Discussions on Oral Bisphosphonates

Most US implantologists do not seem overly worried about treating clients on low dose oral bisphosphonates with dental implants.

I have read several articles and comments on Bisphosphonates, as it relates to dental implants, but this whole matter keeps developing and changing. What is the current protocol for managing dental implant patients taking Actonel?

One of my elderly female patients needs dental implants her physician recommended a CTX test.

What is the length of time that one needs to stay off Fosamax to safely have dental implants done? Are the cases isolated or is there a large number of women involved who have taken Fosamax and suffered osteonecrosis?

David, a dentist, comments:I am wondering if anyone has any comments on a recent study out of U of P Dental School that concluded that, “On the basis of 2 controlled clinical studies, oral bisphosphonate usage was not associated with occurrence of  osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ).” Do you think future studies will support this [...]

In this month´s JADA, the ADA finally chimed in with their guidelines for patients who are on oral bisphosphonates.

Source: Marie McCullough, philly.com
Across the country, dentists have begun asking patients a pointed question before deciding on treatment: Do you take a bone-building medication such as Fosamax?
These widely used drugs, called bisphosphonates, have recently been
linked to a rare side effect that causes parts of the jawbone to
deteriorate and die.

Source: NYTimes.com, Gina Kolata
In the last 10 years, millions of patients have taken a class of drugs that can prevent agonizing broken and deteriorating bones. The drugs once seemed perfectly safe and have transformed life for patients with cancer or osteoporosis. But recently there have been reports of a serious side effect: death of areas [...]

Dr. Jeffries asks us:
I’m trying to get a barometer on the
prevailing opinion for dental implant placement on patients taking oral
bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel, etc.)

Are you familiar with any anecdotal case reports of patients who have take oral bisphosphonates and experienced osteonecrosis associated with dental implant failure?

Medications have a profound effect on a patient’s oral condition.