Alendronic acid and tooth extraction

[25otter]

I have had a wisdom tooth abcess since last May the tooth is being taken out in April should I stop taking Alendronic acid beforehand.

[MoniqueB]

Hi Otter, you must be very happy that your dental issues are going to be dealt with! Abscesses are no fun, that's for certain. With regard to stopping your alendronic acid, I strongly suggest getting in touch with your dentist, who will likely be able to provide you with some good advice. It will be very beneficial for her or him to know your medical history before the procedure.

[lifeboatann58]

Hya 25otter. I was told by my Rheumatologist to stop taking Alendronic acid 3 months before any dental work. Best thing is to phone your dentist and let them know that you are on that, see what they say. X

[Snackjack]

Best to speak to your dentist as I know some dentists won't treat people taking bisphosphonate medication's like Alendronic Acid and they have to go to a hospital dentist. The reason I am aware of this is because I have osteoporosis and when I researched bisphosphonate medication, I was offered Alendronic Acid but because of gastro problems and barrets oesophagus (my stomach over produces acid causing problems) it was decided it was not a good one for me to have and as it turned out there was only one of the bisphosphonates that I could have (because of other medications that I am on) but when I looked at the side effects of the annual injections I declined. I also spoke to my dentist as during my research it seemed to be a problem and he confirmed that with that type of medication I would have to be seen by a hospital dentist. I pass on this information not to scare you but just to make you aware how important it is that you speak to you dentist and inform him/her that you are taking Alendronic Acid as I wouldn't want things to go wrong for you. Best wishes. xx

[oldtimer]

It will probably depend on the dentist I'm afraid. Some are very anxious about the reports of necrosis, others recognise that it is rare and are willing to take that small risk. I can't see that stopping shortly before extraction will make sufficient difference.

[Hidden]

That's all very interesting because I am on Alendronic Acid and my dentist has a list of my medications and has never mentioned coming off it before dental work. The only thing I was ever told was that I couldn't have dental implants while on it.

Coming off it for three months before dental work sounds excessive because what about if a tooth goes bad and needs taking out, does that mean that I would have to wait three months without AA and maybe with bad toothache before I could have it removed?

Two years ago I had root canal work done and was still taking AA and had no problems, but everyone is different so as others have said, it is best to consult your own dentist.

[Florida100]

Hi, I had a tooth out and it was a difficult tooth to extract so had to get a specialist to do it and wasn’t told to stopalendronic, but best to ring surgery and check with them. Hope it goes well!

[25otter]

Thanks for your replies my tooth comes out next week and last took AA on Sunday and won't take it this coming weekend. Just missing the one dose.