Would you hesitate to place an implant at #9 for a pt that was on Boniva for approximately 6 months about 15 years ago? It would be an immediate implant that will be buried.

Joelle’s answer:

Not really. However, I ALWAYS have patients sign a bisphosphonate consent form and always touch on ONJ so they have an idea of what it is. Obviously the longer and more recent they were on it, the more risk (and IV more than oral). But since the half life of those medications are so long I always talk about how it’s a super small chance it will happen, but can be severe if it does.

Ivan’s Answer:

in short, no I wouldn’t hesitate to do it based on just that info alone. Definitely screen for additional risk factors.

Here’s a screenshot from the relevant lecture in the 101 surgery course.