Bisphosphonate and nonbisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: a review.
BACKGROUND
The term "osteonecrosis of the jaw" (ONJ) is used almost synonymously with the term "bisphosphonate-associated ONJ." However, necrosis of the jawbones leading to exposure of bone is associated with other factors.


METHODS
The authors conducted a literature search using PubMed to identify original research articles and case reports that described oral conditions and associated factors that result in sequestrum formation and bone exposure.


RESULTS
After reviewing conditions that may lead to necrosis of the jawbones, the authors divided the causes of ONJ into the following conditions: systemic medication use; radiation; bacterial, viral and deep fungal infections; direct chemical toxicity; trauma; idiopathy; and other etiologies.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should take a careful history when evaluating patients with ONJ because ONJ may result from one or more factors.
Almazrooa
Soulafa A
SA
Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA 02115, USA. soulafa_almazrooa@hsdm.harvard.edu
Woo
Sook-Bin
SB
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000473:pathology
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates