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Unable to assert myself at 73...I have Severe Osteoporosis
I am on Prolia for Severe Osteoporosis but needed tooth extraction traction which can cause ONJ so together with that problem I also have EXTREME DENTAL PHOBIA so I had an appointment for a Consultation with a brusque and no nonsense Dentist albeit extremely good at his job he gave me an appointment for the extraction and told me I would lose all my teeth due to Gum disease but I need to have my teeth cleaned every 3 months and to go downstairs in the building nd get them done but I refused as I am too nervous...but now I am trapped ...I need the extraction and Dentists are rare and hard to come by..I am 74 and still as meek as I was as a teenager..Dentists are really expensive and hard to come by and this Guy knew more about Prolia and the dangers involved than my Doctor he told me ONJ was not rare as my Doc told me she knew Zero about it but im back on the 8th January for the EXTRACTION and then the cleaning which terrifies me as it takes an hour....SORRY FOR GOING ON BUT IM SO WORRIED
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Hi @lane73. Hold your hands out…I’m tossing you a life line!! You are certainly not alone with your anxiety about dental appointments! I’m the same way and ironically, I was a certified Dental Assistant for 32+ years of my dental career. Loved being on that side of the chair, assisting and helping patients. But I’m one of the worst when sitting still in the chair! My poor boss. 😅
I’m sorry that the dentist you’re working with is so brusque. Having a dentist and staff with a positive chair-side manner can make or break an experience. But since this dentist has advanced knowledge in treating patients using Prolia, that’s important for you. However, you do not have to be intimidated around dentists or doctors. From my personal experience and using one of my mom’s old expressions, I know they ‘put their pants on one leg at a time’…just like the rest of us. So whether you’re timid or brusque yourself, don’t hesitate to ask questions or for information. What you can do to organize your thoughts and not get tongue tied with the doctor is to just jot down what you want to ask. Most dentists/assistants/hygienists truly do want to help you gain a better understanding of your oral health.
Your dentist is trying to help you keep your remaining teeth. By having cleanings every 3 months for a while, this will help reverse the periodontal disease that’s been taking place. The gums and bones will heal and then after that perhaps you’ll be able to return to cleanings every 6 months. You don’t want to lose your teeth and have dentures if possible.
Between now and your appointment on Jan 8, give either the dental office or your primary doctor a call and request a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication such as Lorazepam. It really works well in taking the edge off the appointment. You can also use it when you have your teeth cleaned. Generally the dosage very low and you only need to take one pill an hour before the appointment. However, it may cause a bit of drowsiness for a couple hours so you’ll need a ride to and from your appointments. But it’s much better using the anti-anxiety meds so you are relaxed and don’t walk out with fingernail impressions in the palms of your hands from clenching your fists!
Another helpful idea is take your phone and some Bluetooth earbuds so you can listen to music or podcasts while you’re having your cleaning.
You mentioned being 74, we’re close in age. Do you remember Lamaze for childbirth and focusing on a picture or hole in a ceiling tile…concentrate on breathing? That’s a simple fall-back for distraction. But for your level of anxiety right now, having an anti-anxiety med is a really easy route to take! It’s not out of the ordinary for a dentist to prescribe this for dental anxiety!
Have you ever used an anti-anxiety med?
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8 ReactionsSounds to like you and your dentist aren’t a god fit for each other. I love the lorazepam suggestion.
I would add to keep going to this dentist 4x a year but to work hard on finding a new dentist. I was in healthcare and doctors would occasionally be asked for a “meet and greet “ a 5 minute free visit to ask a few questions and try to get a vibe on if u wanted to make an appointment. Perhaps dentists do this as well. Lori, Volunteer Mentor, do u know the answer?
I have found good, caring dentists are hard to come by but they're out there. I think you've been given some great advice!
Plus, put some weight on your bones to strengthen them. Lifting weights is a great way to exercise. I have osteoporosis, I'm 72 and am taking nothing except collagen powder. I ride my bike, walk and lift weights regularly. I'm praying I'm holding my own with bone density. Best of luck to you!