for 2 years. I had 9 tooth extractions done in October. I told my dentist that I had been taking Actonel for 2 years.
I experienced NO ill effects from the extractions due to the Actonel, but this is just me.
Best Wishes,
Jem

legallyblondied · 12-08-2008, 12:25 AM

Hi.....as far as oral bisphosphonates and dental work go, to be on the safe side you need to have any extraction done by an
oral surgeon and let him consult with the doc who prescribed
your meds before he does the surgery. A regular dentist who
knows that you are on oral meds, would noramlly refer out
because of the potential problems that can occur. It is also
dependent on the cleaniness of your mouth and good oral
hygiene. Usually this all plays a factor and the drug that seems to have the biggest problem is fosamax. I would be
very careful and not have a general dentist do this but an oral surgeon, just to be on the safe side. It is not worth looking at osteonecrosis of the jaw later on. Karen