Thanks for your excellent question! Some bisphosphonate medications -- the drug family that includes Actonel -- have indeed been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw, a painful condition in which the mouth does not heal normally, especially after oral surgery. However, this side effect is more common when a patient takes an intravenous dose used for cancer and certain other conditions, and is rare in patients taking the oral formulation for osteoporosis (such as Actonel). However, your dentist may be aware of certain risk factors in your individual situation, and you should definitely discuss these issues with your physician to see if you should switch to a non-bisphosphonate drug to treat your osteporosis. But remember, never start or stop any medicine without your doctor's knowledge and approval.