The trend of dental check-up and prevalence of dental complications following the use of bone modifying agents in patients with metastatic breast and prostate cancer: analysis of data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service.

BACKGROUND: Bone-modifying agents (BMA) are key components in the management of cancer patients with bone metastasis. Despite their clinical benefits, the use of BMA is associated with dental adverse events (AEs) including medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This study investigated the frequency of dental surveillance before BMA treatment and the prevalence of dental AEs including MRONJ, after BMA treatment in patients with bone metastasis from breast and prostate cancer using data from the national health insurance system. METHODS: Data, including age, cancer diagnosis, administered BMA, and dental AEs during cancer treatment, of patients with bone metastasis from breast and prostate cancer who received at least one infusion of BMA between 2007 and 2019 were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) dataset. RESULTS: Of the 15,357 patients who received BMA, 1,706 patients (11.1%) underwent dental check-ups before BMA treatment. The proportion of patients receiving dental check-up increased from 4.4% in 2007 to 16.7% in 2019. Referral to dentists for a dental check-up was more active in clinics/primary hospitals than general/tertiary hospitals, and medical doctors and urologists actively consulted to dentists than general surgeons, regardless of the patient's health insurance status. After BMA treatment, 508 patients (3.8%) developed dental AEs, including abscess (42.9%), acute periodontitis (29.7%), acute pericoronitis (14.9%), and MRONJ (12.5% of dental AEs cases, 0.5% of total BMA treated patients). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the long treatment period in patients with metastatic cancer, coordination between dentists and oncologists is necessary to ensure appropriate dental management before the initiation of BMA.

Computed tomography bone density variations in oncological patients undergoing antiresorptive medication

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare jaw and cervical vertebrae bone density in computed tomography (CT) analyses of oncological patients undergoing antiresorptive medication with control patients, aiming to find information that may assist the radiologist and clinician in predicting risks and monitoring osteonecrosis in the jaw. Material and methods: Thirty-one patients treated with zoledronic acid and 37 control were included in the study. Two areas in regions of interest were chosen and standardized, one in the lower portion of the mandible and another in the axial cervical vertebra (C2) of patients undergoing antiresorptive drug treatment (experimental group) and the control group. Density analysis was performed using Hounsfield scale grayscale values obtained from multislice CT exams. Interclass correlation coefficient test (ICC) was performed to assess reproducibility and repeatability. The test of normality of the samples was demonstrated using the Shapiro-Wilk test and the comparison performed using Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test. Results: When compared to patients in the control group, patients undergoing antiresorptive medication depicted an increase in bone density in both jaw bone (p=0.021) and cervical vertebrae (p=0.002). The same pattern could be observed in patients who used the medication on a monthly basis for analysis of jaw bone (p=0.021), the cervical vertebrae (p=0.002), and the cervical vertebrae of the patients who used the medication on a quarterly basis (p=0.003). Conclusions: CT can be a potentially useful method for detecting alterations associated with antiresorptive therapy, serving as a possible tool in the prediction of the disease progression. (AU)

Bisphosphonate Osteonecrosis in a Case of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Report of a Case and Review of Literature.

Langerhans Cell histiocytosis is a rare multisystem disease originating from dendritic cell lines primarily characterized by osteolytic lesion of the skeleton. Chemotherapy along with bisphosphonates have been used to control the progression of the disease and prevent the osteolysis associated with the disease. Bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaws is a common finding following treatment with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, metastatic tumors to the bone or the osteolytic lesions of multiple myeloma. The article highlights a rare case of bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the mandible in a case of long-standing Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Caracterização do tecido ósseo peri-implantar frente ao uso do óxido nítrico para funcionalização da superfície de implantes instalados na maxila de ratas induzidas à deficiência de estrógeno e síndrome metabólica tratadas com risedronato de sódio / Characterization of peri-implant bone tissue against the use of nitric oxide for surface functionalization of implants installed in the maxilla of rats induced to estrogen deficiency and metabolic syndrome treated with risedronate sodium

