title: BISPHOSPHONATE-INDUCED MAXILLOFACIAL OSTEONECROSIS IN OSTEOPOROTIC INDIVIDUALS.
abstract: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the maxillae may be an important complication of long-term osteoporosis treatment. The possibility of osteonecrosis of the maxillae in patients exposed to nitrogenated bisphosphonates was first described in 2003. Since then, case reports and retrospective studies have demonstrated higher percentages of occurrence of osteonecrosis in patients who have used or are using bisphosphonates. Although this complication may be spontaneous, invasive oral procedures have a role as risk factors associated with dental procedures such as tooth extractions and other bone operations. In addition, tooth infections and periodontal disease have been reported to be the main risk factors for development of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the maxillae. For this reason, dentists, general clinicians, orthopedists, geriatricians and oral-maxillofacial surgeons need to be aware of this problem and work in a multidisciplinary environment, thereby stimulating early diagnosis and prevention of further potential cases.
authors.affiliation: MSc and PhD on Oral Pathology; Professor in the Department of Stomatology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo Sérgio
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: da Silva Santos
authors.affiliation: MSc and PhD in Oral Pathology; Preceptor of the Special Patients' Care Center, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Márcio Augusto
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.affiliation: MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and PhD in Oral Pathology; Attending Dental Surgeon in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Osasco Regional Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Valtuir Barbosa
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Felix
keywords: Bisphosphonates; Facial Bones; Osteoporosis