Reclast Infusions And Dental Implants

I have had 3 Reclast infusions, Jan 2011, Feb 2012, Mar 2013. Also had chemotherapy in 2006 for a cancer diagnosis with no further evidence of disease and no further treatment. I have a 4-unit bridge that has been replaced 4 times in as many years. Dentist wants to replace with 2 implants and two crowns. Trying to assess my risks for ONJ. Finding mixed reviews, almost as many stating very low risk (less than 1%) to others indicating I should avoid any type of oral surgery at all costs. Seems like implants are my only option, though, if I want to keep my ability to eat properly, to say nothing of the cosmetic/visual issues. The bridge is very visible and loss of all 4 teeth is unacceptable. Any suggestions or evidence-based information on risks for going forward with implants?

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Hello, Sundance! How are you?

Yes, there is a slight risk of your developing ONJ and it is actually more common with Reclast than with other similar drugs. However, a study was recently sent out to dentists stating that, in most cases, it is easy to cure by using a certain specific combination of antibiotics and oral treatments, Augmentin, Flagyl and Peridex. Side effects to such medications may include nausea, dizziness, non-allergic skin rash, stomach pain and diarrhea.

Have you discussed the risks with your dentist? Why has your bridge needed to be replaced of often?

I think the best thing to do would be to discuss the possible risks with your dentist and also ask how many implants he's going to use, the less used, the less the risk.

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Thank you so much for your response Verwon. The bridge has been replaced because there are apparently problems with the shape of my jaw and the size of my teeth and the fit is very uncomfortable, making it impossible to chew using the bridge side. I haven't been able to use that side of my mouth since 2009 when the first 4-unit bridge was placed. I used to have a 3-unit bridge in that part of my mouth and it was great for 25 years. Sadly, though, an anchor tooth went bad and had to be removed...hence the 4-unit bridge. The dentist plans to replace it with 2 implants for the missing teeth and two crowns for the anchor teeth. It's very helpful to know that if I go forward with the implants and ONJ does develop, there appears to be a viable treatment. Thank you!

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You are very welcome, Sundance! I'm glad I could help in some way and I wish the very best, here's hoping you don't develop it, at all and everything just goes beautifully for you.

I know what you mean on the jaw issue. I got full dentures a few years ago and we had issues with the bottom dentures and the bite, because it turns out my lower jaw is shaped slightly different than most women's. The lab kept casting them as they usually would for a female, rather than paying attention to my actual molds, so it was an adventure that ended up taking a few months longer than it should have.

Can you post back and let me know how it goes? Thanks!

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Am in a similar situation. 3 Reclast treatments w/o any problems, last one in Feb 2016. Now, a failing 30+ year old bridge on upper right, last 3 teeth. Two of them are crowned, anchoring a middle false tooth. Both crowned teeth have had root canal, one of them re-treated in 2009 and is now failing. Dentist suggested 2 implants, endocrinologist said try to avoid them. I'd just as soon remove the painful tooth, the bridge and go toothless! I'm a wreck making this decision w/o a crystal ball.

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