Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

Bisphosphonates and dentistry!

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Are you taking bisphosphonates? These drugs known by the names of Actonel, Actonel+Ca, Aredia, Boniva, Didronel, Fosamax, Fosamax+D, Reclast, Skelid, and Zometa).
There has been a tremendous amount of information being passed around on the various media sources. The concern with bisphosphonates and dentistry is continually being clarified.
Bottom line is that if you are taking any of these drugs for osteoporosis or other reasons; do not have a tooth extracted or an implant placed without having a blood test performed to confirm the levels of the drugs in your bloodstream.
The test that needs to done is a CTX. CTX is C-Terminal Cross-Linking Telopeptide. Basically this test will tell you if the bone where the extraction or implant is done will heal. Without this blood test you run the risk of significant chronic pain, dysfunction and disfigurement which are difficult to treat.
If you are preparing to have surgery, please take care to notify your dentist or physician that you are or have been taking bisphosphonates! If you have any questions, please call us at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.