Alendronic acid and dental wirk

[Raga72]

Does anyone have a similar experience or advice please? I finally started taking Alendronic Acid on Monday under pressure from a GP who said I should not delay. My Dexa scan showed that I have osteoporosis and I am currently on 35mg of prednisolone a day. So I decided to stop being a scaredy cat and see if I can tolerate it. However it must be brain fog because I completely forgot that I had a dental checkup on Wednesday and the dentist wants to remove a large filling and replace it. I told her about the AA but she seemed unconcerned and said we shall be careful. I suggested that I discontinue the AA until after the filling which is scheduled for the 3 July. However she said once you are taking it you are on it. Not sure what to do. I could ask my GP about this. I imagine many people taking alendronate do have to have dental work but I am really worried now.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Don’t think a filling is much of an issue - they are more worried about an extraction etc.

I had minor dental work done when I was on AA -no issues…

But if you are worried -don’t take any more until work has been done -but honestly don’t think one dose is going to put you in danger.

[Raga72 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL that is very reassuring. I know you took AA for several years.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Raga72]

Yes over 4 years -had no issues at all….

[Bluey-1]

I don’t think it’s an issue with dental work and you can come off it. I couldn’t tolerate it after I broke a wrist in 2017. After I broke my humerus in 2021 (I know, clumsy - slipped while out walking) and following a DEXA scan, I had the Zoledronate infusion in 2022, prior to being diagnosed with GCA. Now, once that’s in your system it’s in forever and I am supposed to be having another after 12-18 months.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

That isn't strictly true - a single dose won't have changed much and you should ask your dentist if you are likely to require anything more invasive - like extractions - in the near future and if so, delay the AA, But for a filling there should be no problem, it isn't invasive, It is bone healing as in an extraction or inserting an implant that is of concern.

[Raga72 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro. I won’t be seeing the dentist until she does the filling in just over a week. Perhaps I should delay taking any more AA until then when I can ask her about possible extractions. It is good to have your reassurance and DL’s.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Raga72]

Doctors should tell patients to get a dental check and any such work done before starting AA, They almost never do ...

[Broseley]

I have had a tooth abscess and a root filling while on AA. The bone damaged by the abscess is taking a long time to grow back, but it is doing so. The dentist takes XRays yearly, and shows me a comparison. What was a big blank space around the tooth, almost up to my eye, is now just a small area, two years on. The tooth was wobbly, but it's not, now. I'm still on AA.

[Swimming123]

Hi Raga22, I was told by my doctor I had to have a dental check up before starting Aledronic Acid which I did. Unfortunately when I started taking it I had swelling in both legs so had to come off it, I am now on Risedronate which seems to be okay. There is a website ROS Society, they are very good and have specialist nurses you can talk too about any issuess/questions for Osteoporosis which might help x

[Raga72 in reply to Swimming123]

Thanks for that. I will have a look at the ROS website.

[Logic]

I have been on this for almost 4 years now. I was very apprehensive about taking it but you sometimes just have to do what you have to do. My dentist reassured me by saying she had many patients on it.I have regular 6 month checkups and cleanings and have had several fillings replaced and one crown done. An extraction would require a specialist my dentist said and I could not have a dental implant now.

I'm 83 so what's the chances of that anyway. A pain in the neck to but I rarely worry about it now and a recent bone scan shows improvement.

[Raga72 in reply to Logic]

Good to hear that a recent bone scan shows improvement. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Perhaps I should not worry about one filling after all. My dentist says she has lots of patients on AA too.

[Thirkelly]

My GP advised a check up before starting AA but i broke a tooth after taking it for a year and needed an extraction. The dentist was aware of my meds but reassuring as also had many patients on AA. Quite the excavation but had to be done. At 60 i already had a fracture history and osteopoenia. I will be advocating for an AA holiday after 3 years though.

[ChoralG]

I am so sorry, but I have no experience with Alendronic Acid, so daren’t advise you. I hope someone can, though

[Margot27]

I have had similar experience to others, although after several years on AA I started on Denosumab 3 years ago and it was when I changed on to this 6 monthly injection that I was first told about the dental work problem. However I had to have root canal work about 18 months ago and it was all fine. The dentist was very aware of my concerns and the possible problems but took great care. This doesn’t solve your problem but perhaps because several of us have had successful treatment, it will be reassuring for you - I hope so. And I agree about contacting the ROS nurses, they are very experienced and very helpful.