Bisphosphonate suspension and osteonecrosis of the jaw

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used to manage osteoporosis or metastatic cancer, but have a severe late complication of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). The incidence of BRONJ caused by oral BPs is low, but higher among Japanese patients than in their US or European counterparts. Often BRONJ is associated with tooth extraction, so the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has recommended discontinuing oral BPs for 3 months before and 3 months after invasive dental surgery, when it is not contraindicated by systemic conditions.
Source: Dental Abstracts - Category: Dentistry Tags: Inquiry Source Type: research