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Tooth decay doesn’t mean someone has Osteonecrosis, right? How is osteonecrosis diagnosed? Bone scans? Would it show up on standard dental X-rays? I am at the beginning of weekly Fosamax and have had pain in a tooth that my dentist filled six months ago. I want to switch to an injection instead of the Fosamax because I have trouble remembering to take it and always drink water before I get up in the morning. My PCP isn’t helpful. The tooth needs a crown so does it matter if I do the crown before switching to an injection? I know my medication is very different from Prolia. But is dental work concerning for all osteoporosis meds?
Replies to "@gently Tooth decay doesn’t mean someone has Osteonecrosis, right? How is osteonecrosis diagnosed? Bone scans? Would..."
@dmr4ever, Tymlos and Forteo are the only medications that don't pose a risk for the jawbone. In fact, either can be prescribed as adjunct medication for ONJ. The risk is small and usually you have to be on the antiresorptives for a long time to be at risk. If the injection is a bisphosphonate, then it would be better to wait.
Six months is a long time to for the tooth to hurt after a filling. But you are getting a crown. It may be that the decay was too close to the root, or maybe the tooth has cracked. If you are having a root canal that's where infection can enter the bone. How long will you wait. Are you like me just not wanting to go in or are you waiting for insurance or other windfall.
Osteonecrosis doesn't show up on dental x rays until there is substantial damage to the jaw. It is most often diagnosed through a visual exam exhibiting exposed bone or area of the gum that just won't heal.
Decay in the tooth absolutely does not indicate osteonecrosis.
If you haven't been on Fosamax for long, you shouldn't worry. If you are thinking about Reclast, I'd suggest waiting for the bone to heal.
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@dmr4ever
All but Tymlos…can supposedly cause onj but rare.
Ask for medical necessity letter if your t scores are bad enough…and check with a specialist like a rheumatologist or endocrinologist…