Home HealthTopics Health Centers Reference Library Research
Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook Share on Facebook
Share

Dental and Oral Health (Seniors)

Actonel or Fosomax and dental surgery

08/29/2006

Question:

I have been told that I may need to have a tooth pulled, but that it is a "risky business" because I am on Actonel, and there is a possiblity of complications with the bone because of the medicine. What is the relationship between these meds and oral surgery - or what is the alternative to the surgery (my ear aches until I cry daily-the tooth NEEDS to come out!)

My dentist is talking about a root canal and grinding the tooth, and that is a scary proposition to me! especially since I cannot afford to have a partial put in for one tooth!

Answer:

For patients on Actonel who need dental extraction, the American Dental Association recommends a thorough review by the oral surgeon of dose, route of administering the drug, and generally a thorough evaluation prior to extraction.  The risk, of course, is bone necrosis.  Please see an oral surgeon.

For more information:

Go to the Dental and Oral Health (Seniors) health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Abdel Rahim Mohammad, DDS, MS, MPH, FAAOM, FACD Abdel Rahim Mohammad, DDS, MS, MPH, FAAOM, FACD
Clinical Professor of Geriatrics
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University