Is it safe to have oral surgery if i've been taking actonel (risedronate) for around 10 years?

Yes: Actonel (risedronate) should not bother oral surgery.

Potential problems: Actonel (risedronate) belongs to a group of medications called bisphosphonates. Patients who are on a bisphosponate drug could face potential problems with bone healing after oral surgery procedures such as an extraction (osteonecrosis).

Not Necessarily: Long term treatment has been linked to bisphosphonate related osteonecosis of the jaws (bronj). With long term treatment as you mentioned you need to have a special blood test performed prior to oral surgery called a serum ctx. Although not entirely accurate, it gives a good idea wheter or not your bone has the capability of healing. A low number indicates potential serious problems.

For the most part: As someone who has been consulted on two cases of osteonecrosis and legal issues related to lawsuits against novartis, i also respectfully disagree with dr. Twynham. Long term use of bisphosphonates can predispose you to osteonecrosis. It's unlikely, but you must be informed of the risks. They are low: 1 in 100, 000 but they do happen. Better safe than sorry!