Evista: A Contraindication for Dental Implants?

Debby, a dental implant patient, asks:
Are certain drugs that a patient may be taking an absolute contraindication to placing dental implants? For instance, I take Evista (Raloxifene) and was told that may mean I cannot have dental implants. Evista is for osteoporosis. I have searched the internet and have not found any evidence that it produces jaw osteonecrosis like Fosamax or Boniva. I think my dentist is a little reluctant to place implants because I am on Evista. Can anyone provide any information on Evista and dental implants?

10 Comments on Evista: A Contraindication for Dental Implants?

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jose m. garcia
7/22/2008
as a rule with biophosphonates if you been on them for 3 years not recommended....
Dr. Carlo M. Bolognesi
7/22/2008
Raloxifene is a selective estrogen-receptor modulator and it works on the same body tissues that estrogens affect with their activity. Only it has an estrogen-like activity on bone and an antiestrogen-like activity on breast and a minimal effect on the uterine tissues So in post-menopausal women, raloxifene should provide the beneficial sparing effect of estrogens on bone without stimulating breast and endometrial tissues. As far as l know this drug is not a contraindication to implant therapy. Maybe your dentist was concerned with other drugs you may be taking? Dr. Carlo M. Bolognesi Ravenna, Italy
JawGuy
7/22/2008
Evista is not a bisphosphonate ! It is one of the drugs I recommend as an alternative to bisphos..... You're ok to proceed, provided this is the only issue or drug in quesion.
Gary D Kitzis, DMD
7/22/2008
QUOTE: jose m. garcia July 22nd, 2008 "as a rule with biophosphonates if you been on them for 3 years not recommended…." ++++++++++++++++++ Can you supply a reference stating why implants are not recommended if the patient has been on oral bisphosphonates for three years? I have placed implants on many patients who have been on oral bisphosphonates for over ten years and never had a problem.
Tara Dunstable
7/23/2008
I have been on bisphosphonates (Didronel) for 15 years and had 2 implants placed in 2006. I have stopped taking Didronel but the implants have settled and integrated extremely well and I have had no problems.
R. Hughes
7/24/2008
I have treated people for years that have taken bisphosphonates (before we knew of any possable issues, which are really just a hand full of cases with complications)with no problems. I know one is out there that will make me rue the day. I use this rule of thumb - Go ahead if they have good OH and otherwise good health. Think about it the bhsphonates make the osteoclast stand still, so the osteoblast can do their thing and promote integration.
Jack Nagrani
6/9/2009
"Raloxifene is a selective estrogen-receptor modulator and it works on the same body tissues that estrogens affect with their activity. Only it has an estrogen-like activity on bone and an antiestrogen-like activity on breast and a minimal effect on the uterine tissues So in post-menopausal women, raloxifene should provide the beneficial sparing effect of estrogens on bone without stimulating breast and endometrial tissues. As far as l know this drug is not a contraindication to implant therapy. Maybe your dentist was concerned with other drugs you may be taking? Dr. Carlo M. Bolognesi Ravenna, Italy " Does the risk of Deep Venous Thromboembolism or death due to stroke effect your decision to place implants or proceed with Dental Surgery? Thanks in advance. Jack Nagrani DDS
kathleen clifford
9/14/2009
I have \stopped taking fosamax 2 years ago. I have been on it on and off less \10 years. I am now taking evista for 2 years. I want to have dental implants,is there a \dentist somewhere between deer isle, maine and portland you could recommend? thank, kc
SAM
5/28/2010
Has there been any connection with Evista and cavities? I have been on Evista for 2 years. This February I had a huge cavity that had to be capped and may end up having to be pulled with a possible implant. 12 months prior there was no sign of a cavity. I have excellent teeth and great oral health. No sodas or sweet drinks. This is just so out of character to me and has me very upset. Evista is the only thing I can come up with. Even my dentist is puzzled.
Richard Hughes, DDS, FAAI
5/29/2010
SAM, I would say no to your question. Evista is a drug that helps estrogen to work. The literature states it does not affest the teeth and does not cause osteonecrosis. I hope this helps.

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