How safe is tooth extraction for someone with osteoporosis? i've read that it increases the chances of breaking your jaw during the procedure, but by how much? i was diagnosed about two years ago, and my doctor says reclast has helped, but my bones are st

The : The difficulty of the extraction cannot be determined without an examination, so it is difficult to answer your question. Your best course of treatment is to have your dentist and your physician discuss your concerns, determine the proper course of treatment, and advise you of the potential resks and complications of the procedure while taking this medication.

Safe: Osteoporosis does not hinder tooth extraction. If your dentist does not feel comfortable extracting they will refer you to an oral surgeon. If you are taking meds for your osteoporosis this could complicate things. Make sure you tell your dentist all meds you are on. Extractions are not done when taking certain bisphosphonates.

Relatively safe: Merely because a patient has osteoporosis does not prevent them from having a tooth removed nor pose any substantial risk as long as the tooth is removed by a skilled dentist, generally an oral surgeon. Patients who have been on long term medication, mostly IV forms are subject to further complications, but generally everything can be worked out with good results. Discuss with oral surgeon.

Depends: It depends upon the type of extraction you need. You should see an oral surgeon to determine the best way to do this. Usually its not a problem.

Depends: Patients taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis are at greater risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw from surgical procedures. The injectables or IV meds are most likely to cause problems. The oral meds are not as bad for complications . Your dr. May take you off Reclast (zoledronic acid) for a period of time before the extraction. Please discuss this w your physician and oral surgeon! good luck!

Osteoporosis: This is a very manageable set of circumstances. If extractions are necessary, based on your medical history, it would be prudent to see an Oral Surgeon, the specialist with the most training and experience to address your problem. Working with your General Dentist and your Physician he/she will arrive at th3 best solution for you.