Several opinions-collapsed arch, jaw, bite. Osteoporosis Implants

Posted by tmtm4 @tmtm4, Jun 21, 2022

Multiple health issues but primary question now is regarding my mouth. I have Osteoporosis, RA, OA, severe scoliosis, severe arthritis throughout my spine, neuropathy, and other stuff. Two yrs ago, the orthopedic surgeon said I need a rod in my back & have three smashed discs. I have had scoliosis since I was ten but always thought it only involved two discs. He refused to fix any because two are inside the curve and the one outside will make my back collapse. Second opinion said, sure, he can fix the one outside the curve. Third opinion (to break the tie.) Of course, he said they are both right. I will probably need the "big operation" in the near future, but he can fix the one disc outside the curve. Had that done two years ago. I've had 12 or 13 surgeries in the past ten years (six shoulder, 4 or 5 foot from a failed bunionectomy that broke/dislocated six joints in my other toes, back, so now I have PTSD and panic when I go in for any procedure. Shocking but I also have depression and anxiety too.
Long story to set up my question:
I have lost a lot of bone in my mouth and my teeth are rapidly falling out in my upper arch. Depending on who I talk to, some say from Reclast, Osteoporosis, etc. My old primary dentist (40+ yrs) referred me to a Prosthodontist who tried to tell me I need this stock denture. Moved on. Second Prosthodontist said I must have a pallet if I get implant supported dentures. One of his surgeons said six implants to support denture. His other choice said NO implants because of the Reclast. My NEW primary/temporary? dentist said no implants- they won't work and right now dentures probably won't work either unless I use the goop to keep them in place. She put me in an Occlusal Guard to help move my jaw where it belongs.
Went to a another opinion since there doesn't seem to be a consensus w/anyone. My ex told me his dentist/pros. was good so, off I went: He said he doesn't feel comfortable because my mouth is a "unique situation." Sent me to a surgeon that said I can get "All on 4", same day, and then the Prosthodontist will care for me afterward until I get the permanent bridge (and he said I do have plenty of bone.) The Prosthodontist wants to go to my surgery to collaborate w/surgeon. This surgeon has a nifty brochure with a lot of info and appears to have many good reviews but I heard that can be manipulated. Who knows?
I stopped Reclast and my primary doc (love her) put me on Tymlos to build bone in my mouth because my upper teeth are rapidly falling out. My Rheumatologist (love her too) said if my teeth are falling out now, won't the implants fall out too? I take Oriencia infusions once/month which I would have to stop during this process.
I fit into so many of these groups, it's ridiculous and cannot find Osteoporosis as a choice. I am 64 yrs old. I'll just pick one and someone can tell me if I am in the wrong place. Somebody please tell me what to do.
Scared, overwhelmed, and don't know what to do. I am retired and lost quite a bit in the Stock Mkt. The bridge surgery will cost a minimum of $25,000.

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Firstly my sympathy on all you have to deal with.

I can only give you some info on dental implants relating to myself. I'm in the UK so can't advise on insurance.

I'm not taking any medication, alendronate is the usual UK drug of choice, followed by prolia, as far as I know.

I have 3 implants, these are posts and an obturator(denture) fits onto these, upper jaw. Not enough bone for more because of cleft palate. I did have some bone grafts to help.

The implants have done a good job for over 20 years, but I have had problems for a year or so because I failed to clean the front awkward one adequately. There is a gap which gets sore and I've been told it won't heal. Another contributor has emphasised the need to clean carefully.

In desperation I have left my denture out for the last couple of months in the hope it will actually heal. Definite improvement and trying to be hopeful.

Odd though this may sound it has actually been very liberating for me, instead of living on fear about what will happen if my denture fails I now know that I am perfectly ok without it. I can eat ok, at home anyway, if I was eating out I would have to choose carefully or put teeth in. I go about my day as usual, no need to explain, it's ok.

I have an appointment tomorrow to have denture repaired ( a separate issue). I have waited for this appointment for 8 months, prior to that denture functioned for 6 weeks after last repair which I waited a year for. It has been like this off and on for years so anxiety has been high at times.

I wish you well, I hope you find some peace in all this.

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