Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws: a review of current knowledge.
BACKGROUND
Increasing numbers of dental patients are taking bisphosphonate medications for a variety of indications. These drugs may be associated with poor healing, spontaneous intraoral ulceration and bone necrosis in the oral and maxillofacial region.


METHODS
The authors describe a case of osteonecroSis of the jaws in a patient receiving long-term bisphosphonate therapy for cancer. They offer recommendations for management and prevention of oral complications.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important that clinicians are aware of the association between bisphosphonate treatment and delayed wound healing and osteonecrosis of the jaws. They should consider referring patients in this population to specialists for even the most routine oral surgery. Clinicians should perform a thorough oral examination in patients before they begin any chemotherapy regimen.
Markiewicz
Michael R
MR
University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, NY, USA. mrm25@buffalo.edu
Margarone
Joseph E
JE
Campbell
John H
JH
Aguirre
Alfredo
A
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008334:Mandible / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid