Unable to assert myself at 73...I have Severe Osteoporosis

@lane73 @lane73 Hi Patricia. Ohh…I’m so relieved that the extraction went well. I mean, yes, I knew the procedure would be fine, but that I hoped your experience was good!
And I’m proud of you for following through and being brave at the same time! ☺️

From what you’re mentioning about the cleaning coming up is that you’ll be having what’s referred to as scaling and root planing. With serious periodontal disease tartar collects over time and turns into a concrete type material called calculus (plaque). If this builds up below the gum tissue it can eventually destroy the bone around the tooth. So, your dentist is recommending deep pocket scaling and root planing.
Scaling removes tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line; root planing smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reaccumulating. The goal is to reduce pockets, inflammation, and bone loss associated with periodontal disease.
So, try not to put this off for too long. In our office we would only do one or two quadrants at a time. Certainly if you feel doing it all at one time is too much for you, YOU are the one in charge of your health. Assertiveness doesn’t necessarily mean aggressiveness. It’s ok to stand up for yourself! ☺️

And oops, I’m sorry about the slip with the UK/Ireland. I know the country is divided and failed to note where your city is located.

Well, best wishes ahead for both you and your sister. Please keep in touch and let me know how you did with your cleaning, ok? I’m here for you any time… ☺️

@loribmt he has me down for cleaning on the 27th Jan and I'm going to change till 27th Feb..he will be furious but can I explain something Lor I don't just get anxious the Day of the extraction I am anxious for weeks beforehand...I need time to get over the extraction but without a doubt will be done on 27th Feb....if a person is not nice in Ireland we say there is no nature in him...I was wondering if you would give me your input on my timeline....I will be doing my next Prolia shot 5 weeks after extraction and 3 weeks after my due date for 3rd shot....if im annoying you just let me know...I have you tortured...😊🇮🇪

@lane73 You started my day with a laugh this morning. It takes a lot to torture me or to get me annoyed so…good try, gurl but you have to do more than ask me quesitons! 😂

As for timeline, this is something to discuss with your doctor. I have no first hand knowledge of taking Prolia but from what others have mentioned in comments your timing of 5 weeks after the extraction is reasonable.

For your cleaning appointment, I don’t think your dentist will be furious but maybe a little frustrated? From being on the ‘other side of the chair’ as a dental professional, I truly believe he is trying to restore your dental health so that you don’t lose any more bone support around your remaining teeth or require any more extractions. The damage you can’t see is below the gum line at this point. Below where daily brushing and flossing can’t reach. Certainly keep up with those important hygiene steps.
However, the scaling and root planing as I described in a previous post, is a means to start the recovery process below the gum line for long term healthy gums and bone.

I know you’re uncomfortable with dental visits and it takes time to build up the gumption to go forward. So you can make your own timeline on this but from my perspective, don’t delay too long. Preachy without being too bossy?? 😂

Your advice is greatly appreciated Lori...I do understand that the Dentist has only the health of my remaining teeth in mind...imagine I actually suffered actual pain sporadically for a full year as my previous Dentist when he saw it was a Sinus tooth was unable to do the extraction he referred me to a Surgeon but I was waiting to go on Prolia so just went ahead..I did two years on Forteo prior to Prolia with great gains...when the Dentist finished my extraction he asked to speak to my daughter to explain to her the follow up instructions to the extraction I did find this annoying as Anxiety apart I am an intelligent woman...I felt like saying my IQ hasn't receded with my gums but I just said I am quite capable of following any and all instructions...but I am at peace for now but not for long as I am aware I need the cleaning I just wish wasn't him....I am afraid to leave him just in case I have a problem with ONJ.....🙏👵

What is ONJ

Hi @emilyelliott321 ONJ stands for Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. People undergoing bisphosphonate treatment such as taking Prolia or other meds to reduce bone loss have a rare but slightly elevated risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw following a tooth extraction. This can be due an area of bone that is exposed and not receiving a steady blood supply. That can damage and destroy that area of bone.
https://www.healthline.com/health/osteonecrosis-of-the-jaw
Are you on a bone-loss drug such as Prolia or fozamax?

You might let the dentist know of your phobia. I am 73 and any visit to the dentist is a white-knuckle ride for me.
You might ask him for a mild short-acting tranquilizer like Xanax and some nitrous oxide. That will make you just not care and they can bring you back to normal quickly. Also be sure to ask for adequate pain medication afterwards while you recover. You shouldn’t have to suffer like that, neither from anxiety nor pain. -Retired RN who takes my own advice.

@lane73
It never hurts to have a second pair of ears and eyes. You never know if they are hearing the same things you are. Certainly, if you are having any kind of sedation, it would be wonderful, let alone prudent, to have your daughter along, your intelligence and education notwithstanding.

@calofmichigan the 1st thing I did was let him know of the fear I have and even when booking I made a point of stating it but I really and truly don't think he either heard or cared as during the Consultation he asked me if I would go downstairs for cleaning...I mean I had stated how phobic I was numerous times and he asked me to get an off the cuff HOUR OF CLEANING done....I actually said no and I don't know how I managed to refuse but my phobia was way stronger than my passive nature...he did offer Sedation in the form of Midazolam for the extraction but it costs about 600$ at least and I don't have Private Insurance I had already paid a different Dentist to tell me he couldn't do it as it was a Sinus tooth...the only painkiller they refer for you is ibuprofen.....thanks for your comment and concern..no Prolia done yet..tooth not fully healed...🇮🇪😊

I am so sorry you’re having so much trouble, not only physically but with the doctor as well. Stay strong and keep protecting yourself by being assertive.