My dental crisis and a recent osteoporosis diagnosis hit me at the same time, and I’m facing multiple teeth at risk. As my case is so complex, I’m going to request a referral to a dental hospital for assessment and complex restorations. I understand that the process could take many months.
I’m not dentally fit right now, but GP pushes bisohosophonate. I’m 63. Too old for HRT. I’m feeling overwhelmed trying to navigate both at once.
If anyone has gone through complex dental issues while managing osteoporosis, I would be so grateful to hear your story or advice. I’ve asked my GP for the referral to rheumatologst, but even if it’s acceptted, I know the waiting times can be very long.
Welcome to a community no one really wants to belong to.
I don’t think I would let myself be pushed into taking bisphosphonates if I was dentally unfit. Why is your doctor pushing so hard? Have you had fractures? What are your DEXA scores? What does your dentist / dental hospital have to say about it? There are so many factors involved.
Why don’t you wait for your appointment with rheumatology and see what they have to say? That will give you more time. Have you spoken to the ROS nurses to see what they have to suggest.
Also if you look around you will find there are people much older than you who are taking HRT so unless you have known contraindications as to why you can’t take it, I would push for HRT.
Hi Lizzie2
Thank you so much for your reply. My T scores are spine -3.1 and -2.8 femoral neck. Given my slim physique (BMI 19) low spine score may not be as bad as it looks. I had fragility fracture 12 years ago and have a vision issue that elevates the fall risk. I will consult with the ROS nurse as you suggest.
My GP just put me on advice and guidance, not even a formal referral to the specialist. I’m dealing with a multiple of health issues at the same time and overwhelmed at the moment. Thanks again.
Hi Peach-Mango,
I’ve often read that the way not to fracture is not to fall! Not sure how helpful that is though.
I have a feeling there might be a list of things on the ROS site to check out to eliminate fall hazards, that will be important especially if you have visual problems. I know I have got rid of a things like rugs - unless I can fix them very firmly to the floor and I’m careful where I put things on the floor. One of my most annoying problems is my husband dumping his enormous shoes in unexpected places around the house, still working on that one though!
I have also got some motion activated night.lights for going to the loo in the middle of the night, they are arranged that as I move through the house they come on one after the other. I also bought indoor shoes rather than slippers to avoid slipping and I often use Nordic walking poles when I am out.
Hopefully you will get to your specialist soon - does your local hospital have a fracture liaison service or is there a local ROS group in your area where you could talk to other people with osteoporosis, aga8 you will find out on the ROS website ?
Hi Lizzie2,
I really appreciate your support. I have been an active walker. Having walked Hadrian’s Wall Path, I was planning more long trails. The adjustment in life is seriously needed.
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I have been active life long and aerobically fit. I learnt last year, at the age of 70 that as women we’ve been badly advised. Waking etc isn’t enough we should have started strength training at least 10 years before the menopause. I now go to the gym 3 times a week and am enjoying it. Get physio advice on exercises, and my gym has personal trainers - you pay extra for them. I see many people I know or recognise from my community in the gym, all at different stages of strength building. Even running isn’t probably enough, though the landing impact on the bones will be helpful. There is lots of good info on YouTube about strength training for older women with osteoporosis.
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Hi I have dental issues with my lower jaw,as I have lost so much bone.I have to wear dentures,so I recently had new ones made,but proving a challenge for my new dentist.It would have been nice to have implants,but because of my Osteoporosis and Lupus I have a greater risk of infection.I can’t even have teeth extracted not unless I am in terrible pain.Consultants don’t tell you about these issues.I hope you get some good advice from your dentist and get your teeth sorted.
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Hi Janeaschr,
Thank you for your positive input. I completely agree that all women should be given more information on exercises before reaching menopause. It’s essential. I have multiple dumbbells at home, but the workout regime wasn’t structured. I bought a weighted vest. Now the regiment is based on weight bearing, impact movement such as jumping, and repetitive stimulation such as vested walk. We must keep doing it!
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Hi SHRLEY,
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with so many things at once. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply, especially while managing your own dental issues. I’m kind of in limbo myself at the moment—my dentist asks how soon I start isteoporosis treatment, but my GP is asking how long the dental treatment will take and seems hesitant to refer me to a specialist. Because it’s complicated, I’m waiting for an assessment at a dental hospital to figure out which teeth might need extraction and how to plan the denture.
If you ever develop an active periapical infection, extraction might be the only option, so do take good care of your teeth, Shirley.