Objetivo: caracterizar o processo de reparo ósseo peri-implantar em maxilas de ratas ovariectomizadas com síndrome metabólica induzida por dieta de cafeteria, tratadas com risedronato e instalação de implantes funcionalizados com [Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO]3+ (TERPY). Materiais e métodos: os testes in vitro realizados na Fase 1 avaliou as propriedades biológicas e físico-químicas da melhor concentração da TERPY frente às respostas osteogênicas, para a funcionalização dos implantes pela técnica de LbL. A realização de experimentos in vivo na Fase 2 avaliou o efeito da superfície funcionalizada durante o reparo ósseo peri-implantar. Para isso, 48 ratas Wistar foram divididas em: SHAM CONV (n=8), OVX SM CONV (n=8), OVX SM RIS CONV (n=8), SHAM TERPY (n=8), OVX SM TERPY (n=8) e OVX SM RIS TERPY (n=8). Em t=0, as ratas foram submetidas à cirurgia fictícia (SHAM) e à cirurgia de ovariectomia bilateral (OVX); após a recuperação da cirurgia, os animais receberam a dieta de cafeteria (SM). Passados 30 dias (t=30), o tratamento medicamentoso com risedronato de sódio (0,7 mg/kg/semana) (RIS) ou solução salina (0,3 ml), via gavagem, foi iniciado e realizado até o momento da eutanásia. Sessenta dias após o início do tratamento medicamentoso (t=90), a cirurgia de exodontia do primeiro molar superior foi realizada junto à instalação imediata dos implantes de forma bilateral (CONV ou TERPY). Quatorze dias após a cirurgia de instalação dos implantes (t=104), todos os grupos experimentais receberam a injeção intramuscular do fluorocromo calceína (20 mg/kg) e após 10 dias (t=114), do fluorocromo vermelho de alizarina (25 mg/kg). Aos 28 dias pós-operatórios (dia da eutanásia, t=118), os animais foram anestesiados e, nas maxilas do lado direito, os implantes foram submetidos ao torque reverso e imediatamente após a remoção dos implantes, foi realizada a coleta do tecido ósseo para análise de PCR tempo real para avaliação da expressão relativa de ALP, iBSP, OCN, OPG, RANKL, TRAP e VEGF, seguido da eutanásia dos animais; as maxilas do lado esquerdo foram coletadas para a análise de Micro-CT (BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, Tb.Sp e i.S) e, após o escaneamento, as mesmas passaram pelo processamento para análise da dinâmica óssea por fluorocromos (MAR e ELCOI). Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística, com o nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: Fase 1: poucas diferenças foram observadas entre as duas concentrações avaliadas e assim, a menor concentração do fármaco foi selecionada (10µM). Fase 2: os implantes funcionalizados com a TERPY apresentaram os maiores valores absolutos de torque de remoção para todos os grupos e com diferença estatística para OVX SM TERPY (p=0,0402). A associação sistêmica entre o risedronato e a TERPY em ratas ovariectomizadas (OVX SM RIS TERPY) demonstrou expressão aumentada para iBSP e equilíbrio entre OPG e RANKL, corroborando com os dados obtidos para MAR (p=0,0052) e com os parâmetros de BV/TV, Tb.Th e i.S da análise microtomográfica para esse mesmo grupo. Conclusão: o desempenho clínico dos implantes funcionalizados com TERPY foi favorável, e, quando associado à administração sistêmica de risedronato de sódio, os resultados se tornam mais promissores(AU)

Objective: characterize the peri-implant bone tissue repair process in maxilla of ovariectomized rats with metabolic syndrome induced by cafeteria diet, treated with risedronate and through placement the implants functionalized with [Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO]3+ (TERY). Materials and methods: in vitro tests performed in Phase 1 evaluated the biological and physicochemical properties of the better concentration of TERPY against osteogenic responses, for the functionalization of implants using the LbL technique. In vivo experiments in Phase 2 evaluated the effect of functionalized surface during peri-implant bone repair. For this, 48 female rats were divided: SHAM CONV (n=8), OVX SM CONV (n=8), OVX SM RIS CONV (n=8), SHAM TERPY (n=8), OVX SM TERPY (n=8) and OVX SM RIS TERPY (n=8). At t=0, the rats underwent unreal surgery (SHAM) and bilateral ovariectomy surgery (OVX); after recovery from surgery, animals received cafeteria diet (SM). After 30 days (t=30), drug treatment with risedronate sodium (0.7 mg/kg/week) (RIS) or saline solution (0.3 ml), via gavage, was started and sustained out until the time of euthanasia. Sixty days after the start of drug treatment (t=90), the maxillary first molar extraction surgery was performed followed by the immediate installation of the implants bilaterally (CONV or TERPY). Fourteen days after implant placement surgery (t=104), all experimental groups received intramuscular injection of the fluorochrome calcein (20 mg/kg) and after 10 days (t=114), the red fluorochrome alizarin (25 mg/kg). After 28 postoperative days (day of euthanasia, t=118), the animals were anesthetized and, in the maxillary on the right side, the implants were subjected to reverse torque and immediately after removal of the implants, bone tissue was collected for real-time PCR analysis to measure the relative expression of ALP, iBSP, OCN, OPG, RANKL, TRAP e VEGF, followed by euthanasia of animals; the left side maxillary were collected for Micro-CT analysis (BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.N, Tb.Sp e i.S) and, after scanning, they underwent processing for analysis of bone dynamics by fluorochromes (MAR and ELCOI). Data values were subjected to statistical analysis, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: Phase 1: few differences were observed between the two concentrations evaluated and thus, the lowest drug concentration was selected (10µM). Phase 2: the implants functionalized with TERPY presented the highest absolute values of removal torque for all groups and with statistical difference for OVX SM TERPY (p=0.0402). The systemic association between risedronate and TERPY in ovariectomized rats (OVX SM RIS TERPY) showed increased expression for iBSP and balance between OPG and RANKL, corroborating the data obtained for MAR (p=0.0052) and with the parameters BV/TV, Tb.Th and i.S of the microtomographic analysis for this same group. Conclusion: the clinical performance of implants functionalized with TERPY was favorable, and when associated with the systemic administration of risedronate sodium, the results become more promising(AU)

[Assessment of dental status, monitoring of individual hygiene and quality of life of patients with jaw defects in combination with medical osteonecrosis]. / Otsenka stomatologicheskogo statusa, kontrolya individual'noi gigieny i kachestva zhizni patsientov s defektami chelyustei v sochetanii s medikamentozno assotsiirovannym osteonekrozom.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Was to study the dental status, control individual hygiene and assess the quality of life of patients with jaw defects in combination with medical osteonecrosis at the stages of orthopedic rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 38 patients were examined, divided into two groups of 19 people aged 49 to 74 years (average age - 61.5±4.25 years). The main group was comprised of patients after resection of the jaws for malignant neoplasms. The comparison group consisted of patients with partial tooth loss who do not have a history of cancer. All participants used individual hygiene products in the form of parodontax Complete protection toothpaste and parodontax Extra 0.2% mouthwash, along with dental prosthetics, according to a certain scheme. The analysis was performed at the beginning of the study, after 7, 14 days and 2 months. The results of prosthetics and the quality of life of patients in both groups were evaluated using a questionnaire developed by us, which allows us to evaluate various parameters (pain, functions, sensations, social activity). RESULTS: The dynamics of the values of the hygiene index, bleeding gums and qualitative analysis of mixed saliva confirm the positive effect of regular use of recommended hygiene products on the oral tissue. There was an increase in the number of buccal epithelial cells with a low degree of destruction, which indicates the restoration of the barrier properties of the epithelial layer. The orthopedic rehabilitation performed against the background of the use of personal hygiene products showed a positive dynamics of all the studied parameters. After applying prosthetics, patients in the control group noted the restoration of chewing and speech, improved appearance and mood. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic treatment of patients after jaw resection in combination with the complex use of PO and OP allows to solve the issue of their functional, cosmetic and social rehabilitation.

Disorders of microcirculation in the mechanism of bisphosphonate osteonecrosis: preliminary study in rats.

We investigated the possibilities of angioprotection and the reduction of osteonecrosis in rats that had been given bisphosphonates. In our experiment, 27 rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 was injected with saline; Group 2 was given zoledronic acid for six weeks; and Group 3 was given zoledronic acid for six weeks, with added doses of sulodexide after three weeks. After that we constructed a model of how the teeth should be extracted. The velocity of linear blood flow in the periodontal area of an extracted tooth in rats was studied using laser and high-frequency Doppler ultrasound (with the application of the vasoactive substance acetylcholine 3% for 1min). We evaluated changes in the structure of the bony tissues of the head using computed tomography, comparing the control group with the saline group. A rapid reduction in microcirculation was detected during the use of zoledronic acid for six weeks. A smaller reduction in microcirculation was detected after three weeks of treatment with sulodexide and zoledronic acid. There was a reduction in blood flow in the mucous membranes and, to a greater extent, in bony tissue. Zoledronic acid causes significant impairment of the periosteal blood flow to the mucous membranes because of a complex of disorders, which includes both the cellular component (impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the mucous membrane vessels) and by reducing the intensity of microcirculation in the mucous membranes and bony tissues. Sulodexide, however, improves the restoration of blood flow and reduces the severity of osteonecrosis.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated to biphosponates in Cali - Colombia / Osteonecrosis Maxilar asociada a bifosfonatos en Cali, Colombia

Antecedentes: Después de más de 15 años del primer reporte de osteonecrosis asociada a bifosfonato (BP), siguen reportándose casos relacionados con este y con otros medicamentos, dándose el aumento en el número de prescripciones. Objetivo: Caracterizar pacientes con osteonecrosis de maxilar asociada a bifosfonatos (BRONJ), atendidos en la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta estructurada a 32 cirujanos maxilofaciales de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia, donde se preguntó sobre diferentes tópicos relacionados con pacientes afectados y desarrollo de la patología como edad y genero de los pacientes, tipo de medicamento, tiempo de administración, hueso expuesto, etc. Resultados: Treinta y dos cirujanos maxilofaciales respondieron la encuesta con un total de 8 casos. Se encontró 6 casos correspondieron a mujeres y 2 a hombres, la edad fue superior a 44 años; 4 de los tratamientos con bifosfonatos fueron de prescripción oral y 4 intravenoso. La mayor parte de los casos de osteonecrósis se presentaron en mandíbula (88%) y 6 casos (75%) presentaron exposición de hueso. Conclusiones: La osteonecrosis asociada a bifosfonatos es una situación que todavía se presenta, es necesario que la comunidad de pacientes y el personal de salud conozcan más sobre esta situación.

Background: After more than 15 years of the first report of osteonecrosis associated with bisphosphonate (BP), still cases related to BP and other medications continue to be reported and there is an alert about the increase in the number of prescriptions. The need for both patients and students and health professionals to be familiar with medications, pathology, prevention and treatment measures has been highlighted. Aim: To characterize patients with osteonecrosis in the maxilla associated to bisphosphonate (BRONJ), from Cali, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A structured survey was conducted of 32 maxillofacial surgeons from the city of Cali, Colombia, where different topics related to affected patients and the development of the pathology such as age and gender of patients, type of medication, time of study were asked. administration, exposed bone, etc. Results: Thirty-two maxillofacial surgeons answered the survey with a total of 8 cases, it was found that 6 corresponded to women and 2 to men and the age was over 44 years; 4 of the treatments were oral prescription and 4 intravenous; the majority of cases were presented in the jaw (88%) and 6 cases (75%) presented bone exposure. Conclusions: Osteonecrosis associated with bisphosphonates is a situation that still occurs and could increase its incidence due to the increase in the number of prescriptions for osteoporosis medications, it is necessary that the patient community and health staff know More about this situation.

Dental Implant Placement in Patients on Bisphosphonate Therapy: a Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: The review aims to study dental implant placement purposefulness for patients who have been treated or are on treatment with bisphosphonate medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Structured search strategy was applied on electronic databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, PubMed Central and ResearchGate. Scientific publications in English between 2006 and 2017 were identified in accordance with inclusion, exclusion criteria. Publication screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Outcome measures included implant failure or implant-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. RESULTS: In total, 32 literature sources were reviewed, and 9 of the most relevant articles that are suitable to the criteria were selected. Heterogeneity between the studies was found and no meta-analysis could be done. Five studies analysed intraoral bisphosphonate medication in relation with implant placement, three studies investigated intravenous bisphosphonate medication in relation with implant placement and one study evaluated both types of medication given in relation with implant placement. Patients with intraoral therapy appeared to have a better implant survival (5 implants failed out of 423) rate at 98.8% vs. patients treated intravenously (6 implants failed out of 68) at 91%; the control group compared with intraoral bisphosphonate group appeared with 97% success implant survival rate (27 implants failed out of 842), showing no significant difference in terms of success in implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates seemed to have a higher chance of developing implant-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The intraorally treated patient group appeared to have more successful results. Implant placement in patients treated intraorally could be considered safe with precautions.

Conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre o uso de bifosfonatos e sua repercussão no tratamento no programa de atenção básica em Patos (PB) / Dentists knowledge about the use of bisphosphonates and its repercussion on dental treatment in the basic care program in Patos (PB)

Objetivo: avaliar o grau de conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas que atuam na atenção básica do município de Patos (PB) sobre os bifosfonatos e sua repercussão no tratamento odontológico. Material e métodos: neste estudo observacional transversal, 34 cirurgiões-dentistas responderam ao questionário sobre conhecimentos gerais dessa medicação. Resultados: os resultados do estudo evidenciaram um baixo conhecimento acerca dos bifosfonatos (52,9%). De modo geral, o estudo apontou o desconhecimento acerca da droga e sua repercussão no tratamento odontológico pelos cirurgiões-dentistas do município de estudo. Conclusão: é necessária a aquisição de conhecimentos por parte dos profi ssionais da Odontologia em relação a esses fármacos, a fi m de oferecerem aos seus pacientes um tratamento mais amplo e completo, com todas as informações e alternativas necessárias

Objective: to evaluate the degree of dental surgeons knowledge who work in the basic care of the municipality of Patos (PB) on bisphosphonates and its repercussion in dental treatment. Material and methods: in this cross-sectional observational study, 34 dental surgeons answered the questionnaire about the general knowledge of this medication. Results: the results of the study showed low knowledge about bisphosphonates (52.9%). In general, the study pointed out the unknowledge about the drug and its repercussion on dental treatment by the dental surgeons of the study municipality. Conclusion: it is necessary to acquire knowledge from dental professionals in relation to these drugs, so that they can offer their patients a wider and complete treatment, with all the necessary information and alternatives.

Osteonecrose dos Maxilares Associada ao uso de Bisfosfonatos / Osteonecrosis of the Jaws Associated with the use of Bisphosphonates

Os bifosfonatos são uma classe de medicamentos, que têm por função a inibição da atividade dos osteoclastos, interferindo na remodelação e no turnover ósseo. São indicados para retardar a metástase óssea em algumas condições malignas, como em mielomas múltiplos, câncer de mama e próstata, e outras condições benignas, como no tratamento da doença de Paget e da osteoporose. Desde 2003, estudos têm associado a osteonecrose avascular dos ossos maxilares ao uso dos bifosfonatos. Dentre os mecanismos de ação dos bifosfonatos, podemos citar a sua atividade antiosteoclástica e antiangiogênica, que altera o metabolismo ósseo, inibindo a reabsorção óssea e diminuindo o turnover ósseo. As exposições ósseas maxilo-mandibulares ocorrem após procedimentos cirúrgicos odontológicos ou, menos comumente, após o uso de próteses apoiadas na fina mucosa de revestimento ósseo da cavidade bucal. O tratamento da osteonecrose associada aos bifosfonatos (OAB) é bastante variado, controverso e desafiador, visto que nenhum tratamento efetivo tem sido proposto até o momento. O objetivo desse relato de caso é descrever a ocorrência de áreas de exposição óssea mandibular em um paciente que fez uso do ácido zolendrônico (Zometa®) bem como apresentar a abordagem terapêutica realizada que resultou em completo recobrimento mucoso das áreas ósseas expostas... (AU)

Biphosphonates are a class of drugs whose function is the inhibition of osteoclast activity, interfering in remodeling and bone turnover. They are indicated to delay bone metastases in some malignancies such as multiple myeloma, prostate cancer and other benign conditions such as in the treatment of Paget's disease and osteoporosis. Since 2003, studies associate avascular osteonecrosis of the jaws to the use of bisphosphonates, especially intra venous. Among the mechanisms of action of bisphosphonates are their osteoclastic and antiangionenic activity which alters bone metabolism, inhibiting bone resorption and reducing bone turnover. Maxillo-mandibular bone exposures occur after surgical dental procedures or less commonly after the use of prostheses supported on thin bone lining mucosa of the buccal cavity. The treatment of osteonecrosis associated with biphosphonates (OAB) is quite varied, controversial and challenging, since no effective treatment has been proposed until this moment. The purpose of this case report is to describe the occurrence of areas of mandibular bone exposure in a patient with history of use of Zolendronic Acid (Zometa) and present the therapeutic approach undertaken which resulted in full mucous covering of the exposed bony áreas... (AU)

