My dentist has been after me to have an implant - I finally decide to do it only to find out he won't do the implant and wants to refer me to an oral surgeon. The reason for this is the CTx test came back below normal - 30 pg/ml. The reference range was 40 - 49 years: 40-465. I have been taking Alendronate Sodium Tablets for about 5 years. My dentist says it's minimal risk - I say if it's minimal why won't he do it. The tooth (#10) has been out since I was 21 - I'm now 59 and sick of wearing a partial plate. What's your take on this? Please help

Hi lindaw,

Your dentist is wise to refer you to an oral surgeon for a consult/surgery regarding the placement of a dental implant given the Bisphosphonate drug that you are on.

There is no such thing as a minimal "healing" risk when it comes to dental patients who have taken or are taking bisphosphonate drugs. These drugs cause a severe imbalance in the way nature intended our bones to break down and rejuvenate. It disrupts the natural pattern between the osteoclasts (cells that breakdown bone naturally) and osteoblasts (cells that build bone naturally). Bisphosphonates encourage more osteoclasic cells to form and disrupt/inhibit the formation of osteoblasts. What does all this mean? Simply..... these drugs can prevent a broken or injured bone from healing. They have a 10 year skeletal life in the bones... this means these drugs stay in the bones for 10 years past the time that a person stops taking them.

There are healthier alternatives to these drugs. Here is a little info on that...
http://www.womentowomen.com/boneheal...e+osteoblastis

It is important to discuss in great detail with an oral surgeon the pros and cons of the negative connection between these drugs and oral surgery. If the dentist tells you not to be concerned, he/she has not read up on the latest literature.

Please do yourself a huge favor and read up on this as much as possible.
Let us know what you decide to do.

Good Luck,
Bryanna

linda, are you wearinf a partial for just one tooth ?? Which tooth is it ??