title: Osteonecrosis of the jaws and bisphosphonates.
abstract: Osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with bisphosphonate therapy was first identified in 2003 as a condition typified by exposed bone that does not heal after 8 weeks. Other signs and symptoms, such as pain and infection, may or may not be present. There is a strong need for consensus on a case definition for this condition. This condition has occurred primarily among cancer patients treated with the aminobisphosphonates zoledronic acid and pamidronate. The etiology of this condition remains unknown; however, oral disease and trauma appear to be important risk factors. This condition appears to be rare in metabolic bone disease and Paget's disease, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 1 per 100,000 person-years. Thus, the benefits of bisphosphonate therapy appear to outweigh the risks. Recommendations have been established for the oral health management of patients with a history of bisphosphonate therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. pendrys@nso1.uchc.edu
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Pendrys
authors.forename: Stuart L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Silverman
mesh_terms: D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D004164:Diphosphonates