A method for bone regeneration which comprises administering a short term release composition into a bone area of a subject in need thereof, wherein the composition comprises a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) cross-linked alendronate (PLGA-ALN), wherein the composition releases the alendronate into the bone area, wherein the bone tissue of the bone area is exposed in situ to a therapeutically effective amount of the alendronate over 9 days.