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

Posted by lane73 @lane73, Dec 26, 2025

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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Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

@detalumis I’m so glad you dropped into this conversation. Having a dental phobia can be debilitating for a patient and of course, may lead to avoidance of necessary dental treatments. So thank you for offering what’s worked for you with scheduling appointments in the time increments where you feel comfortable. We had a few patients in our office where we handled their cases similarly. Failing that, there was the option of a one-off prescription of Ativan which really helped allay fears.

The situation for @lane73 is a little different. She is in the UK with limited choices for a dentist for her special needs of being on Prolia and requiring an extraction. So in this case, she didn’t have the option of seeking another dentist. It is a shame, as you said that getting even a small prescription of 5-10 pills to patients in need is a challenge. That limited amount is certainly not enough to become additive.

I’m glad that you’ve been able to manage through your phobia with finding a good dental care team who works with you.
By the way, Welcome to Mayo Connect. I see you’ve been a member since September but this is your first time writing. I hope that I see you pop into more conversations around the forum. There are over 80+ different health support groups. May I ask what drew you into Mayo Connect?

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@loribmt hi Lori its me Patricia the basket case...I survived the extraction and he was very nice to me now if I had said that to my mother she would calmly reply " what did you want him to do..." throw stones at you" no answer to that one..
I went through it in a haze....then he brought up the cleaning again and said he would give me a local anaesthetic as it would be too painful because of my gum disease otherwise and he would do it...I would rather he didn't he is too " no nonsense" for me...he has booked the 27th Jan for that but I am going to delay till 27th Feb but I will get it done...another little Irish saying is he hasn't a notion of doing it in 2 sessions I have surmised he is the owner...all women except himself....
My sister had an extraction on the same day but her Dentist told her to wait 3 months before next shot of Prolia I have more severe Osteoporosis than her and mine is in the Spinal area having had 2 Fractures already...I was hoping to do my shot on the 5th week after extraction..and 3 weeks after its due date..he will go mad when he hears I changed cleaning date...Lor I am in Ireland not UK

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Profile picture for lane73 @lane73

@loribmt hi Lori its me Patricia the basket case...I survived the extraction and he was very nice to me now if I had said that to my mother she would calmly reply " what did you want him to do..." throw stones at you" no answer to that one..
I went through it in a haze....then he brought up the cleaning again and said he would give me a local anaesthetic as it would be too painful because of my gum disease otherwise and he would do it...I would rather he didn't he is too " no nonsense" for me...he has booked the 27th Jan for that but I am going to delay till 27th Feb but I will get it done...another little Irish saying is he hasn't a notion of doing it in 2 sessions I have surmised he is the owner...all women except himself....
My sister had an extraction on the same day but her Dentist told her to wait 3 months before next shot of Prolia I have more severe Osteoporosis than her and mine is in the Spinal area having had 2 Fractures already...I was hoping to do my shot on the 5th week after extraction..and 3 weeks after its due date..he will go mad when he hears I changed cleaning date...Lor I am in Ireland not UK

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@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… ☺️

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Profile picture for Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt

@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… ☺️

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@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...😊🇮🇪

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Profile picture for lane73 @lane73

@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...😊🇮🇪

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@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?? 😂

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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.....🙏👵

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