Fosamax

[Tulips7349]

Been on Fosamax for almost 5 yrs with no problems. Now I have a problem. Need tooth extraction and need to stay off Fosamax. I’m

getting different opinions as to how long to stay off. Endocrinologist says 3-4 weeks is enough time. Oral surgeon and others say 3-4 months pre and post surgery.

Has anyone faced this issue?

Thanks.

[Smilerv]

Hi Tulips7349!

I’m facing this issue right now. I had one infusion of Reclast and had to wait a year before the oral surgeon would extract the tooth and do a bone graft. I’m now waiting 4 months and then they will do a CT scan to check if there was any shrinking. If not, they will put the post in about a month from that time and if that all goes well then I can go back to my regular dentist to have the tooth put on.

They told me that I have a 5% chance of my jawbone dying (pretty good odds).

It’s a long process.

Hope this helps.

[Tulips7349 in reply to Smilerv]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[Wishbones]

Hello! Yes, I went through the same thing. Was on Fosamax about 4 years when I developed a bad tooth infection. The molar had to be extracted with no time to wait. I prayed to God my jaw bone would be ok, and it was. My oral surgeon said it would be beneficial to be off the Fosamax 3-4 months before the implant (I didn't need a bone graft). That's what I did. Long story short, everything turned out fine. It was a long process to complete the implant, but I was very thankful for the oral surgeon's skill. Oral surgeon said Fosamax's risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw are higher in people who have had or are undergoing cancer treatment. Otherwise, that risk is fairly low. I wish you a very good outcome.

[Tulips7349 in reply to Wishbones]

Thanks for your reply. It was very helpful. After the dental implant was complete, did you go back on Fosamax?

I will discuss with my endo whether I go back on Fosamax or start a new drug after 6 mos of being off it.

[Wishbones in reply to Tulips7349]

No, I chose not to resume Fosamax. My rheumatologist recommended either Prolia or Forteo as a next treatment, but to get a 2nd opinion from an endo. The endo recommended Raloxifene, but the increased blood clot risk gave me pause as I have a PFO in my heart. Both drs were not in favor of bioHRT as I'm 10 years past menopause. I chose instead to get educated about osteoporosis root causes and see what I could do to address those without drugs for now. Fosamax stays in the body a long time so I'm not rushing to the next drug. If/when it's time for another drug, I will lean toward a bone building drug rather than one that inhibits bone resorption.

[Tulips7349 in reply to Wishbones]

Thanks!

[Aerobics-Instructor]

Have you asked your endo if it's time for a one year drug holiday from Fosamax? I think they still recommend that, to prevent thigh bone brittleness (atypical femur fracture), don't they?

[Tulips7349 in reply to Aerobics-Instructor]

Endo had said I should continue it until April which is when I see her next and then probably drug holiday. But since I will now be off of Fosamax for a total of 6 mo, 3 prior to surgery, 3 after surgery I will need to discuss with her sooner.

Thanks for your reply