Dental work while on Reclast?

Posted by sebutler @sebutler, Feb 6, 2025

Has anyone had dental work done while on Reclast? Any problems, particularly if the dental work involved an extraction or an implant? A published survey found that cases of jaw necrosis occurred two or more years after beginning Reclast, but six years or more for patients on Fosamax.

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Profile picture for shocknot26 @shocknot26

@gowalking if I read this correctly—you had dental work while on Tymlos? Were there any issues? I am being told to complete any/all dental before starting Tymlos. Actually, getting conflicting opinions…..thank you!

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@shocknot26

It's just my opinion but, if you can get the work done prior to beginning any treatment, I would ask the dentist, if that was the best option.

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Profile picture for gowalking @gowalking

@gowalking

I finished two years of TYMLOS in March 2026. On March 13, 2026 I had a dental Extraction and Implant. No issues.
On March 27, 2026 I had an implant check up. All's good.
On April 23, 2026, I had an implant check up. All's good.

I had no issues during TYMLOS treatment.

On April 13th, 2026, I had a Reclast infusion. No issues.

It is my understanding Prolia and Reclast are the treatments that are hard on dental work. But.. I have a friend who had extensive dental work done while on Reclast with no problems at all. Personally, I think nothing is guaranteed, everyone is different, reacts differently and should consult with your dentist before any procedure or before beginning any treatment.
It's all a gamble, unfortunately

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@gowalking thank you so very much for sharing your details. I agree everyone must do their own research and ultimately what’s best for them. I wish you all the best in your journey!

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I am doing well.

Due to my Osteoporosis, I have suffered six spine fractures in two years. The curve in my spine being so severe that it pushed on my lungs and other organs, I lost 3" of height which compressed organs in my abdomen. My head flopped forward, I could not sleep in a bed and slept in a chair for more than two years. My balance was off, I stumbled a lot, ever fearful of the next fall. Nice clothes...forget it, nothing fit without emphasizing the hump. But I persisted and did the two year treatment of TYMLOS, followed by a Reclast infusion four weeks later, walked 5 miles every day that weather allowed, took my vitamins, kept every doctors appointment and test. Finally after two years and my bones were strong, the search was on for how to repair my back. We were fortunate to find an excellent Neurosurgeon and Orthopedic team. So on April 30th, I had a procedure called Smith Peterson PSO.
A very long, 10-1/2 hour surgery, lots of risks but this was my only option.
I could not be happier!!!! I wish I knew how to attach pictures so you could see the before and after results. It is amazing.
I honestly, have not been in a lot of pain, up and walking, with a walker the second day after surgery, home from the hospital in five days. At three weeks, I am able to get myself out of bed, get into the bathroom, shower, dress myself, make the bed, some light cooking and cleaning. I do take a nap during the day. I have only taken Extra Strength Tylenol when needed. I do still take 10mg of oxy at bed time when needed.

I have a long recovery ahead... I wear a neck brace 24/7 except to shower, No bending, lifting or twisting for a year, no driving for several months. I will start a rigorous, and I anticipate, grueling, PT program very soon.
All in all, I am thrilled, I feel like a new person. I stand so nice and straight now, I gained back 2", I can wear most of my clothes.

I will have numerous Doctors appointments in the next year, numerous x-rays and rounds of blood work, lots of vitamins and a steady maintenance exercise program....back to walking every day!!!!!!

I could not have done this without the support from my husband, children, friends, neighbors and extended family, believe me.... I needed them! They brought meals, took care of our dog, sat with me so hubby could run errands, kept me in their prayers and let me know they were there for whatever I might need. A strong support group made me feel more secure. I did need lots of help the first week or so and hubby was exhausted!! And thank goodness for the patient portal that gave me access to my medical team whenever we had a question.

TYMLOS helped me, now I just have to work hard to eat right, excercise and follow the restrictions from my surgeons...all will be good.

Best wishes to you also.

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Profile picture for gowalking @gowalking

@shocknot26

It's just my opinion but, if you can get the work done prior to beginning any treatment, I would ask the dentist, if that was the best option.

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@gowalking

I don't see my response posted....did you get my reply regarding the timeline of my TYMLOS treatment? No dental issues during treatment. Once completed, I had an extraction and implant. All good. I waited four weeks after TYMLOS to have a Reclast infusion.
No dental issues.
Two exams since the extraction/implant. All looks good.

I never know whether to respond as a comment or reply.....

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Has anyone had implants or extractions while on Reclast? Just wondering what my follow up medication will be once I finish Tymlos. My teeth are not in the best of shape and I have frequent dental work needed. What if something of that nature such as implant or extractions are needed while I’m under the influence of Reclast? Very worried about possible osteonecrosis.

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Profile picture for gowalking @gowalking

I am doing well.

Due to my Osteoporosis, I have suffered six spine fractures in two years. The curve in my spine being so severe that it pushed on my lungs and other organs, I lost 3" of height which compressed organs in my abdomen. My head flopped forward, I could not sleep in a bed and slept in a chair for more than two years. My balance was off, I stumbled a lot, ever fearful of the next fall. Nice clothes...forget it, nothing fit without emphasizing the hump. But I persisted and did the two year treatment of TYMLOS, followed by a Reclast infusion four weeks later, walked 5 miles every day that weather allowed, took my vitamins, kept every doctors appointment and test. Finally after two years and my bones were strong, the search was on for how to repair my back. We were fortunate to find an excellent Neurosurgeon and Orthopedic team. So on April 30th, I had a procedure called Smith Peterson PSO.
A very long, 10-1/2 hour surgery, lots of risks but this was my only option.
I could not be happier!!!! I wish I knew how to attach pictures so you could see the before and after results. It is amazing.
I honestly, have not been in a lot of pain, up and walking, with a walker the second day after surgery, home from the hospital in five days. At three weeks, I am able to get myself out of bed, get into the bathroom, shower, dress myself, make the bed, some light cooking and cleaning. I do take a nap during the day. I have only taken Extra Strength Tylenol when needed. I do still take 10mg of oxy at bed time when needed.

