Osteoporosis versus having all my teeth out!!!!!!! Advice sought on annual injections.

[Marilyn1959]

Well it is a decision I have to make before my Rheumy appointment next month. As suspected, due to advanced gum disease, I will need to have all my remaining teeth out if I am to have annual injection to hopefully stop Osteopenia morphing into Osteoporosis. A dexa scan reveals a couple of bones in spine have worsened, but overall I am borderline. Think it is now 2.6 where two years ago, at the start of my PMR journey it was 2.4.

I am often having problems with gum infections requiring antibiotics and / or extractiond. Plus eight years ago had a crumbling jaw which required filing since shards of bone were protruding through jaw and cutting my tongue. I was told that, due to gum disease I would eventually have no gum for dentures to fix on to!!! At the time I questioned whether reconstruction of the jaw bone surgery was possible and was told it might be.

So for now my new dentist is going to refer me to Guys Training Hospital since my case is complex. I am delighted at this result, since I think this is my best chance of getting extensive treatment and resolving (possibly) the issue of no gums for dentures to fix to. If Guys accept my case that is.

I also need to check out how this will affect my new part time job since it involves a lot of singing! Don't want to sound like a snake hissing, nor have my dentures fly across the room on a crescendo!

All neing well I think I will have them out, then decide whether to have injection. Does anyone have annual injections for Osteoporosis ? If so how does it affect you? What are the long term implications?

Many thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would be waiting for the dental consultation - and taking their advice. Because you can't take the bisphosphonate until the dental stuff is completed and healed anyway

[Yellowbluebell]

Sorry to giggle but I can just see your dentures flying through the air.!! My mums dentures never fitted properly and she was always taking them out and leaving them in random places. That was till our spaniel took them and sat just out of reach with an extra set of teeth smiling at us. Good luck with whatever decision you makexx

[Megams in reply to Yellowbluebell]

~Loved it Yellowbluebell - could just picture the whole scene ~ thanks for the laugh

[Hidden]

Hi Marilyn

All your dental treatment will have to be out of the way before you have any more treatment for your bones.

Obviously with the risks that is why they have referred you to the dental hospital.

I’ve had Zolendronic Acid for 3years, every six months as part of my adjuvant treatment following Chemo for Breast Cancer, it was completely unremarkable with no affects whatsoever, l had my last one in October last year (2018)

What’s your new part time job that involves singing?

[Marilyn1959 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mrs N, I say new job but am three years into it although have been off sick since my accident at Christmas. It is a bespoke part time role, built around all my strengths from being in teaching (37years) with a sustantive Headship for 16 years.

This role is working in an advisory capacity with Leadership Teams in primary schools to improve music provision and standards. A major part of the role involves direct teaching of school choirs and until December I was also running a borough choir. I work closely with the Royal Opera House with whom we share responbility for a borough singing strategy, which includes delivery of teacher's training and providing singing workshops for children. I am very, very fortunate to have a job moulded around my strengths and which gives me great satisfaction, but it also flexible since I am in charge of my own diary.

[HeronNS]

Please read this if you haven't already:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Jackoh]

Oh that sounds hard- having to have all your teeth out. I have very receding gums and am now having a few gum ulcers. I presume it is the Pred- it’s the drug that just keeps on giving!

[painteratheart]

At my doctor's advice due to osteopenia, about 15 yrs ago, I started on Foxamax for 2 yrs, then had annual infusion for 2 yrs. Then the dental problems started resulting in gum problems, eventual implants, not to mention EXPENSE!!

When my periodontist realized this info, she showed me a report from ADA the adverse effects of treatment and made me promise never to take those again. I informed my doctor and my reasons for ceasing same. Haven't had dental problems since and ironically latest bone density test was still osteopenia. It took 20 yrs of study to conclude adverse results of treatment. I say do your research. It was an eye opener for me!