General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Bisphosphonates used for osteoporosis can exceptionally cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, a bone complication. French Health Insurance describes it separately from tablet-swallowing instructions. Dental follow-up therefore addresses a different issue from the water used or the position adopted when taking a tablet.
Taking the medicine orally does not remove this precaution. The cited FOSAMAX 70 mg product information also reports cases in people receiving oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. This does not mean that everyone taking the treatment will develop the complication.
Before treatment starts, French Health Insurance recommends a dental and radiological assessment and any necessary dental care. The same source specifies that this care must not delay treatment in people at high fracture risk. Professionals organise the timing.
During treatment, French Health Insurance recommends maintaining oral hygiene and seeing a dentist at least once a year. Clarify your follow-up with the dentist and prescriber, providing the medicine’s name and any known dental problems.
For the cited FOSAMAX, the leaflet asks patients to tell the doctor about a planned extraction, poor dental health or a lack of regular dental care. If dental work is planned, give the dentist the treatment name so the professionals can organise care.
With the cited FOSAMAX, pain or swelling in the mouth or jaw, ulcers or loose teeth require immediate medical advice and contact with the dentist. The product information does not establish that interrupting treatment reduces the risk: do not plan a treatment pause yourself.
Sources
Your health review
Review your health
Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.