I have a long recovery ahead... I wear a neck brace 24/7 except to shower, No bending, lifting or twisting for a year, no driving for several months. I will start a rigorous, and I anticipate, grueling, PT program very soon.
All in all, I am thrilled, I feel like a new person. I stand so nice and straight now, I gained back 2", I can wear most of my clothes.

I will have numerous Doctors appointments in the next year, numerous x-rays and rounds of blood work, lots of vitamins and a steady maintenance exercise program....back to walking every day!!!!!!

I could not have done this without the support from my husband, children, friends, neighbors and extended family, believe me.... I needed them! They brought meals, took care of our dog, sat with me so hubby could run errands, kept me in their prayers and let me know they were there for whatever I might need. A strong support group made me feel more secure. I did need lots of help the first week or so and hubby was exhausted!! And thank goodness for the patient portal that gave me access to my medical team whenever we had a question.

TYMLOS helped me, now I just have to work hard to eat right, excercise and follow the restrictions from my surgeons...all will be good.

Best wishes to you also.

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@gowalking you are a very brave woman and I admire your strength. I have severe osteoporosis as well as severe chronic pancreatitis, so I’m malnourished and no matter what I eat. I don’t get the full impact in my bones. Last month, I learned that I had a chronic fracture in my neck at C1 C2 and that the surgery to repair that is a six month recovery, and quite debilitating and risky. My bones are likely not strong enough to hold the hardware at this point after only eight months on Tymlos, but I’m facing something not quite as extensive as your surgery but nevertheless overwhelming. I don’t have a support system and live alone so I will have to find assistance where I can, especially so that my kitties do not suffer. Ident interviewed three neurosurgeons and still haven’t found the one that I think I would select. How did you make your determination? I am in Southeast Florida and wish I had access to some more specialized hospitals, but I do not unless I travel for my surgery. Any tips from you would be most appreciated.

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Profile picture for willowmena @willowmena

@gowalking you are a very brave woman and I admire your strength. I have severe osteoporosis as well as severe chronic pancreatitis, so I’m malnourished and no matter what I eat. I don’t get the full impact in my bones. Last month, I learned that I had a chronic fracture in my neck at C1 C2 and that the surgery to repair that is a six month recovery, and quite debilitating and risky. My bones are likely not strong enough to hold the hardware at this point after only eight months on Tymlos, but I’m facing something not quite as extensive as your surgery but nevertheless overwhelming. I don’t have a support system and live alone so I will have to find assistance where I can, especially so that my kitties do not suffer. Ident interviewed three neurosurgeons and still haven’t found the one that I think I would select. How did you make your determination? I am in Southeast Florida and wish I had access to some more specialized hospitals, but I do not unless I travel for my surgery. Any tips from you would be most appreciated.

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Are you taking vitamin supplements? How old are you?

After beginning TYMLO, I had a DEXA SCAN at the one year point. It showed great improvement.
So, don't be discouraged, you may end up being pleasantly surprised.

You will certainly need some help post surgery. Although you say you have no one, there are agencies that provide that service. You will be asked all those questions pre surgery and your patient advocate will find the help you need. Could you possibly get someone to come in daily to care for the cats? I would imagine you have neighbors, coworkers, church groups, etc. that may be able to help. There is always the possibility that you would be referred to go directly to in patient rehab. These are things you need to bring up with your doctor. Questions, questions, questions...no matter how ridiculous you may think they are, your doctor's job is to be sure you understand the procedure and what to expect.

We interviewed two surgeons. The first was an Orthopedic surgeon who advised us that I needed a Neurosurgeon with an Orthopedic team. We then interviewed a Neurosurgeon and liked him right away. He had a wonderful bedside manner, answered all our questions, explained the procedure and the recovery. He works with an Orthopedic team when necessary,

We liked the hospital, the schedule, being able to ask questions 24/7 through my patient portal and being able to schedule XRays, CT Scans and an MRI closer to home, which were quickly forwarded to his office. There was nothing we did not like about the surgeons or the hospital, so it was a go for us!

The surgery was long, 10-1/2 hours. Like yours, it was and still is, risky. I will have to be very careful. The most crucial time is the first year of healing. I have to do PT, wear a neck brace, exercise, eat healthy and keep all my appointments.

My spine was so curved and only going to get worse. It pushed on my lungs making it difficult to breathe, I lost 3" and that 3" was pushing on all my abdominal organs. There was really no choice.
I am 69 years old. The doctor said if I were a few years older, he would not have done it.....so there was that to think about.

There was a lot to consider. I have no complaints, no regrets and I could not be happier.

Do your research, check out your surgeon, your hospital, what you will need to have when you get home. Have all that ready ahead of time. Ask questions.

I was fortunate to have no complications other than a lot of blood loss, requiring many transfusions. Therefore, I was constantly cold. That has gotten better.

I know some people can't do this, but we did watch a video of the procedure, just so we knew what would be happening. But that's not for everyone.

I am not familiar with your area, but I looked it up and there appears to be some excellent hospitals there.

All the best to you!! It will all work out.

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