Denosumab-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw affects osteoclast formation and differentiation: Pathological features of two cases.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is caused by antiresorptive (bisphosphonates and denosumab) and antiangiogenic agents, with the first report of denosumab-related ONJ emerging in 2010. To date, although certain case reports on denosumab-related ONJ have been published, those of ONJ caused by a single application of the drug are scarce. In addition, only one report described the histopathological features of this condition, although not completely; only the sequestrum resected by conservative surgery was evaluated. Although conservative treatment is recommended, the effectiveness of extensive surgery in the early stages of bisphosphonate-related ONJ has been described in recent years. Here we report the clinical and histopathological features of denosumab-related ONJ caused by single application of the drug, which was treated by extensive surgery in two patients. Histopathological analysis revealed a decreased number of osteoclasts in viable bone around the sequestrum, and these appeared morphologically immature, as indicated by the presence of very few nuclei. These findings are different from those for bisphosphonate-related ONJ and may assist in elucidating the mechanism underlying denosumab-related ONJ. Furthermore, extensive surgery may be effective for the management of this condition.

Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaws: Clinico-Therapeutic Management: A Literature Review and Update.

Osteoradionecrosis is one of the most serious oral complications of head and neck cancer treatment. It is a severe delayed radiation-induced injury, characterized by bone tissue necrosis and failure to heal for at least 3 months. In most cases osteoradionecrosis gradually progresses, becoming more extensive and painful that leads to infection and pathological fracture. The present paper provides a literature review and update on the risk factors underlying osteoradionecrosis, its clinical and diagnostic particulars, prevention and most widely accepted treatment options including the latest treatment modalities. Lastly, a new early management protocol is proposed based on the current clinical criteria relating to osteonecrosis secondary to treatment with bisphosphonates, together with the adoption of new therapies supported by increased levels of evidence.

How concerns for bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw affect clinical practice among dentists: a study from the South Texas Oral Health Network.

Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) represents a growing concern for dentists and patients in that it may alter clinical care. This study assessed the knowledge and perceptions of practicing dentists in relation to the risk of BONJ and how their knowledge and perceptions influence their decisions when developing treatment plans. For this study, a sample of dentists (n = 93) in South Texas completed a 38-item survey about BONJ knowledge and perception and their current clinical practices for patients undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. Knowledge score groupings reflected differences between low knowledge and high knowledge dentists in terms of their behavior concerning medical history, alternative treatments offered, and routine blood testing for patients on bisphosphonate therapy.

Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: An Update.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to summarize different diagnostic criteria as well as probable aetiopathogenesis of bisphosphonates related osteonecrosis of the jaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic search of peer-reviewed journals were performed in MEDLINE (PubMed) database in order to find the relevant articles on bisphosphonates related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BP-related ONJ). The search was restricted to English language articles, published from January 2002 to May 2013. On the basis of these articles, probable aetiopathogenesis and different diagnostic criteria of BP-related ONJ were summarized. RESULTS: BP-related ONJ is related to the development of avascular necrosis or dead jaw bones. In recent literature many given hypotheses show the aetiopathogenesis and diagnosis of BP-related ONJ which are interlinked and have multifactorial nature. Their diagnosis revolves around four main diagnostic criteria that differentiate it from other conditions which can delay bone healing. CONCLUSIONS: Factors like potency of bisphosphonates, biology of jaw bone, antiangiogenic property of bisphosphonates and soft tissue toxicity in combination with present infection, other drugs, pre-existing pathologies, compromised immune response and dentoalveolar trauma may lead to development of BP-related ONJ.

Multiple systemic diseases complicated by bisphosphonate osteonecrosis: a case report.

AIMS: this work aims at demonstrating that multiple systemic conditions, in association with the development of bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), increase the risk of complications and may lead to hospitalization. For this reason the dental approach to patients with multisystem disease should be carefully managed by a team of specialists. CASE REPORT: a case of mandibular necrosis associated with intake of oral bisphosphonates in a complex systemic context is described. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: many different diseases and systemic conditions may draw the line at oral surgery. Multiple treatments (e.g. antithrombotic, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, antibiotics and bisphosphonates) can alter the normal physiological response to tissue healing. CONCLUSIONS: patients taking bisphosphonates for more than three years (i.e. the term over which the risk of ONJ increases according to the literature, in presence of complex systemic situations, need to be carefully managed during the pre-operative, peri-operative and postoperative phases through a synergistic collaboration among different kind of specialists.