To be shocked that the frontline treatment for osteoporosis comes with the risk of YOUR JAW FALLING OFF WHAT

[Everythingisnumbersnow]

Why are we all just sitting around accepting this???

You read this on Facebook didn't you 😄

All drugs have side effects. All side effects are disclosed no matter how rare.

The ‘side effects’ of osteoporosis can be extremely serious. Look up the consequences of a fractured neck of femur and the proportion of people who die or who go to a nursing home because of it, for example.

Just read this thread, I am 56 and have just been diagnosed with osteoporosis a T score of -3.3. I have to go on this awful medication asap but also have dental issues and have been told I will need implants next year. I’m very concerned about it all.

You really must get the dental issues sorted out first , taking a tooth out when on bisphosphonates etc leaves you at risk of a really nasty problem called osteonecrosis where the jaw bone does not heal . Most hospitals want a certificate of dental fitness before starting.

As for implants , talk to the implantologist but most/many/all will not place implants on someone who is on bisphosphonates etc not just because of the risks of surgery on the jaw, the decreased success rate for bone integration but also in long term the longer you are on bisphosphonates the more likely the implants are going to fail.

It's not actually an awful medication because it works.
It's an incredibly rare side effect.
All medical treatment requires a risk v benefit assessment. The risks of broken bones are high.
I have this on top on a long list of other health conditions.
I had alendronic acid for two years and the side effects of that on the stomach are common. It did however improve my bone density. I now have a yearly infusion which comes with slightly higher risk of jaw issues.

I visited my dentist before treatment started and he was very reassuring. I get more frequent dental checkups.
Implants might not be the best option for you but your dentist will know more.