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10 years on Prolia and requiring extractions lower jaw
Hi..I am soon to be 80 years old and I have been taking Prolia since 2015 following a skiing accident (I was hit from behind) resulting in compression fracture of T 11. My BMD done in 2015 following the incident had spine T-score of -2.6, femur neck -2.0, femur,-0.9 resulting in being diagnosed with osteoporosis.
I have had excellent results with Prolia as last BMD done in October 2025 with spine-0.9, femur -0.2, femur neck -1.6.
I have had 2 lower permanent bridges for at least 40 years and one of them has a cavity and dentist's attempt to do a root canal failed. It is not causing any issues currently but dentist did mention the possibility of extraction in the future. Also in 2020 (after 5 years on Prolia) I did have 2 extractions lower jaw due to part of the bridge failing (half the bridge was saved). I had no issues and healed well.
I have been doing research on the internet, came upon this discussion group and would appreciate your input. I am concerned re ONJ and want to retain all the gains I have made with Prolia.
1-Should I continue with Prolia realizing that I could have an unplanned extraction
2-How long can I remain on Prolia and should I be transitioning to Zoledronic Acid to preserve my bone density. What are risks of developing ONJ on ZA
I am still an active downhill skier, no other health issues.
I live in Northern Ontario, Canada with limited specialists in our area.
I am seeing my family physician tomorrow.
This is a great forum! So much info available.
Truly appreciate
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I had an extraction with no problem, while on prolia. I 've been
on prolia for 3 years. Hope this helps
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1 ReactionWow that's great you are still skiing TO me the whole tragedy of this is I am giving it up (for now) because unlike you the drugs scare me and the main reason is I am always having this or that tooth attended to. An oral surgeon told me I had had a lot of good expensive dental work in the past but that meant I'd probably be needing it in the future so those dental side effects could be a problem
Your numbers sure got better too
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1 Reaction@sl303 thank you for your response. I think you’re making a wise decision. The dental side effects are definitely a problem. I wish I had had more information on these drugs 10 years ago.
Since I am having a consultation with an oral surgeon later this month I have decided to take one more injection. Since Prolia is now is replaced by biosimilar Jubbonti I will be receiving the injection this week as I am due.
I will request a consultation with an osteoporosis specialist re transitioning to a different bisphosphonate and Zoledronic acid would appear to be the preferred one upon my research.
I could not find much information or studies done on patients on Prolia for 10 years, only that transition off is recommended to preserve the gains.
Also family physicians need to take time explaining the risk of side effect of Prolia such as ONJ, Atypical femur fractures, how long to remain on it and to have plan for a safe transition off it. Also dental assessment should be a requirement before starting these meds.
It’s been nothing but a source of anxiety for me now. I hope I made the right decision of doing one more injection before transitioning.
@vaneck thank you for your response. I also had 2 extractions after 5 years and after receiving my prolia profile from pharmacy it looks like there was a delay of 6 weeks before the scheduled dose to allow for healing. This delay may have been requested by the dentist i
I had two extractions while on Prolia - my DMD took some of my blood on the day of surgery and spun it to create a blood patch that was stitched into the opening after the tooth was extracted. This was to help it healing and avoid any issues with dry socket. I had no issues. I had the same problem with a really old bridge with a cavity in the anchor tooth under the crown. It worked out great for me! Good luck!
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