Angela DDS replied: "Several studies have linked Fosamax with problems involved in tooth extraction and jaw damage. The problem with fosamax is that in some cases people who take Fosamax and under routine procedures like tooth extraction suffer grievous injury because their bone fails to heal properly. There is no way I would extract teeth from patients taking fosamax because legal action can be filed against those responsible for jaw damage. Therefore, unless the patient stop taking Fosamax, it's my right to refuse the extraction, and refer the patient somewhere else."
Dr. Sam replied: "I wrote this for another group. Maybe it will be of interest or value to you.
~~~~~~~~~~
Be aware of a few things. Osteonecrosis following tooth extraction is a known,
but very rare occurance for people taking bisphosphonate medications. Besides
Fosamax, as mentioned, other oral forms of bisphosphonates include Actonel,
Boniva, Didrohel and Skelid. There are also intravenous versions of
bisphosphonates that are used particularly in cancer patients. If you are using
one of these meds, you WILL know about it. The incidence of osteonecrosis is
much higher with the iv forms than it is with the oral forms and even then, it
has only been reported about 1% of the time. With oral forms, it is extremely
rare. Most cases reported have involved patients on long-term chemotherapy and
some were taking short-term steroids in addition to bisphosphonates.
Since the mechanism that causes this problem is not yet understood, it is not
clear how to best prevent problems following dental extractions. The better
route [pun intended] would be to avoid extractions by good dental care. If
possible, choose endodontic therapy (root canal treatment) instead of
extraction. If possible, have any elective dental extractions, such as wisdom
tooth removal, completed prior to initiating bisphosphonate therapy.
Paradoxically (to me), bisphosphonates may be a contraindication to the
placement of dental implants, because their placement involves creating a
surgical wound in the bone which might then lead to osteonecrosis.
I would not say that you can totally ignore the possibility of problems with
dental extractions and oral bisphosphonates, but it should be of minor concern.
As with any other procedure, you have to evaluate the risks vs. the benefits.
If you find yourself faced with the necessity of having a tooth removed, you are
already pretty far down the road with no alternate treatments to choose from.
Sometimes, you just gotta do what gotta do. Follow your post-extraction
directions perfectly. You do not want to get an infection (as if you would
otherwise, right?) as this increases the risks of osteonecrosis.
WHAT TO DO IN REAL LIFE:
1. Keep your teeth clean and watch you diet.
2. Always choose root canal treatment over extraction, if possible.
[1 and 2 apply to everyone every day anyhow.]
3. Inform your dentist with any change in medications, especially if you are
adding Fosamax, Actonel, Bonvia, etc., to your routine.
4. If you are faced with having an extraction, remember to remind your dentist
that you are on one of those meds. If s/he shrugs his shoulders, tell him that
you heard someone on Oprah talking about "those bone medicines and trouble
healing after an extraction." If s/he still seems unimpressed, ask if you might
be better off going to an oral surgeon.
5. If you are using an intravenous bisphosphonate, ask for a medical consult.
You will probably be very closely monitored by a medical team at this point
anyhow, but be sure that you are aware of the increased risks."
The dr put me on a drug called fosamax? for osteoporosis does anybody know why they recommend you to see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before taking the drug? I can't afford to go to the dentist, we don't have dental insurance, my teeth aren't the best but they dint bother me either...
Troy M replied: "Precautions
Before taking alendronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other bisphosphonates; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: disorders of the esophagus (e.g., esophageal stricture or achalasia), inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes, low calcium levels, severe kidney disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: trouble swallowing, stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers).
Infrequently, serious jawbone problems (osteonecrosis) have occurred in people taking similar medication. Most people were also using other medications or had conditions which might have actually caused the jawbone problem. If you have cancer, anemia, blood clotting disorders, infections in the mouth or other diseases of the mouth, or poor dental hygiene, see your dentist for a full examination/treatment before you start alendronate. Make sure he/she knows your entire medical history, any cancer radiation treatments, and also all the medications you are using, especially corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy, and alendronate. Consult your dentist for more details.
This drug is not recommended for use in children.
General
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis). It belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates, and they decrease the activity of cells which break down bone. Maintaining strong bones by slowing bone loss helps to reduce the risk of fractures.
Your risk of developing osteoporosis is greater as you age, after menopause due to the lack of natural estrogen hormones, and if you are taking corticosteroid medications (e.g., prednisone) for long periods.
How to use Fosamax Oral
Follow these instructions very closely to maximize the amount of drug absorbed and reduce the risk of injury to your esophagus. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine.
This medication is usually taken once per week unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Choose the day of the week that best fits your schedule and take it on that day each week.
Take this medication by mouth, after getting up for the day and before taking your first food, beverage or other medication. Take it with a full glass (6-8 ounces or 180-240 milliliters) of plain water. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or suck on it. Then stay fully upright (sitting, standing or walking) for at least 30 minutes and do not lie down until after your first food of the day. Wait at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking the medication before you eat or drink anything other than plain water.
Do not take this medication at bedtime or before rising for the day. It may not be absorbed and you may have side effects.
Other medications, vitamins, antacids, coffee, tea, soda, mineral water and food can decrease the absorption of alendronate. Do not take these for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 to 2 hours) after taking alendronate.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
Side-Effects
Stomach pain, constipation, gas, or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: jaw pain, swelling of joints/hands/ankles/feet, an increase in muscle or bone pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
This medication may infrequently cause serious irritation and ulcers of the esophagus. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking alendronate and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: new or worsening heartburn, chest pain, trouble or painful swallowing.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345."
Is Fosamax for osteoporosis safe? I took it for 3 years, am under 40yrs, does it caus jaw disease? I read that this pill can cause a problem with the bone in the jaw. for some reason it does not let the jaw cells die off and then regenerate. So in this area it is bad. I'm still worried, that if i one day need to have a tooth pulled out i might have trouble. How many people took a pill like this and had a tooth actually pulled out and had no problems?
Sonnygll replied: "Don't take stuff like that. You can prevent osteoporosis in 2 simple steps. First take a calcium supplement. You need to get plenty of that and things like milk are full of lactose which you don't need. Step 2, exercise especially weight lifting. All exercise increases bone density, but lifting weights is by far the best. Use free weights like barbells and dumbbells. Do mostly compound lifts like squats, rows, deadlifts, bench press and that sort of thing. You will have thick strong bones if you do that. It will help with your joints too, which is another thing that makes aging easier. Not to mention dropping excess fat. Get plenty of lean protein, that is the building material for your body."

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