How Long Is It Safe To Wait For Decayed Molar Removal When On Alendronate?

Posted on Mon, 16 Dec 2013

Question: I have been on alendronate 75 mg once weekly for 6 months. I stopped this medication 3 weeks ago when my dentist informed me that I need to have 3 molars removed due to decay. I am planning on waiting for as long as I can but can you tell me how long this should be before I have surgery to remove these teeth.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)

Brief answer...given below Detailed answer... Hello, Thanks for the query. Although the chances of developing osteonecrosis of jaw following a dental work in people taking alendroate is very less and is rare,but the guidelines suggest that anybody taking the alendroate for less than 3 years can stop the medicine 3-4 weeks prior to the surgery,while a person who has taken alendroate for more than 3 years should discontinue the alendroate 3 months before dental surgery. For you a period of maximum 4 weeks is more than enough to be on safe side. I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query. Best of luck Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar