Alendronic acid and dental surgery

[JustforAlice]

HI I have Polymyalgia Rheumatica plus potentially another autoimmune issue (Myasthenia Gravis just been ruled out but eye issues continue). Due to the steroids I take for the PMR I also have to take weekly alendronic acid.

I now need an extraction on an upper molar and dentists won't touch me because of the jaw necrosis risk. Last weeks emergency dentist says I need to be referred for hospital surgery involving hyperbaric chamber.

I cannot find out anywhere if this will be covered by the NHS or if I am going to get a bill for general anaesthetic, hyperbaric chamber etc.

Does anyone know if this is charged if it is a dental emergency?

You don't need a hyperbaric chamber, there is nowhere in the UK that will provide a hyperbaric chamber for dental extractions for patients om bisphosphonates

The hospital will carry out the extraction as normal, under local anaesthetic. It will be covered by the NHS.

However I would consider alternatives, such as root canal treating the tooth and leaving the roots as an overdenture. The risk of osteonecrosis with alendronic acid is low, but concurrent use of long term steroids increases your risk, and would be better to prevent extraction

I had pmr and gca and I also have osteoparosis. I needed 2 extractions which were carried out at our local teaching hospital. All NHS lead with no issues in fact the least painful dental surgery ever.

Thank you both. I would prefer root canal but cannot afford it. Excellent news re non hyperbaric chamber. Hoping the dentist last week was talking worst case scenarios and in my pain I took it as fact.