Alendronate Sodium

Alendronate sodium is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate medication that is most commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis because it inhibits the resorption of osteoclast-mediated bone. One of the most well-known alendronate sodium medications is Fosamax. While treatment with these types of medications can be effective for preventing bone loss due to osteoporosis, the dental industry has seen negative side effects. Alendronate sodium dental extraction patients have a risk osteonecrosis of the jawbone or jawbone death. This means that after having a tooth extracted, a patient taking alendronate sodium medication may not heal properly after the extraction procedure. The jawbone may fail to heal after surgical trauma, which can lead to complications such as swelling, pain, infection, and exposed bone. This can prove challenging for periodontists who intend to place an implant in the area where the tooth was extracted, and bone grafting may become necessary.