Osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of bisphosphonates: a literature review

Abstract

This article aims to present to dental professionals, through a literature review, the main aspects of osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of bisphosphonates, as well as the importance of prevention and the main treatment alternatives. A search was carried out for scientific articles published between 2003 and 2022, in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), US National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) and Google Scholar databases. Articles in English and Portuguese were collected. The keywords, chosen based on Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) were “Osteonecrosis of the Dental Arch Associated with Diphosphonates” and “Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw”. Although it is rare, patients undergoing prolonged therapy with bisphosphonates are at high risk of developing osteonecrosis, especially when there is no prevention. Preventive treatment, control of oral conditions, and the performance of a multidisciplinary team are essential to minimize the risks of OMB.

Keywords: Dentistry; Osteonecrosis; Bisphosphonates; Therapy.