Zolendronate (or also called Reclast in U.S.A.)

[Stella3]

This site has been so helpful and I now have a question. I had my first infusion of Zolendronate a year ago for my Osteoporosis. I am currently down to 5mg Prednisone for my PMR/GCA. I had a tooth removed (root cracked was infected) and now need to have a dental implant. My Rheumatologist has told me that the risk of Jaw necrosis (problems) is minimal. Has anyone else had dental implants since being on Zolendronate/Reclast? My Rheumatologist has told me that a year has gone by and I have managed to reduce Prednisone from 60mg to 5mg and that my dexa scan for my Osteoporosis has not changed and she feels that I am doing well. I hate to make this decision alone.......any information on this would be much appreciated! Stella

[Daisychain12]

Hi Stella. I am a novice to all this but I feel for you. I have one piece of information that I wanted to tell you. I asked my go about the reported possibility of jaw problems. He told me that one of Australia's top specialists in osteoporosis is one of his closest friends. This doc only sees the toughest cases and he has yet to see a bad case of the jaw necrosis. However that doesn't mean anything I guess when it's you facing the decision. I would ask the most senior dental surgeon I could find even by email. They love tough questions and use all info in research papers. Good luck. I know implants and root canals carry risk with osteoporosis. Xxxxxxx

[Stella3 in reply to Daisychain12]

Hi Daisychain12, thank you so much for your very good advice. I am going to email or call a top specialist in this area. I have a friend whose daughter is a dentist and went to Maryland School of Dentistry(u.s.a.) and I am going to ask her for the name of someone. Good idea!

[Primarose]

Hi Stella3, I think that you need to consult with your dentist before the procedure.

[Stella3 in reply to Primarose]

Thank you Primarose for answering my post. I am going to get in touch with a specialist in this field and get another opinion.

[Primarose in reply to Stella3]

Best way to go. As far as I know in England, any dental work involving the jaw bone while on AA needs to be treated by a consultant at the hospital.