Osteoporosis and Dental Work

Posted by skbd @skbd, Jul 31 4:12pm

I have completed 12 Evenity shots with No problems. I will begin Prolia at the end of August. I need a tooth extracted and have an appointment for August 8. The oral surgeon recommended doing it before starting Prolia. Has anyone had a tooth extracted and followed with an implant while on Prolia? I am not sure if I should have the implant.

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Profile picture for gowalking @gowalking

That is exactly how I hit the nightmare of osteoporosis.
I was told to go off of it before extraction/implant, which I did. I was due for my next dose of Prolia about 6 weeks after dental procedure. My doctor said it would be fine.
I had the tooth extracted and let that heal then the bone graft, let that heal and then the implant.
That whole process took about 8 weeks.
Once you stop Prolia, your bones deteriorate rapidly. PLEASE READ UP ON THAT.
After four weeks off Prolia, I had my first compression fracture. 5 more followed rapidly within weeks. Another two at one time followed by three more all at once.
The hospital had me checked by an Orthopeadic Spine Specialist who explained all this to me, telling me my bones were so soft, he was able to move them.
I've had two surgeries so far. He immediately sent me to their bone clinic where I am now treated by a doctor who specializes strictly in Osteoporsis. I am now on a treatment of Tymlos for two years. I have seven months to go and my bones show remarkable improvement. I've gone from osteoporosis to low bone mass in all measured areas. I am getting annual dexa scans to monitor progress. I'm not sure what I will be taking at the end of two years, but I will have to go on something.
PLEASE do read everything you can find about stopping treatment!!
I will try to find some information for you and will post it this evening.

Let me also mention the snowballing of other issues this has caused. I now have very thin jaw bones and need two implants but the doctor is not sure there will be enough bone to hold them. My face has sagged and I drool. The pain from the fractures was awful. I could not lay down. I slept in a chair. It was too painful to lift my legs to rest them on the ottoman. That led to blood pooling at my ankles, appointments with a vascular surgeon and ultimately vascular surgery. Now I have bulging veins and must wear ugly compression socks forever. I have a huge hump in my back which makes it impossible to lay flat, wear a bra that hooks in the back, sit in a wooden chair or look nice in blouses or tops, (baggy shirts are my new wardrobe). At the completion of my Tymlos treatment, we will begin to consider placing rods in my back to straighten it. I have lost 3" in height and gained a muffin top. I WAS 5'4" and 110# now I am 5'1". You would be amazed at the difference that is. I cannot reach in cabinets. All slacks and dresses have to be altered. I had a very tight, flat stomach. That 3" had to fall somewhere, so it fell right to my waist along with my boobs!
Ask your doctor if you can go off Prolia and on somethimg else before dental work.
I wish you the best and will be thinking of you. Just do your research, get a second or third opinion.

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What a road you have traveled. I am fortunate to be in this place, learning from the experiences you have gained. I thank you many times for sharing with us.

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Profile picture for 2reddogs @2reddogs

I had been on Prolia 5 years and needed a tooth extraction and a titanium implant. Long story, but my Rheumatologist gave the Periodontist the OK. Little or no warning from Rheumatologist and none from my Periodontist until a few minutes before he pulled the tooth regarding possible issues; I almost backed out of the procedure. My periodontist took several x-rays of my jaw/tooth over a 7 month period, checking for any issue pre and post extraction. He had me wait 7 months to complete the procedure and then another two weeks before having the crown.
I have since done my own research reading reputable scientific journals. It is recommended that you have the tooth pulled and implant procedure as close to the end of a Prolia injection (5.5-6 months post injection). There are additional issues for those with cancer that have had radiation so it is best to consult with a bone specialist or experienced oral surgeon. Ask all the questions you can, explain your worries share journals with them ask the what ifs….
Unfortunately my rheumatologists and periodontist were more concerned about jaw necrosis than the Prolia “holiday” I was on for 3 months post dental work. I am 71 and have never broken a bone in my body until I fractured my L-1 and L-3 not due to dental work but due to not getting back on Prolia within a shorter period. My rheumatologist never discussed the need to get right back on Prolia, even after she had me get an x-ray due to back pain 10 days before I fractured. I have since shared the research regarding Prolia and dental procedures and given it to my dentist, periodontist and rheumatologist. I am certain from my conversations w each they had little understanding of the side effects from Prolia when getting invasive dental work.
I have an appt. with an Endocronologist that specializes in bone health in February. I am hoping to find a way to relay off of Prolia. (She had a 12 month waitlist). Sadly knowledgable physicians are few and far between and these bone meds are fairly new and research is starting to get published. I hope my story empowers you in some way❤️

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I would be interested in learning any options recommended to get off Prolia. How long have you been taking Prolia? I’ve been on it for two years (4 injections).

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