title: Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws: a review of current knowledge.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, NY, USA. mrm25@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Markiewicz
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Margarone
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aguirre
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid